This Saturday we host Warrington, fresh from our victory at Cantaliver Park the other week. I accept that Warrington played a large junk of the game with 10 men, but you cannot take away our performance in executing a fine away win. We now must prove this Saturday that the result was not a blip but a well deserved 3 points and one to repeat again to take us away from the relegation battle.

Obviously, Warrington will come attempting to deliver a blow to our current run, so it is essential that we give our all, and that is not just on the pitch but the support from the terraces. Warrington players will come to settle a score, so we need to be up for it. We know Warrington will be up for it, not only for revenge, but to keep up their very impressive away league record. Of their 17 away games they have won 12, drawn 2 and lost 3. In the main they have put most of the relegation threatened sides to the sword, and even won at South Shields. We must however take some comfort that one of their draws was at Bamber Bridge and while they incurred losses at Nantwich and Scarborough, they also lost to Hednesford.

Our run in now with the loss of North Ferriby does not make good reading. 7 games to play and we play the top 4! We are though on a good run of results with 1 defeat in 10 games. Okay the bulk are draws, but it does show a resolute defence and a never give up attitude as was demonstrated at Witton with yet another late goal. Rangers again took a good following to increase the gate at Witton, but it is now when we want the home support out in force.

This weekend sees International fixtures so there are no Premiership and Championship games. Please put out the word to your friends and family who may watch Wolves, Stoke, etc, to forget an afternoon of Jeff Stelling on Sky or keeping the wife happy with the shopping. Get down to Marston Road to watch this forthcoming fixture. We have lost a home fixture next month due to the demise of North Ferriby, so let’s swell the gate for this game to compensate. 3 points on Saturday could see us rise to 14th. With the top sides looming into view for us, it is imperative that we keep this run going.

Games played on 23rd March this century

2002 Salisbury                A      4-1 Southern League
2004 Rushall Olympic    A      2-0 Staffs Senior Cup