Sporting Wolverhampton braced for tough derby day test

Sporting take their 100 per cent record in the West Midlands Premier to Brinsford Lane for a meeting with last season’s runners-up.

Paddock’s men have started the campaign in superb form, with Saturday’s 8-2 win at Wellington taking their goal tally to 24 from just five games – the third highest for a step six club in the country.

Casuals have, meanwhile, struggled to reach the heights of last season, losing their first three fixtures before finally getting off the mark by beating Wellington Amateurs 7-0 at the weekend.

But despite being 12 points ahead, Paddock believes their rivals remain among the title favourites.

“Cassies will always be up there and they remain the hardest game for us,” he said.

“There are quite a few links between the clubs, three of our lads used to play there and it is a proper derby.

“They had a similar start to last season but were up there by the end.

“They’ve had a few new players come in but in Liam Hughes they have one of the best strikers in the league and there are a few others coming back from suspension. We know what to expect.”

Dimitri Dunkley smashed a hat-trick and Daniel Scragg bagged a brace as Sporting brushed aside Wellington, though Paddock claimed the scoreline slightly flattered his men.

“We’ve played a lot better than that this season,” he said. “They are a pretty good side, big and strong, and caused us some trouble.

“We should maybe have scored more but we could have conceded a few more as well.

“What was pleasing is that we were missing seven players through injury and unavailability yet were still able to win convincingly.”

Cradley host lowly Bilston Town Community looking to continue a strong start to the season which sees them sit third in the table.

Andy Wyton’s men picked up their fourth win from seven games with a 2-0 victory at Shifnal Town on Saturday.

The Hammers sit a point and a place above Wednesfield, who made it three wins in a week thanks to an impressive 3-0 success at Stone Old Alleynians.

Black Country Rangers are fifth following a 5-2 win at home to Dudley Town. The visitors gave the hosts a shock when Che O’Connor opened the scoring in the first minute but Rangers’ superior firepower eventually told with Shaq McDonald bagging a hat-trick.

Town host Ellesmere Rangers at The Dell tomorrow night.

Dudley Sports thumped five without reply past Pegasus Juniors and welcome Stone Old Alleynians to Brierley Hill tonight.

Tividale host Smethwick Rangers aiming to rebound from their first defeat of the season.

Saturday’s 2-1 loss at Hereford Lads Club ended Tivi’s 100 per cent record.

Despite a below-par performance, Dave King’s men looked to be on course for at least a point when Tyree Street cancelled out Dan Herbert’s opener for the hosts.

But they were undone six minutes from time when Dan Harding met Steve Dixon’s cross at the far post to power home a header.

In Division One, Team Dudley moved level on points with leaders Tipton Town after a 3-1 win at home to Kington Town.

Craig Edwards, with a brace, and Alex Pinches scored for Dudley.

They now sit second on goal difference behind Tipton, while Bustleholme are third thanks to a 2-1 win away at Wem.

Gornal recorded their first win of the season with a 3-1 victory at Willenhall Town.

Warstone Wanderers are one of three teams with perfect records in Division Two.

Wanderers made it four wins from four with a thrilling 4-3 triumph away at Wonder Vaults.

Sikh Hunters kept pace thanks to a 4-2 win away at Ludlow, while Gornal Colts made it three from three by beating FC Darlaston 3-1.