Tividale left fuming with officials after title hopes are hit by Dudley Sports draw

Though the long-time leaders remain top of the table, destiny is no longer in their own hands and they could be replaced at the summit by rivals Haughmond before they next play on April 6.

King was left fuming with the match officials following a controversial finish, which saw Tividale denied a winner when referee Luis Martin ruled Dan Bryson’s header had not crossed the line.

The hosts then thought they should have had a penalty when Curtis Cocking was fouled in the box.

King said: “It was the clearest penalty you will ever see, a high challenge. Even their lads had a go at their own player for making the challenge.

“Then with the header our lads were claiming the ball was about a yard over the line. Again, the officials did not see it.

“I am not the type to rant and rave about referees but we were very disappointed with those two decisions.

“Our overall performance was very good and I could not have asked for any more from the lads. On another day we would have won the game easily.”

An emotional day at Packwood Road saw Tivi play tribute to Harry Shaw, one of the club’s founder members. Both teams laid wreaths in the centre circle, while there was a minute’s silence prior to kick-off.

When the action did get underway it was Sports who flew into the lead thanks to Luke Green.

Tivi hit back on the stroke of half-time through Dan Smith but despite dominating the second half could not find a winner, as the visitors held on for a point which further eased their relegation fears.

“I have mixed emotions, if I am being honest,” said Sports boss Tony Gore. “I was chuffed to bits with the way we played.

“But I did feel a bit for Tividale, me and Dave are good mates and I’ve a lot of friends at the club. It was a lovely tribute to Harry before the game and we rather went and spoiled the party.

“In terms of the decisions, I did think it was probably a penalty but I also thought their goal should have been ruled out, as the ref tried to give us an advantage which wasn’t there.

“As for the one they were claiming was over the line, it was impossible to see. I’m afraid the VAR machine wasn’t working!”

Sports will look to take another step toward safety when they host Bewdley Town tonight.

Wolves Casuals remain third in the table after thumping Pegasus Juniors 4-0, though Wednesfield’s chances of a top four finish were hit by a 2-1 defeat at Cradley Town.

Black Country Rangers went down 5-2 at Bewdley, while Dudley Town lost 3-2 against Wellington.