Matty Lovatt demands response from Dudley Town ahead of AFC Wolverhampton City rematch
Matty Lovatt has challenged his Dudley Town to "put right" a bruising defeat to AFC Wolverhampton City as they look to continue their play-off push.
Seventh-placed Dudley were thrashed 4-0 at high-flying Wolverhampton last month, conceding three second half goals.
As Lovatt prepares to welcome his friend and Wolverhampton boss Josh Griffiths in the reverse fixture tomorrow, he has urged his side to respond to that defeat.
"We're happy with our form and how we are looking at the moment," he said. "We want to try and put right our poor performance at AFC Wolverhampton.
"Credit to them, they were fantastic on the day and worthy winners, but we are looking to rebalance some points our way and get into the play-offs and close the gap.
"We're going to have to work 10 times harder. Griffo and his team are such a hard working, direct and organised side that we're going to have a lot more about us.
"We are going to have to keep our heads, because during that game we capitulated. We have to tighten up, work harder and play better in areas.
AFC Wolverhampton sit third in the standings, seven points behind leaders Northwich Victoria, and have lost just one of their last 11 league matches.
While they are the lowest scorers among the top five sides, they boast a strong defence, having conceded just 22 goals.
Lovatt praised their season, adding: "Griffo is a pal of mine, a lot of players know each other. It is good to see them doing well.
"We are hoping to join them in those play-off spots at some point. But, hopefully for the area we can produce a good game with a good crowd."
Elsewhere, ninth-placed Lye Town welcome basement side Uttoxeter Town while Tividale entertain Stone Old Alleynians and Brocton visit Whitchurch Alport.
In the Midland One, third-placed Gornal Athletic travel to AFC North Kilworth while Birmingham OJM entertain Sutton United and Wednesfield go to Birstall United.
Strugglers Cradley Town welcome AFC Bridgnorth, Bilston Town visit Knowle and Smethwick Rangers host Kirby Muxloe.
In the North West Counties League Division One South, third-placed Eccleshall entertain Alsager Town while fourth-placed Stafford Town welcome New Mills, bottom side Wolves Sporting travel to Shawbury United and Wolverhampton Casuals welcome Barnton.
Hellenic League Division One leaders Bewdley Town travel to Alcester Town looking to secure a third consecutive victory.
