DUDLEY Kingswinford’s pre-season preparations gathered force this week with three friendlies in eight days.

Following a contest with UWIC last Saturday, DK are due to face National Three Midlands side Sutton Coldfield tonight before travelling to Stockport this weekend.

The Heathbrook side played three 30 minute sessions against UWIC where boss Shaun Perry chose to blood a number of Colts players at first team level.

Perry said: “I wasn’t worried about the score. I used quite a few Colts and the signs were very positive bearing in mind it’s the first time many of them have played together. We defended herocially at times.

“With so many youngsters stepping into the side, you never know how they’re going to react.”

Perry admitted he has struggled to recruit new players to Heathbrook this season.

He added: “I’m a big believer in youth development and I feel there’s enough exisiting players who can step up to the mark.”

DK complete their pre-season programme with a home fixture against Huddersfield, who finished bottom of National Two North last term, on August 31.