Non-league previews: A point should be good enough for Tividale to stay up
Tividale go into the final match of the season knowing just a point should secure Midland League Premier Division football for next season, writes Dan Hickey.
Tivi are two points ahead of the drop zone ahead of facing Stone Old Alleynians on Saturday (3pm), while relegation rivals Highgate United are at home to Whitchurch Alport.
The Dale have gone without a win since the start of March, when they beat Studley 4-3, but as long as they get a draw – which they have managed two of since then – they are likely to stay up, as they have an 11-goal-difference advantage over Highgate.
Ninth-placed Stone are level on points with Stourport Swifts and Studley, while Highgate face sixth-placed Alport, who have not conceded more than four in one game this season.
Swifts travel to Uttoxeter Town, who are the most out of form team in the division, while Studley have the second-worst form ahead of hosting division runners-up Shifnal Town.
Brocton will face Shifnal in the first play-off round, unless they are able to beat Dudley Town and fourth-placed 1874 Northwich fail to get a win at OJM Black Country.
Dudley are competing with Whitchurch for sixth place, OJM are guaranteed to finish eighth and AFC Wulfrunians could get ninth with a big enough win at Northwich Victoria – their goal difference is seven worse than Stone’s.
Lichfield City will want to hold on to their division-high scoring record against Romulus, having already won the title last weekend.
Wolverhampton Casuals are already relegated ahead of hosting third-placed Atherstone Town.
Wednesfield are relegated from Midland One ahead of hosting Gornal Athletic, who are battling to hold on to 16th place, while eighth-placed Smethwick Rangers and seventh-placed Bilston Town are level on points.
Bilston have a better goal difference as the two face off. They are vying for sixth, where Kirby Muxloe are a point ahead. Cradley Town are already in the play-offs ahead of hosting Stapenhill.
Stafford Town are hoping to hold on to second place in North West Counties League Division One South, as faltering form has allowed Alsager Town and Saturday’s visiting opponents Sandbach United to get to within two points.
Wolverhampton Sporting are already relegated ahead of playing Runcorn Town, while Eccleshall have already confirmed a play-off spot ahead of hosting relegation-battling Allscott Heath.
Bewdley Town will hope to hold on to 10th as they take on Abingdon United in Hellenic League Divison One.
