IT’S been a roller-coaster ride for Coleshill Town boss Carl Adams this season but he is determined to end on a history-making high.
Despite seeing the playing budget vanish, Adams has been delighted to keep the squad intact – and he is setting his sights on pushing for their highest-ever league position come the end of the Baker Joiner Midland Alliance campaign.
Such is the togetherness within the Pack Meadow camp that they head into Saturday’s home clash with Coventry Sphinx seeking a fourth win in a row.
The ex-Blues midfielder is fully aware of the club’s financial plight after having to cut the playing expenses for the third time this season, and the players are now essentially playing for fun – and for the manager.
“They say that adversity can make you stronger and I think that’s the case at the moment,” said Adams. “We’re running with no budget and there was a worry players would leave.
“But the lads have decided to stick together and they are doing well.
“We are punching above our weight when you look at ‘little old Coleshill’. We’ve got no money and we are struggling on gates of 20-30.
“But this has been a good season. We had a fantastic FA Cup run, the best in the club’s history.”
Coleshill have lost one key figure, with defender Luke Edwards stepping up to the Zamaretto League by joining Rugby Town.
He goes with Adams’ blessing, however. “Luke deserves his chance to show he can play at that level,” he added.
Elsewhere, leaders Tipton Town welcome Oadby to the Sports Academy on Saturday, while Studley entertain Boldmere St Michaels.
Highgate United have home advantage against Heath Hayes while Alvechurch head to Coalville Town, and Causeway United meet Malvern Town at Amblecote.
n CARL Burley accepts there is no chance of silverware for Causeway this season but that doesn’t mean they have got nothing to aim for.
The Stourbridge side will be challenged to be record-breakers by ending the Baker Joiner Midland Alliance season with a flourish.
Causeway have bowed out of all the cups, but the league season could be their best ever.
“It’s disappointing we’ve got nothing to play for in terms of trophies but we can still make it a good season,” said manager Burley.
“We want to try to break the club record for the most points in the Alliance. We’re on 55 points and the best is 66 so we need four wins from our final ten fixtures.”
It has been pleasing for Burley to see Causeway score so freely when their main strikers – Stuart How and Duncan Willetts – have been sidelined through knee surgery.
How has a chance of returning before the end of the season after keyhole surgery, but Willetts will hope to join pre-season training after undergoing cruciate surgery.
Chris Field and Sam Beesley will both be absent for Saturday’s home game against Malvern Town.
