Dudley Town boss Matty Lovatt braced for 'blood and thunder' Boxing Day derby
Dudley Town boss Matty Lovatt is expecting a "blood and thunder" Boxing Day derby against local rivals Tividale.
The Robins visit 11th-placed Tividale, who will be looking to bounce back from consecutive heavy defeats in which they have conceded eight goals.
Overall,Tividale have shipped 43 goals so far this season - the most of any side in the top 12 - while Dudley have scored an impressive 44, and Robins boss Lovatt is expecting an entertaining contest.
He said: "These fixtures are always well supported, it's a bit of a tradition, and the fact it is a local derby, it will be great occasion, blood and thunder.
"There is no doubt about it, it will be a great spectacle.
"We need the three points, as will Tividale. They will want to kick on as well I am sure.
"They are strong at home, so we are under no doubt that it will be a really tough match. But, my lads worked tirelessly last Saturday, and as I said to them, if we play like that on Boxing Day, then we stand a really good chance of winning."
Dudley have won just three games in all competitions since the start of November - a run Lovatt admits has been tough.
"Yes, there is no secret that we have had a difficult November and downturn in form which coincides with squad availability and injuries, and a tough run of away games.
"By no means are we panicking and we still feel we can kick on in the New Year."
Elsewhere there are several other tasty local derbies to look forward to. AFC Wolverhampton City welcome Brocton while Lye Town visit Stourport Swifts.
In the Midland One, strugglers Cradley Town travel to fourth-placed Bilston Town while Smethwick Rangers visit Knowle and Wednesfield Community welcome AFC Bridgnorth.
In the North West Counties League Division One South, there's a Wolverhampton derby to wet the appetite as Wolves Casuals visit Wolverhampton Sporting.
Sporting sit bottom of the standings, with just one league will all season, having conceded 77 goals, and have lost four matches in a row.
Meanwhile, The Cassies sit 15th, four points clear of the relegation zone, with 18 points from 17 games.
High-flying Eccleshall entertain Market Drayton Town while fellow early play-off contenders Stafford Town host Foley Meir.
In the Hellenic League Division One, leaders Bewdley Town welcome FC Stratford on Saturday (December 27) looking to go four games unbeaten.
