Gresley start the decade with a trip to Boldmere St Michaels, looking to bounce back from defeat at Heather.
Following a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Heather St Johns in a fractious affair, the Moatmen travel to Boldmere for their second consecutive away game. Gresley will be looking to claim their first points on the road since their memorable 3-2 win at Wulfrunians.
Boldmere St Michaels currently sit ninth in the division, garnering 31 points from their opening 20 games. A victory would catapult them into the title race, taking them as high as fifth if other results go their way. Meanwhile, Gresley are looking to extend the gap to six points over basement side, Selston whilst also gaining ground on Lye Town.
A Look at the Opposition
The Mikes have had a steady season up until this point, finding themselves well in the mix for promotion. Boldmere are enjoying an extremely strong run of form currently - a 2-1 win at Romulus capping off a run of three straight victories.
A run of six games has brought just one defeat - a 2-1 loss to Wulfrunians, but barring that it’s been smooth sailing in recent weeks for the Mikes.
Gresley, however, will take hope from the fact that Boldmere’s last two defeats have both come at home - providing the Moatmen with proof that they may be able to snatch something at the Trevor Brown Memorial Ground.
The two sides have not met so far this season, the return fixtures at the Moat Ground will actually round out the season in April.
One to Watch
A player the away side will have to watch out for on Saturday is Jack Skinner. The Boldmere forward has scored eight league goals this term and 11 in all competitions.
The prolific striker scored twice in Boldmere’s last home game as he sealed his side’s 3-1 victory over South Normanton Athletic. A side the Moatmen fell 2-1 to at the Moat Ground a few weeks ago.
A Look at the Manager
After a slow start to the season, Boldmere appointed Neil Kitching as their new manager on the 16th September, with the side not picking up a victory in their first five.
Kitching will actually be coming up against his old side on Saturday having led Gresley (then named Gresley Rovers) in his managerial career. Other sides that have had Kitching as their manager are Rushall Olympic, Stourbridge, Sutton Coldfield and most recently, Stafford Rangers.
The experienced manager has had an incredible impact with the Mikes. Boldmere were at the foot of the table upon his arrival and now sit on the cusp of challenging for the title.
If Kitching can continue the momentum that has propelled his side up to the lofty heights of 9th in the Midland Premier League table and win promotion - then it’ll surely be one of the biggest achievements in his managerial career.