Dudley Town wasted a good opportunity to catch up on the Premier Division’s leading pack.

Trailing after Matt Jukes had given visiting Bustleholme a seventh minute lead, and then faced by only nine men after the second half dismissals of Jordan Perks and Ricky Martin, they were unable to make the most of their numerical advantage. They managed only a Chris Busby goal after 76 minutes to share a point apiece.

However, it wasn’t for the want of trying with Bustleholme grateful to cling on at the end.

Tividale lost out in a seven goal thriller at leaders Bloxwich.

Dale’s scorers in a 4-3 defeat were Kyle Hill, Brett Clarke and Ben Hughes.

A defeat too for Gornal Athletic.

They lost 2-1 at home to AFC Wulfrunians who jumped into second spot over Ellesmere, whose game at Bewdley was postponed.

Another local team to suffer a home defeat were Dudley Sports. They went down 4-0 to Ludlow, with Matt Elsmore grabbing a second half hat-trick.

League matches scheduled for this Saturday, February 13, are – Dudley Town v Heath Town, Goodrich v Oldbury Athletic, and Tividale v Dudley Sports.

Dudley Town beat Shawbury 2-0 on Tuesday night, Tividale beat Wednesfield 3-2 at home, while Gornal drew 2-2 away at Wellington.

Lye's clash with Dudley Sports scheduled for last night was postponed due to a frozen pitch.