Rushall Olympic boss Liam McDonald: We’ve even shocked ourselves

The Pics are leading the way nine games in and hoping they will still be top after tomorrow’s trip to Kings Langley.

Hednesford Town and Stourbridge are among the chasing pack, and McDonald said: “We’re delighted.

“We have surprised a few and we have surprised ourselves a little bit.

“We started the season with quite a lot of younger lads that had stepped up a league or two.

“We wanted to be competitive, but also thought it may take a bit of time to click.

“Hednesford are up there with us, as are Stourbridge and Tamworth.

“These are big clubs, but we’ve got a great team spirit, and it’s taken us to where we are now.

“We’re just really enjoying the ride at the moment.”

Rushall have only lost once in the league – away at Royston – so enter the clash with Kings Langley in fine fettle.

They will be extra keen to get the win, though, after back-to-back cup defeats to Belper Town and Nuneaton Borough.

“We’re going into it looking to play good football,” said McDonald. “We know that it will be tough, as all games in this league are.

“But if we come though with a positive performance, I’m sure we’ll come away with something to show for it.”

He added: “We’re in a good place, and we want to stay up there for as long as possible.

“If it gets to Christmas and we’re still up there, who knows what could happen?

“We’re just really enjoying our football at the moment.”

Hednesford are in second and one of four teams on 19 points – one fewer than the Pics. They welcome 10th-placed Royston Town to Keys Park.

Stourbridge host Banbury United, but winger Greg Mills will not play a part for the Glassboys.

After not featuring on the bench against Stafford Rangers in the FA Cup last weekend, Mills was placed on the transfer list and has now moved to Bromsgrove Sporting.

He was the second highest scorer in the division last campaign.

In the Northern Premier, Stafford Rangers are desperate for their first league win of the term to lift them off the foot of the table.

Alex Meechan and Andy Fearn’s side are heading to Scarborough Athletic after drawing their last four league outings.

Meechan warned his players earlier this week time time is running out for Boro to start turning draws into wins.

In the FA Trophy, both Chasetown and Halesowen Town are in action,

The Scholars take on Coleshill Town at home while the Yeltz are travelling to Evesham United in the preliminary round. The winners will receive £2,250 in FA prize money.