Ellesmere Rangers manager John Rhodes takes his team to leaders Bridgnorth Town for Saturday’s top-of-the-table clash in the West Midland League premier division insisting all the pressure is on the Crown Meadow side.
Shrewsbury-based Rhodes, named the league’s manager of the month for December, has enjoyed a stunning start to life in the Beech Grove hot seat.
Ellesmere have won all seven games he’s taken charge of and are on a blistering run of nine successive victories, an eye-catching sequence which has lifted them to second place.
They travel to county rivals Bridgnorth six points behind the Crown Meadow men, having also played a game more, but Rhodes knows an away win this weekend would certainly breathe fresh life into the title race.
“We’re under no pressure and are just delighted to be where we are,” said Rhodes. “If we can get something on Saturday, it will bring Bridgnorth back into the pack.
“The pressure is really on Bridgnorth as they’re the home side and will be expected to win. Bridgnorth are very strong physically which counts for a lot at this level but I would hope my team talk on Saturday will be very easy.
“We’ve just got to go out and enjoy it and we’re looking forward to giving them a good game.”
Bridgnorth have lost only three of their 23 league games this term, but one of them was a 2-1 reversal at Ellesmere.
Rhodes has bolstered his options by signing experienced Welsh Premier League marksman Danny Barton, with the ex-Newtown and Aberystwyth striker poised to go straight into the squad.
“He’ll be available for Saturday and his experience will be invaluable,” said Rhodes, who added he was hopeful of having another new face in the squad for the Bridgnorth clash.
Ellesmere climbed to second spot with a 4-0 demolition of Gornal last weekend.
Craig Farr headed Rangers into an early lead, his first goal for the club, before Ian Rowlands’ 25-yard drive was helped in by the keeper. Graham Dyke and Andy Ford also got in on the act in the second half.
“I thought we made it harder than it needed to be but in the end it was convincing,” added Rhodes.