Dudley duo desperate for points for different reasons

The season’s first derby day affair proved to be a huge hit when a bumper crowd checked in for a Friday night showdown at the Aspray Arena, where Town ground-share with Sporting Khalsa.

Town took the West Midlands League Premier Division spoils on the back of an entertaining 7-3 success and, as the season approaches the business end, they will be keen to boost their promotion push with another victory.

Sports are just as desperate for the points as they bid to climb away from the foot of the table.

And they will go into the clash heartened by an impressive draw away to Worcester Raiders on Friday night, and with boss Tony Gore hoping his side can upset the odds.

“It’s going to be a very tough game, they are a good side and they are flying at the moment,” said Gore.

“We lost 7-3 to them earlier in the season, but we did cause them some problems and they won’t have the luxury of playing on a plastic pitch.

“And Friday’s performance and result has given us some hope.

“We played very well and the lads should take some confidence from that.

“The lads are battling away and they are all giving their all for the cause. That was evident on Friday.

“They gave it everything and it was a shame we couldn’t hang on for the win.

“But it was a good performance and we will give it our best shot tonight.”

Town climbed up to third at the weekend on the back of a 1-0 success at home to Darlaston Town – secured by a penalty from TJ Davies.

Robins boss Matty Lovatt is keen to crank up the pressure on their promotion rivals by bagging another three points.

“We are really excited about the game,” said Lovatt. “The reverse fixture earlier in the season attracted a good crowd and hopefully a fair few of them will turn out again tonight.

“Sports are fighting for their lives. They had a great result away to Worcester on Friday and we are expecting a tough game.

“We were happy to get three points on Saturday, especially as Bilston lost.

“We want to pick up another three points and then it’s a case of ‘over to you’ as far as our rivals are concerned.

“I would rather have the points on the board than games in hand at this stage of the season. There isn’t going to be an extension to the season and all the games have to be done and dusted by April 25.

“Some sides are going to struggle to fit their games in and they could be playing three times a week.”

Lovatt has strengthened his selection hand by signing ex-Wolves academy and under-23 man Joel Whittingham from Redditch.

And he is also hoping to sign former Dudley centre-half Ryan Bridgwater on dual-registration forms from Lye.

“Joel is a utility player who can pay across the back or as a defensive midfielder. He will add further strength to what is already a strong squad,” said Lovatt,

“We are hoping to get the paperwork sorted out in time for him to be involved tonight.”

Recent singing, ex-Port Vale and Rushall forward Jayden McCalla could also be handed a first start after impressing as a substitute in a couple of outings.”

The only other Premier Division clash to beat the weather on Saturday, saw Bilston go down 2-1 at home to Pershore Town.

Bilston will look to get back to winning way at Wednesfield tonight.

Promotion-chasing Wolverhampton Casuals are also in action, away to Pershore.