Tony Gore is battling on as problems mount

Sports, bottom of the West Midlands League Premier Division, host the league leaders following a 5-0 home defeat to Bilston Town on Saturday, and with nine first-teamers missing.

Gore started the week with just eight players available for selection, but in spite of the absentees, the manager was defiant in fielding a starting XI.

“The last thing we want to do is call the game off,” said Gore. “We are waiting on a few calls, but I will make sure we play. We will be sure to put out a team.

“Tonight is unfortunate, to have so many first-team players out. Other teams may see it as an excuse to postpone the game, but we won’t chuck the towel in.

“The game against Shifnal is not going to get us relegated. They have a fantastic side and even with a full strength side we have struggled against them this season.”

Sports’ luck is out. Having signed goalkeeper Fraser Oliver on Friday morning in time for the Bilston game, Gore watched on as the stopper added to an increasing stock pile of casualties.

“So, currently, we have no keeper. Fraser came to us on Friday, but got injured in Saturday’s game,” said Gore.

“Our centre-half Jason Walters is also out after suffering a nasty looking injury late on and is expected to be out for up to six weeks.

“Kieron Price, our other centre-back, is also missing with an ankle injury, while Jim and Matt Hanson are both suspended.”

Given his side’s position in the table and the growing injury crisis, many a manager would have walked away, but Gore is standing by his team.

“The players are battling away,” he said. “When we have our full team out, we can compete with most sides.

“We have a battle on our hands to stay in this division and we continue to work hard. We just need that little bit extra.

“We lost in the last-minute to Shawbury United last week and we only lost by a goal away to Black Country Rangers.

“Effort and commitments aren’t enough to get results. But We won’t quit and we will do our best to keep the team in the league.”

Wolverhampton Casuals climbed up to third in the table following a hard-fought victory at home to Wednesfield.

Dean Gill’s men were made to dig deep for their latest three points after Ben Novis gave the visitors a 26th-minute lead.

It was just the fifth league goal Casuals have conceded this season, but they were back on level terms when Daniel Turton netted three minutes before half-time.

And the home side then sealed the win with just 10 minutes remaining through Matt Pinder.

Casuals are in League Cup action tonight when they host Worcester Raiders.

Dudley Town slipped down to fourth after being held to a 2-2 draw away to AFC Bridgnorth.

Shuja Mahmood bagged both goals for Dudley, who are at home to Studley in the Birmingham Midweek Floodlit Cup tonight.

Mark Bennett scored twice to help Smethwick Rangers to a 3-1 victory at Pershore Town. James Crofts added Rangers’ other goal.

Rangers host Black Country Rangers in the Birmingham Midweek Floodlit Cup tomorrow.

Wolves Sporting suffered a 3-1 reverse away to Shawbury, while Cradley Town were beaten 4-0 at home by title-chasing Bewdley.