Dudley Town are chasing the headlines

Shifnal have taken the West Midlands League Premier Division by storm and boast a perfect record of 13 victories from 13 outings.

That run has seen them move nine points clear of their nearest rivals, Bewdley, at the top of the table, but they will welcome a Dudley side eager to grab the headlines and relishing the challenge in front of them.

“Obviously we know it’s going to be difficult and we will have to really concentrate and give everything we can,” said Dudley boss Matty Lovatt.

“We want to perform to the best of our ability each week and we go into every game believing we can win it.

“They have a good blend. They can be physical and they also like to play. I think we are the same, so it should make for an intriguing game.

“The lads are looking forward to it. They want to go and test themselves against the top dogs.”

The Robins were beaten 2-0 in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, but Lovatt was encouraged by certain aspects of his side’s display.

“I think we rocked them a bit at our place,” he said. “It ended up 2-0 to them, but it wasn’t a 2-0 game. We missed two glaring chances early on and it could have been different had we scored.

“I also think there is more pressure on them tomorrow.

“I have been on similar runs when I was in charge of Sikh Hunters and I know how difficult it is to keep winning every week.

“The pressure does build because not only do you want to stay top of the table, but you also want to keep that 100 per cent record.

“Full credit to them. I am not surprised that they are up there, but I thought a couple of other sides would have been closer.”