Spirited Dudley Sports boost their survival charge

Sports bagged what Gore described as a ‘massive’ win in dramatic circumstances at Shifnal on Saturday.

Gore’s men took a 70th-minute lead through a stunning 35-yard strike from Adam Skeldon, only to be pegged back in the 92nd minute. But Sports responded in thrilling fashion with Emile Becford bagging the winner two minutes later.

The result made it two wins and a draw from their last three outings, and lifted Sports four points clear of the bottom two.

“It was massive win for us on Saturday,” said a delighted Gore.

“It would have been so easy for the lads to have felt disappointed after Shifnal’s equaliser and settled for a point. But they dug deep and went again and managed to grab a winner. That shows that there is plenty of spirit and character in our ranks.

“That’s eight points from our last five games and that’s massive for a team at the bottom of the table.”

Sports turn their attentions to cup action tomorrow when they travel to Atherstone in the semi-final of the Birmingham FA Midweek Cup.

Tividale continued their title charge with a 2-1 victory at Pershore Town, leaving them six points clear at the top, although nearest chasers Haughmond could close the gap to one if they win their games in hand. Darragh Bustin scored both of the Tivi goals.

“I thought we were in control on Saturday,” said boss Dave King, whose side face Chelmsley Town in the other Birmingham FA Midweek Cup semi-final tomorrow.

“We played well in patches but a win is a win and now it’s on to the next game.

Third-placed Wolverhampton Casuals are eight points off the top after beating Hereford Lads Club 1-0 on home soil.

Dean Gill’s side are now 16 games unbeaten in the league.

Wednesfield are still fifth despite a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Smethwick Rangers.

Black Country Rangers could over take the Cottagers if they win their game in hand, but they lost 2-0 at Malvern Town.

Dudley Town beat Bilston Town 1-0, and are now 10th in table.

Cradley Town drew 1-1 with Wellington while Bewdley Town, who are seventh, were 2-0 winners at bottom-of-the-pile Pegasus Juniors.

In Division One, leaders Darlaston Town (1874) drew 1-1 against title rivals Worcester Raiders.

The two teams cancelled each other out for large periods, but Richie Smith put the Raiders ahead three minutes in.

Isaac Cooper levelled for Darlaston, who are five points head of the Raiders, but have played four more games.