Non league: Stocksbridge Park Steels and Sheffield FC latest

Stocksbridge Park Steels boss Chris Hilton says the next four games could play a major role in their bid for a play off place.
Stocksbridge Park Steels central defender Matt Reay will miss home  game against Kidsgrove Athletic through suspension.  Pic: Peter RevittStocksbridge Park Steels central defender Matt Reay will miss home  game against Kidsgrove Athletic through suspension.  Pic: Peter Revitt
Stocksbridge Park Steels central defender Matt Reay will miss home game against Kidsgrove Athletic through suspension. Pic: Peter Revitt

Steels face four games in 10 days starting with Kidsgrove Athletic on Saturday. Then host title chasing Witton Albion on Tuesday ahead of trips to ply-off rivals AFC Rushden & Diamonds and Leek Town.

“They are four tough games for us and ones we need to pick up as many points as we can” said Hilton. “We need to start by taking three-points on Saturday against Kidsgrove. If we can do that then it would put us in good shape for the next three. We put pressure on ourselves. Out intent from the start of the season was to be up around or in the play-offs. We’re certainly good enough to take the club there. We’ve just got to keep picking up points.

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“Kidsgrove won’t make it easy. We’ll approach the game with the right attitude and treat them with respect. But if we’re on our game then we should come away with all three-points.”

Hilton will be forced into at least one change with defender Matt Reay starting a two-match ban. He is hopeful that Richard Stirrup’s international clearance will have come through into time for the midfielder to be included.

Sheffield FC face a big test with a trip to third-placed Spalding United who will be in buoyant mood following a 2-1 victory at play off rivals AFC Rushden & Diamond.

“Spalding are a big physical team” said Club boss James Colliver. “They will be confident after an excellent away result. But it’s about us and what we do and making sure we get positive reaction to a disappointing second half performance from us in the 2-2 draw against Bedworth last week. We had an excellent for 30 minutes but then lost or momentum and fluidity” he said. “We had a good chat after the game and pointed out a few home truths. The players took it well and now know what to expect going into the remaining fixtures.”

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Colliver added: “There is no way we’ve worked our socks off all season just for it to fizzle out.

“We’ll be competing hard right up until the last game of the season to make sure we get as many points as possible. I will not accept performances like our second half last Saturday. Everyone needs to put in a shift and I’ll be expecting a reaction at Spalding.”

Andy Gascoigne is a doubt for the trip after picking up a hamstring injury as Club look to avenge a 4-0 defeat at Dronfield back in October.

Shaw Lane AFC will be looking to bounce back from a 3-2 midweek defeat at title rivals Witton Albion when they host Gresley FC.

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It was only the Ducks second defeat of the season and although their lead at the top was cut to three points Craig Elliott’s side still have the title firmly in their own hands.

Fixtures

Premier Division: Buxton v Ilkeston FC, Marine v Frickley Athletic, Matlock Town v Mickleover Sports.

Division One South: Shaw Lane AFC v Gresley FC,Spalding United v Sheffield FC, Stocksbridge Park Steels v Kidsgrove Athletic.