Non-league previews: Kitching's delight as Stafford have shot at securing safety after impressive run
When Neil Kitching walked back through the doors at Stafford Rangers he had one urgent goal - save them from relegation as soon as possible.
Tomorrow, he has the chance to achieve that feat with three games spare.
Kitching re-joined Stafford in late-January and took charge of his first game with them looming one point above the drop zone and said he didn’t the club “anywhere near danger”.
The Rangers have lost just twice since Kitching's arrival and enjoyed a great run of form including an 8-0 win at already relegated City of Liverpool last weekend.
Ahead of hosting Congleton Town tomorrow, the Boro boss heaped praise on his side who are riding high.
"I am over the moon to be 12th in the table and where we are. The crop of players that were here when we came in have done really well, moved us up the table and we have had some great wins.
"I am just chuffed that we have moved ourselves away from the relegation zone, but there is still a bit of work to be done in the games remaining. Hopefully we can secure that step four status this weekend, that would be great.
"It was always going to be tough, it was a big ask and a tall order when we came in. We have only lost two games of the 12 since we have been involved in, we are one of the in-form sides in the division.
"I came in thinking it was going to be a lot tougher than it was, don't get me wrong it has been tough, we have had to dig ourselves out of some holes in games and the lads have done that well. But, I did think it would be a lot closer than it has been, and that is testament to the players, management team and everyone involved. The board have backed us with the signings.
"I am just really pleased that it looks like we have been able to do what we said we wanted to try and do when we came in. On paper it is a really good group of players, the thing that was missing was to make sure they gel and we have a team, and I think we have done that over the 12 games, they have been superb.
"Confidence is sky high and we have it going into a tough game against Congleton."
Elsewhere, play-off hopefuls Chasetown welcome Newcastle Town while title chasing Hednesford Town go to Kidsgrove Athletic.
In the Northern One Midlands, Sporting Khalsa visit Sutton Coldfield Town, Darlaston Town entertain Coventry Sphinx and Lye Town welcome Boldmere St Michaels.
