Title-chasing Tividale pass 'test of character' in seven-goal Shawbury thriller

Tivi, who have led the way in the West Midlands Premier for much of the season, were staring down the barrel of a second straight defeat when they trailed 2-1 in Shropshire midway through the second half.

But quickfire goals from Darragh Bustin, Jamel Fuller and Alex Cameron turned the match around, even though a late Shawbury strike ensured a nervy finish.

King said: “It was a big test of our character and you have give the lads credit, they came through it.

“Shawbury made it tough for us but we really didn’t help ourselves.

“I thought we started the game really well and when Reece Shilvock scored the opener it was all we deserved.

“But we conceded a really sloppy goal on the stroke of half-time and they went ahead with a free-kick in the second half.

“The rain was really driving down then and the pitch was heavy. Our lads had to stand up and be counted and to be fair they did.

“Even then we managed to make the last few minutes more stressful than they needed to be by conceding again. All three goals we let in were preventable.”

Tivi had been under pressure after being thumped 4-0 on their own patch by closest challengers Haughmond the previous week.

Victory maintained their 12-point lead at the summit, though they have played three games more and aren’t in league action again until February 16.

King continued: “We’ve got the next two Saturdays off. I’m 50-50 as to whether that is a good thing.

“I suspect it may help us a bit and the break is coming at the right time. There’s a few of the lads in need of a rest.

“There are nine games left for us to play and I still think there will be twists and turns.”

Haughmond maintained their fine run and climbed up to second with a 7-0 beating of Cradley Town.

Wolves Casuals slipped down to third in the table after being held to a 2-2 draw at home by Bewdley Town.

Sixth-placed Wednesfield were 1-0 winners at Pershore Town, while Bilston Town Community picked up a creditable 1-1 draw with Hereford Lads Club.

Struggling Dudley Sports were beaten 2-0 at Malvern Town, with Smethwick Rangers losing 3-1 at home to Wellington.