Matty Lovatt vows Dudley Town will use point deduction setback as "motivation" in play-off push
Boss Matty Lovatt insists a recent points deduction will only "galvanise" his Dudley Town side as they continue their Midland Premier League play-off pursuit.
Dudley have been handed a three-point deduction following an administrative error relating to the loan extension of a player who had already been at the club for five weeks.
The club said the relevant paperwork had been completed in good time, but it was not fully registered with the FA and IFAS prior to their fixture against Highgate United last month, rendering the player ineligible.
The Robins stressed there was at "no point" any intention to gain an unfair advantage or breach regulations. Lovatt believes the setback will instead fuel his sixth-placed side ahead of their trip to title contenders Hanley Town tomorrow.
"If anything we will use this as motivation, it will galvanise the squad even more," he said.
"We want to make sure that Dave (Ferrier) doesn’t feel any unnecessary stress. He is a great guy, we all think a lot of him.
"It is only going to add extra motivation. There are still lots of points to play for, 11 games left, and ultimately if we fair well then we will be up and around it as we have been."
Dudley head into the weekend having won four of their last five league games.
"I am extremely pleased with our form," Lovatt added. "We are looking forward to the challenge of the mighty Hanley.
"They are a great side, have a great structure and are really well coached.
"Nothing is expected of us. I feel that my boys can go and maybe surprise a few, we certainly have the capability to do so."
Elsewhere, AFC Wolverhampton City welcome 1874 Northwich while Lye Town entertain Abbey Hulton United and Tividale host Coton Green. Stone Old Alleynians visit Northwich Victoria and Brocton welcome Winsford United.
In the Midland One, Bilston Town host AFC Bridgnorth, Wednesfield travel to Ingles, and Gornal Athletic go to Lutterworth Athletic. Birmingham OJM visit Saffron Dynamo and Smethwick Rangers entertain Sutton United.
In the North West Counties League Division One South, Stafford Town visit Barnton, Eccleshall go to Telford Town and Wolverhampton Casuals welcome Shawbury United.
