Midland League weekend preview

SHIPSTON Excelsior boss Steve Hedderman will be hoping his team's "fantastic spirit" can inspire them to an eighth successive league victory against local rivals FC Stratford on Saturday.

Steve Hedderman's side made it seven wins from seven in Midland League Division Three with a thrilling 4-3 victory at Northfield Town last weekend.

With Shipston trailing 3-1 with six minutes to go, goals from Nick Shurmer, Pat Fetherston and Joe Godson saw Shipston claim all three points, leaving Hedderman thrilled.

He said: "They were absolutely outstanding and had a real passion to keep the run going.

"We were totally outplayed in the first had, but the lads' never-say-die attitude won it for us in the end."

This weekend's opponents FC Stratford have been experiencing a wobble in form in recent months, but they got back on track last time out with a 3-1 win at Coventrians.

Elsewhere in division three, Alcester Town aim to get back to winning ways at Burntwood, while Badsey Rangers are off to Northfield Town.

In Midland League Division One, it's looking bleak for Southam United, who are 11 points adrift of safety.

They welcome high-flying Leicester Road to Banbury Road in what could prove to be another difficult afternoon.

Studley will look to repeat last month's 3-0 win over Pelsall Villa when the sides meet again at the Bush.

Goals are expected when Racing Club Warwick head to league leaders Bromsgrove Sporting, while Littleton entertain Heather St Johns, who are fighting for survival.

In Midland League Division Two, bottom club Earlswood Town have secured back-to-back wins and could make it three on the trot when they face lowly Hampton at The Pavilions.