It’s the Bears versus the Swans on Saturday when promotion chasing Stapenhill travel to Coles Lane to take on a buoyant Paget Rangers side in the Midland Football League 1stDivision, kick-off 3pm.
Steve Walker’s Bears have been in good form of late losing only one of their last six fixtures and welcome a Stapenhill side who currently sit second in the Midland Football League 1st Division table.
That one defeat, a 4-1 reverse by AFC Bridgnorth, is the only blemish on a recent good record which has seen Paget pick up victories over Coventry Copsewood and Chelmsley Town as well as three points on the road at Dudley Sports this past Tuesday. These victories were accompanied with exciting 2-2 draws against Wednesfield and Dudley Town, showing this evolving Paget side can be a match for anyone on their day.
Paget won’t be daunted by their formidable opponents this weekend, but Stapenhill come into the game off the back of a 5-1 thrashing of Cradley Town on Tuesday. Other than thatwin though, the Swans recent record has been somewhat patchy, with defeats to Bilston Town, Heath Hayes and Atherstone Town straddling a 4-2 victory over fellow promotion challengers Ashby Ivanhoe.
Stapenhill boast the strongest attack in the division having already racked up 72 goals in just 24 league matches, with George Teeney (18), Conor Richins (16) and Oliver Roome(13) leading the Swans’ goalscoring charts. Paget have their own man in form though and Rivel Mardenborough will be looking to build on the hat-trick he grabbed last time out against Dudley Sports.
This is the first time the two sides have met this season. The last meeting was back in December 2019 when a goal from substitute Daniel Carter earnt the Bears a point at Coles Lane. In recent times the results have been even. Both sides have one victory each and there have been two draws in the last four league meetings.
With Paget in good scoring form at present and with Stapenhill the top scorers in the Division, it all bodes well for an entertaining clash at Coles Lane this Saturday. Kick-off is at 3pm, admission is £5 adults, £3 concessions and £1 kids. (Paget Juniors get in for free). Printed programmes will also be on sale priced £2.50 and the Bar and food kiosk will be open.
Recent Form:
Paget – DWLDW
Stapenhill – LWLLW
Head-to-head record:
07/12/2019 – Paget Rangers 1-1 Stapenhill
12/10/2019 – Stapenhill 4-0 Paget Rangers
08/12/2018 – Paget Rangers 3-0 Stapenhill
22/09/2019 – Stapenhill 2-2 Paget Rangers