MANAGER Les Jones says he is optimistic about Malvern Town’s chances against high-flying Black Country Rangers at the Langland Stadium tonight (Wednesday, 7.45pm).
Town are on a run of five straight defeats, while their lofty opponents sit second in the West Midlands Regional League Premier Division having lost just one match all season.
But Jones said his players were relishing the challenge and he believes they are capable of springing a surprise having pushed promotion-chasing Pegasus Juniors all the way last month.
“Going by league position we should not get anything out it, but you only have to ask Sunderland and Newcastle who beat Manchester City and Tottenham respectively,” he said.
“I am sure all the boys will be looking forward to it. We have got three homes games now, so if we can get a decent result against Black Country Rangers, which is the toughest of the three, then it will set us up for the next two.
“We are still going to miss Aaron Richards who is suspended and Joe Endacott who is out due to work commitments.
“But I am genuinely looking at the game with a lot of optimism.”
Jones said he was disappointed Bewdley Town were forced to call off their match against Town on Saturday due to a waterlogged pitch.
But he insisted the decision had not disrupted his side’s preparations and he said fans should expect an exciting game tonight.
“We had already beaten Bewdley this season so we were looking forward to it. But now we are up against a Black Country Rangers side who are second in the league, so we have missed out on a real chance to get all three point,” Jones added.
“It is disappointing, but I think it will be a really good game as they are a footballing side as well as us, so we will have a real crack at it.”