Tividale back on track with six of the best

Tividale bounced back from a shock defeat at Wellington, that had opened the door for Haughmond, by putting six past Shifnal at the weekend.

And while King’s men were coasting victory, Haughmond crashed to a 4-1 reverse at home to Malvern.

Those results leave Tivi eight points clear second-placed Wolves Casuals and 10 ahead of Haughmond, who have three games in hand.

The equation is simple, on paper at least, for Tivi. Win their last four games and they are champions.

“We had a bad result against Wellington and it was very pleasing to see us bounce back,” said King.

“We had a sit down and a bit of a natter about a few things after the Wellington result and it was pleasing to see how we played on Saturday.

“Pressure can creep up on you without you noticing it.

“We went top of the table in September and to stay there through to March was a big ask. I think that goes unnoticed a little bit. But it’s now back in our own hands and that’s all you can ask. If we don’t do it now then we only have ourselves to blame.

“I am feeling a lot more confident now after Saturday’s result and how we played. And I know our lads are relishing the challenge.”

Dimitri Brown gave Tividale the perfect start with an early goal against Shifnal, with a stunning strike from Brad Welding making it 2-0 at the break.

Brown added a third before Darragh Bustin marked his 21st birthday with a double. Substitute Alex Cameron wrapped up the scoring.

“We scored early and that put us on the front foot,” said King. “No disrespect to Shifnal but it was pretty much one-way after that. We got the ball down and we played some good stuff.”

Dudley Sports go in search of a pressure-easing victory tonight in a crunch clash with Shawbury.

Sports gave their survival hopes another boost on Saturday with a fine 2-0 win over Wellington courtesy of goals from Jim Hanson and Ronnee Hendricks.

And now boss Tony Gore has challenged his side to bag a vital three points on home soil tonight and move further away from the drop zone before they face title-chasing Tividale on Saturday.

“Shawbury is a big game and the fact that we play Tividale on Saturday probably makes it even more important,” said Gore.

“It’s a must not lose game for us and if we could get three points that would take the pressure off.

“We knew we had some key games in March where we needed to pick up points and that is what we have done.

“We have done well in the last seven or eight games and picked up some good wins.

“The league table is looking a lot better at the moment.”

Gore was delighted with his side’s display on Saturday.

“Saturday’s result was excellent, we played really well,” he said.

“I wouldn’t say it was unexpected, but when you are playing a side that has just thumped the leaders five, you know it’s going to tough.

“But we got a goal early which helped. They had a strong wind with them in the second half and we thought it would be like The Alamo.

“But they didn’t really create many chances and we got that all important second goal.”

Wolves Casuals climbed into second place in the standings following a 4-0 success at home to Smethwick.

Bilston Town and Dudley Town also tasted success with 3-0 and 3-2 wins over Pegasus and Hereford Lads Club respectively. Cradley drew 2-2 at home to Pershore.

In the Midland League, Sporting Khalsa failed to cash in on a rare defeat for Premier Division leaders Ilkeston by losing 2- at Loughborough University.

Lye Town ran out 3-1 winners at home to AFC Wulfrunians.

Tipton Town have secured a shot at silverware after booking their place in the final of the Birmingham FA Saturday Vase.

Town saw off the challenge of hosts Village A in impressive fashion as they ran out 4-0 winners.

A Connor Scott header saw Tipton lead at the break.

Second-half goals from Teejay Davies, Scott Broadway and Scott sealed the win.