Roms on course

Romulus boss Richard Evans is pleased with his side’s progress as the Roms maintained their unbeaten start to pre-season this week, writes Andy Mitchell.

After last Saturday’s friendly at Bolehall Swifts was cancelled, the Roms played two games in two nights against Midland Alliance opposition, beating Coleshill Town 2-1 on Monday before drawing 0-0 with Tividale on Tuesday.

Veteran Paul Devlin and striker Naveed Arshad scored against Coleshill with Evans just happy to see his squad come through the matches unscathed.

He said: "We played a mixed side in the two games against Coleshill and Tividale the following night – the main thing was to give everyone game time.

"We weren’t world beaters in either game, but we’re happy with the progress and we’re getting to where we want to be in terms of being fit and sharp for when it matters. Both games were a good solid workout.

"The draw was about right against Tividale – we missed a few chances, but the best thing was they all had a run out and we picked up no injuries."

The Roms travel to Evo-Stik Southern side Cinderford Town on Saturday to play their fellow Step 4 opponents before taking on Sutton Coldfield Town next weekend in the Sutton Charity Cup.

The Cup has become an annual event at Coles Lane with all gate receipts going to Sutton’s nominated charity on the day. Additionally, local manufacturer Alcoa in Kitts Green are donating £1000 to Romulus’ nominated charity, the John Taylor Hospice.

Evans added: "It will be great to put something into the community and we hope that everyone will come out to support Sutton’s charity on the day.

"Sutton have always been very supportive of our charity when we’ve played these games and Romulus will be doing likewise.

"We also extend our thanks to Alcoa for donating such a sum of money – in the current climate there aren’t too many companies who would do this and their continued support for the John Taylor Hospice, through Romulus and through their own initiatives, deserves recognition."