Step 5/6 preview: Gornal Athletic’s ‘wounded animal’ response after play-off heartbreak

“Wounded animal” Gornal Athletic are determined to go one better after last season’s heartbreak.

Gornal have made an emphatic start in the Midland One, winning all eight of their games so far in a brilliant response to their play-off final defeat last term.

The early league leaders struck a dramatic late winner in a thrilling 4-3 Bank Holiday Monday victory over Birmingham OJM, sparking pandemonium on the pitch. Boss Stuart How was even caught up in the celebrations, but he is hoping for a more comfortable afternoon when Gornal host Holwell Sports this weekend.

Reflecting on their start to the season and the motivation provided by last season’s play-off heartbreak, How said: “It was probably the lowest point for me since I’ve been involved in management at this level. It’s the players that have stayed with us as well.

“When we recently played Chelmsley, their manager related to us as a wounded animal after the game, and I think that’s exactly where we’re at. It cut us quite deep and we’re determined to try and go one better this year.

“We left it a little bit late on Monday, but I’d say we’ve been pretty comfortable in the other fixtures.

“It’s another home game this weekend. On paper, it looks like a formality, but we know football doesn’t work that way.

“Hopefully we can take some confidence from the way we finished the game on Monday and pick up another three points.”

Meanwhile, Cradley Town entertain AFC North Kilworth, while Birmingham OJM travel to FCV Grace Dieu.

In the Midland Premier, Brocton host Darlaston Town, Dudley Town visit Uttoxeter and Tividale travel to West Didsbury & Charlton.

In the North West Counties League Division One South, Wolverhampton Casuals welcome local rivals Bilston Town, while Eccleshall entertain Dawley Town.

Stafford Town host Allscott Heath, Brereton Social welcome Sandbach United and Wednesfield host Telford Town.

In the Hellenic League Premier, Stourport Swifts travel to Bradford Town, while in Division One, Bewdley Town visit Chipping Sodbury Town.

Elsewhere, several sides will be looking to cause FA Cup upsets in the first qualifying round. AFC Wolverhampton City travel to Alvechurch, Lye Town visit Racing Club Warwick and Sporting Khalsa welcome Leek Town.