DEAN Whitehouse admits he is powerless to prevent bigger clubs preying on Tividale’s young stars.

Tivi recently lost Lee Chilton and Chris Russell to Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division outfits Leamington and Redditch United respectively.

While both players left with the club’s best wishes, Whitehouse cannot deny their loss has been frustrating but admits it is something all managers have to deal with.

He said: “I think the loss of Lee and Chris, who were both big players for us, has hurt us in the past few weeks.

“It is very frustrating when you are trying to build a team but when bigger clubs come calling it is something you just have to accept.

“It’s not like these are small clubs either who are coming in for our players.

“Everyone is in the same boat, there are managers in the levels below who would say the same if we went in for their players and you just have to accept where the club stands at the minute.”

To illustrate Whitehouse’s point, Tivi raided Midland Alliance rivals Alvechurch for Mike Woolman and the striker scored on his debut in the 2-0 win at Boldmere St Michaels on Saturday.

The second goal came from another debutant in the shape of Alan Wilkes, who is on-loan from Northern League outfit Rushall Olympic.

Whitehouse revealed Woolman is a player well known to the Tivi staff.

He said: “Mike has been with us the previous two pre-seasons but has always had a better offer come in.

“His debut was promising.

“Alan Wilkes is pure quality and we are very pleased to have him at the club.”

Depending on other results, Tivi could have climbed as high as fourth with a win at Bridgnorth Town last night. Whitehouse’s men travel to Kirby Muxloe on Saturday.

Gornal Athletic kept pace with West Midlands Premier leaders Black Country Rangers thanks to another priceless goal from Mark Swann.

The striker netted the only goal of the game as the Peacocks saw off Shawbury United on Saturday. Ian Rowe’s men remain eight points behind the leaders, who were 3-1 winners against Bewdley Town, with four games in hand and host Bromyard Town this weekend.

Dudley Town fell to a 2-1 defeat at improving Wolverhampton Sporting Community, a result which saw the Robins slip to ninth.

Town visit Wellington on Saturday, while Dudley Sports host Bustleholme.