Wem are fired up to tackle the title contenders

Struggling Wem, second-bottom in their first season at West Midlands Premier Division level, attempt to turn the tables on their second-top visitors at Butler Sports Centre tomorrow.

Gough admits his side's start to the season has been poor after winning the Division One title last term but believes, with no budget to work with, some factors are out of his hands.

He backs the spirit and togetherness of his tight-knit squad to be a leveller even in games against some of the more established Premier Division outfits.

He said of the unbeaten away side: "Black Country Rangers are doing really well. By the sounds of it they've got a decent budget. Trying to compete against that you're always up against it from the word go.

"But over 90 minutes you never know.

"Every point for us is vital. I don't think we can look at any game and write that off. If we get a point, a good result, all three is even better. Over 90 minutes, anything can happen.

"Players have belief, and they're working hard."

Gough has centre-half Jordan Batchelor (hamstring) unavailable for the game, but he is closing in on a return.

The key Cohen brothers, centre-back Matt and midfielder Dan, have also been playing through the pain barrier.

Wem were also stung by the departure of Luke Thomas and Christian Oldham, who both left to join division rivals Haughmond earlier in the season. Mike Rimmer finished playing in the summer and Harry Murphy has moved away.

"These guys have all been playing on through injuries," Gough, who took a weakened side to Smethwick Rangers in the League Cup on Wednesday for a ****, added. "They're not as effective but doing it for club and we all appreciate it."

"It's about finding a way to attract players to club. We've got a great set of lads that run through brick walls. We need others to come in and see.

"Unfortunately some non-league clubs are money orientated.

"It would be to join a group and meet good set of lads.

"The squad that finished last season, if that had stayed the same then it would've been a different story."