THE FACTS
West Midland Regional League
Premier Division
Dudley Town FC v Tividale FC
Saturday 5th January 2019
Kick off at 3.00pm
This one will always be classed as Tividale biggest local derby. Even with the opposition now playing in Willenhall at the impressive Asprey Arena home of Sporting Khalsa.
Tividale will be hoping to carry their form into the new year but will be under no illusions that this Dudley side will be up for this game. Dudley will be led by Tividale’s own and ex boss Dean Whitehouse and regardless of our fortunes over the years that 2010- 2011 WMRL Premier championship season will always be up there as one of this clubs greatest achievements and will never be forgotten. Also on his coaching staff is Richard Taylor the 2010-2011 club captain and another 100% Tividale born and bred. Plus Chris Rabone and Paul Henley amongst others who have represented Tividale in the past.
It has been a period of transition for Dudley under Dean and after guiding them away from relegation at the end of last season as with many teams at this level, consistency is what they are now looking for and wins over Cradley Town, Pershore and Pegasus since we last met at the end of November proves that on their day they can beat any side at this level.
THE HISTORY
We have already met twice this season, both times at The Beeches. First of all in October winning 3-0 in a league game that Tividale had to work hard for but goals from Demetri Brown, Liam Wilkinson and Dan Smith wrapped up the points. The score line was also the same and just as flattering for the home side when the two sides met a month ago in the WMRL Premier league cup. Again Brown and Smith were on the score sheet and Reece Shilvock added the third.
In the 2017-2018 season the first meeting was a 5-1 win for Tividale at The Beeches when after going behind to a Shawn Devonport penalty Tividale hit back with a Brown hat trick and goals for Darragh Bustin and Nathan Jones. The reverse fixture ended 2-2 and was played on The Dell’s 3G pitch due to the badger invasion on the main pitch. Tividale’s Alex Cameron (we have forgiven him) put Dudley ahead from the penalty spot and Ryan Bridgewater gave them a 2-0 lead despite the dismissal of Nathan Owen. Darragh Bustin halved the deficit before half time and Demetri Brown levelled the scores in the second half.
THE RECENT LEAGUE FORM
Dudley Town – LLLDWW
Tividale – WLWLWW
THE SQUAD NEWS
This weekend was a free one up to just before Christmas and a number of players have made prior arrangements and will not be available.
Tom Hurdman, Matt Hunt and Tyree Clarke are still long term injured.
THE SPECTATOR DETAILS
Admission prices: Adult £5, Concessions £3
Match programme £1:50p
