Step 5/6 non-league previews: Lichfield City seeking return to form
Lichfield City will need to turn their form around against third-placed Whitchurch Alport to keep ahead of the chasing Midland League Premier Division pack, writes Dan Hickey.
Despite City’s incredible start to the season, they have won only two points from the last nine available.
They won 11 games in a row to go 12 points clear in early October, but have since allowed teams including Brocton, Whitchurch and Shifnal Town to close the gap.
Alport have won their last six games with five clean sheets, while Lichfield have only won in the league cup since early October.
Wolverhampton Casuals are a point from safety as they host the division’s top-scorers Brocton, who are just five points behind Lichfield now. Regan Smith and William Whieldon are not only Brocton’s top scorers, but also the league’s as they share 32 goals across all competitions.
Stone Old Alleynians are eight points off the top in fifth, ahead of their game against an in-form AFC Wulfrunians side who have won their last four games. Alleynians fell away from the top after their 3-1 loss to Brocton last week.
Stourport Swifts are away at Northwich Victoria, OJM Black Country host Romulus, Tividale welcome Atherstone Town and Dudley Town visit title-chasing Shifnal Town.
Bilston Town will hope to cement their position at the top of Midland League Division One at Stapenhill. A win against Nuneaton Town and a draw against Nuneaton Griff have put Town top of a tight six-way title race.
Smethwick Rangers are four points behind Bilston with a game in hand as they host second-bottom Chelmsley. It comes off the back of their second loss all season away to Leicester St Andrews.
Just outside the play-off places, Cradley Town are at home against mid-table Sutton United, ahead of their midweek cup game against Gornal Athletic.
Gornal are at relegation-threatened Lutterworth Athletic, while Wednesfield, having slipped into the relegation places, host Ingles.
Stafford Town have a narrow two-point lead at the top of North West Counties Division One South they will be hoping to hold on to, as they travel to an out-of-form New Mills.
Eccleshall are away to third-placed Alsager Town, while Wolves Sporting will want to beat Allscott Heath and leapfrog out of the relegation zone.
Bewdley Town are on the road in the Hellenic League Division One as they face Wantage Town.
