Jamie King sets sights on top half

King’s charges were celebrating last week after a superb come-back saw the holders edge out Wrockwardine at Allscott in the County Cup quarter-final, setting up a clash with St Georges in the final four.

At the mid-point in the Salop Leisure Shropshire Premier League season, Bowring’s league double-header comes against Wood.

After visiting their Telford rivals last night, it is Bowring’s turn to play host tomorrow night.

King said: “I said to the guys at the start of the season that we could finish in the top half.

“We finished eighth last season so to go one better (14 teams in total) would be great.

“Finishing in those top half positions is anyone’s chance other than the top few sides. It’s very tight.

“It’s realistic and achievable. We’ve got a good team, a balance of experience and youth – the league’s getting harder but we’re getting better.”

Just five points separated the sides at the beginning of the week and King agrees there is not much between the clubs.

Aside from squaring up three times in little over a week, Bowring and Wrockwardine are familiar with each other.

Liam Stevens, Stuart Clee and Andrew Jones left Bowring to re-join Wood this season.

“There’s not much in it between us,” King added.

“The three guys did well for us. They’re good players. We know how they play, but they will know a lot about us too.

“It’s nice to play them. We don’t hold any grudges against them.”

A demanding fixture list including games with Sir J Bayley and St Georges meant that Bowring’s promising start to the season – where they flirted with the top four – tailed off.

“These kind of games are more winnable,” said King. “But it’s always hard to predict in this league. Wrockwardine have improved after a slow start.”

Meanwhile, Castlefields make the trip to north Shropshire to tackle Wem U S C.

Sir J Bayley head to Hanmer while Meole Brace welcome Bylet.

Ifton host Chester Road while Hanwood welcome Newport.

St Georges go to Burway to wrap up the evening’s action.