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The former Tamworth, Atherstone and VS Rugby front runner saw his Rovers career in ruins earlier in the season when he was shown the door by manager Frank Northwood – only to be quickly recalled for a match-winning performance against champions Blakenall.

The stage seemed set for Maddocks to claim a regular place in Rovers’ highly rated front line before the 27-year-old was sidelined again by injury and a bout of phlebitis, a painful vein inflammation.

Now, though, the striker seems set to bounce back again after scoring a brilliant goal in Rover’s Evans Halshaw Cup victory over Matlock before coming on as a substitute against Oldswinford on Saturday to score one goal and set up two more.

Said Maddocks afterwards: “It’s still very painful on the ball of my foot and I have to wear padding in my boot. But while the grounds are soft I should be alright.”

And he admitted: “I was a bit disappointed not to get into the starting line-up because I thought I played well against Matlock. But it’s nice to be back in contention and I’m determined to keep trying to win my place. My confidence was low when Frank released me but then I got another chance and it gave me something to go for. Then I got injured and lost my place again. Now I’m just trying to keep scoring and to help the team, keep winning – that’s the most important thing.”

Rovers championship quest attained an urgency this week when it emerged that at least two clubs were aiming to jump ahead of them into the Beazer Midland Division next season.

Ambitious Hinckley Town have applied for a ground grading inspection with a view to membership while Halesowen Harriers are said to be considering an application.

Gresley suffered disappointment last season when legitimate hope of promotion were dashed because of minor ground problems.