Shrews starlets set for a taste of derby day action

Teenagers Dan Walker and Jack Leask are set to figure in the West Midlands League Premier Division clash.

Haughmond boss Dan Williams has struck a deal with the League One outfit that sees the youngsters play under a work experience loan agreement.

“It was something I looked at when I took charge and I spoke to Eric Ramsay at Shrewsbury about the possibility of some of their younger players getting some game time with us,” said Williams.

“Shrewsbury have been really good about it. It’s good for both parties because it boosts our squad and also gets the lads some experience.”

Williams will be looking for a positive reaction from his side tomorrow following a rare off day last Saturday which saw them lose 3-1 at home to Wellington.

That result was even more disappointing when they found out that leaders Tividale had also lost.

“Last Saturday just wasn’t good enough,” said Williams.

“We have been waiting for Tividale to slip and then when they did, we lost as well.”

Williams, who is missing seven players through suspension and injuries tomorrow, is expecting a tough test against Wem.

“They will be fired up for the game tomorrow, as they should be because it’s a local derby,” he added.

“We have to make sure we match their work rate and that our attitude is spot on.”

Bridgnorth boss Adrian Stanton is confident his side’s luck will soon change if they maintain their recent performance levels.

The Crown Meadow men entertain Bilston Town Community tomorrow looking to end a run of six games with out a win.

But while the victories have been missing, Stanton is pleased with how his charges have been performing.

“We have had a tough run of late,” said Stanton.

“We have played Atherstone, who are top of their league, in the JW Hunt Cup and lost on penalties when we should have won. Against Dudley we had 18 chances to their three and I think Tividale were lucky to beat us.

“We were very disappointed to lose that game because we dominated it for large parts.

“But we picked up a good draw at Bewdley last weekend, because they are quite strong at home and not many teams come away from there with anything.

“We haven’t won in six games but I have to say I am proud of the boys and the way they have been playing. They are doing a fantastic job and have deserved more.

“The performances have been second to none. The commitment and energy levels have been good and we have matched sides physically and in terms of playing football.

“We just haven’t been taking our chances but I am confident that we have the players here to put that right.

“A win on Saturday would set us up nicely for the Christmas period. Bilston will be full of confidence having beaten Tividale last Saturday but I’m confident that if we carry on playing the way we have been then the wins will start to come.”

The other top flight actions sees Shifnal host fourth-placed Wolverhampton Casuals, while Shawbury travel to take on Pershore.