Express & Star

King’s men state a case for the defence

Dave King's title-chasing Tividale side are proving to be the shut-out kings.

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The West Midlands Premier Division leaders’ 5-0 success at Shifnal last weekend meant they had gone through October without conceding a goal.

Six league games have brought six wins, 27 goals for and left keeper Ryan Cheshire virtually redundant between the posts. And King is delighted to see his players’ hard work on the training rewarded.

“It’s a tough league so this is a great achievement,” said King, whose side have only shipped in nine top flight goals this season.

“The lads have worked really hard on the defensive side of things in training. And the current run is something they are proud of. And it’s a team effort. We defend from from front to back.

“Even in games where we have had a few goals cushion, they are still keen to keep it tight at the back and get a clean sheet.

“It’s good to see their hard work rewarded. We know it will come to an end in the league but we are enjoying it while it lasts.”

Tividale host Wellington tomorrow chasing an eighth successive league win but King will be forced to shuffle his pack with Lee Smith, Rion Francis Mills, Harvey Walker and Dan Smith all unavailable.

“It will be a big test gain this weekend because we have a few missing,” said King.

“Obviously we are going well at the minute, but it just a start, that’s all.

“I know we are 10 points clear of Black Country Rangers, but they do have three games in hand. We have to keep going.”

Black Country remain the division’s only unbeaten side. They host mid-table Wednesfield tomorrow having eased to a 7-1 success at top flight new-boys Wem Town last weekend.

Wolverhampton Casuals will be looking to bounce back from last Saturday’s 4-2 loss at Smethwick Rangers when they entertain Shawbury.

Smethwick head to Shropshire to tackle Bridgnorth while Bilston Town welcome Pershore.

Both Dudley sides are away, Town at Haughmond and Sports at Wem. Cradley host Pegasus.