GREEN'S SET FOR A FRESH CHARGE

BOSS Ivor Green reckons Lichfield City's Santa-style delivery over Christmas is proof of the edge he was after following last season's near miss.

- Andy Mitchell

Having chased Congleton Town all the way for the Midland Football League title, City missed out on making history when defeated by Darlaston Town in the Premier Division play-off final in May.

Respected as the division's kings of style, the close shave only fuelled expectation of another title tilt but Green inevitably had to contend with departures as vultures circled from above.

Opponents may not have been blown away in quite the same manner this time but the results have largely been delivered, particularly last month when City twice came back from behind to draw 2-2 at fellow challengers Brocton before emphatically ending Atherstone Town's 13-match unbeaten streak with a 4-1 Boxing Day bonanza a performance that reinforced Green's faith as well as delivering festive cheer.