It was third against fifth as Wulfs, sponsored by Call Print Dudley, entertained in-form Dudley Sports at the Brinsford Stadium.

Dudley arrived on the back of an eight game unbeaten run that included wins against two of the title favourites Bridgnorth Town and Bewdley town.

Wulfs opened up the brighter of the two sides, passing the ball around as well as they have all season, and went close in the 12th minute when neat interplay between Robbie Hubball and Steve Rich led to the ball being squared for Fraser Houston to hit a 25 yard shot that keeper Jay Travalen tipped over the bar.

They went closer still in the 22nd minute when the referee played an excellent advantage after Chip Southern had been barged out wide on the left.

The nippy wide man stayed on his feet and got to the byline before cutting back to Andy Mitchell who hit a first time shot just past the post.

Dudley’s first show of intent came via a Chris Raybone run down the right flank.

He showed great pace to get around the outside but his final touch was too strong and the ball ran through to Tim Tipton in the Wulfs goal.

Despite this Wulfs were enjoying almost all of the possession but their flow was interrupted when Steve Rich picked up an injury and had to be replaced.

Chris Raybone was at it again in the 38th minute when he cut infield before squaring to Mitch Lester who sliced a 20 yard shot well wide.

The balance of power had now switched towards Dudley and James Skedgel had to be at his best to avert danger when a corner from the right was deflected up in the air but Skedgel coped well under pressure from two attackers.

The closest thing to a goal to date came on the stroke of half time when Mitch Lester delivered a driven free kick into the area and defender Matt Taylor produced a glancing header that had Tim Tipton diving full length to push out.

The second half continued to be dominated by the quality defenders of both sides but Dudley looked to have taken the lead on the hour mark.

Another long free kick was delivered into the area and Ross Harris got up highest to loop a header towards the far corner.

Unfortunately for him Grant Joshua nipped in to get the final touch but was deemed to be in an offside position and the goal was disallowed.

Wulfs were then harshly done by when the referee awarded Dudley a 71st minute penalty.

The linesman who was 10 yards away from Mark Tipton’s challenge signalled a corner, the referee who was 30 yards away gave a penalty.

Fortunately justice was done when Lee Lough dragged his penalty wide of the target.

This proved to be the last good opening of the game as both defences continued to dominate.

The closest Wulfs came to a chance came in the 73rd minute when Chip Southern received a short corner before crossing in to the area where Liam Evans, unmarked about 12 yards out, sent his header high over the bar.

All in all it was a solid performance but lacked the cutting edge that was required to take all three points.