Dudley Town seeking momentum in a stop-start season
Dudley Town are hoping some routine will help them rebuild their league form, writes Dan Hickey.
Manager Matty Lovatt says his side have struggled to build momentum in the Midland League Premier Division thanks to a disrupted season, where they have already had four Saturdays off and a string of defensive injuries has meant constant line-up changes.
They host Studley tomorrow (3pm) – their first Saturday league game since October 12.
Lovatt said: “Alongside injuries, not being able to have the same, should we say, 16 available every week since the start of the season, it's just all accumulated into what we see, really, with this inconsistent form.
“You never want to disrespect your opponents by bemoaning injuries, so I try not to be so negative about it. At the end of the day, it's just what the game is, isn't it?
“Gavin Blackwell, the physio, has been working hard to get people back up to speed. We feel we're just turning a corner, now availability is a little bit better.”
Four cup wins during the winless league run has kept Dudley’s season positive.
“We demolished (Bilston) 3-0 at home and we looked superb that night,” he said. “Tividale, who we beat last week, were really tricky customers. They drew with Lichfield the game before – that looked a tough one. Definitely, the cups have been positive, and they do help keep everyone focused and not panicking.”
Elsewhere in the Premier Division, second play fourth as Brocton host Stone Old Alleynians.
AFC Wulfrunians welcome 17th-placed Wolverhampton Casuals and OJM Black Country travel to 1874 Northwich.
Lichfield City, Stourport Swifts and Tividale are all in FA Vase action as City travel to Newark Town, Swifts host Clay Cross Town and Tivi are visited by Sutton United.
Meanwhile, Bilston Town will be hoping to add to their incredible form of 12 wins from their last 13 against Nuneaton Griff. A win could put Bilston five points clear at the top of Midland One.
Cradley Town travel to Saffron Dynamo and Wednesfield are on the road at Leicester St Andrews.
Stafford Town visit Stockport Georgians in the Edward Case Cup second round, while side Bewdley Town go to Kidlington Reserves in Hellenic League Division One.
