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Gornal Athletic's turbulent season could yet end with some silverware in the trophy cabinet with boss Simon Williams finally able to get his strongest side out on the pitch.

The Peacocks' season has been hit hard by injuries and departures, which for a time saw them slip perilously close to the bottom of the West Midlands Premier Division.

Despite all the doom and gloom that was surrounding the Garden Walk Stadium at the turn of the year, the manager remained positive his side would be able turn things around and so it proved.

Williams has guided his side away from the relegation zone as well as in to a strong position in their League Cup semi-final against Wednesfield Town.

The Peacocks were 1-0 winners in the away-leg last week and will now be in the driving seat to reach the final when they host the second leg on Tuesday April 29.

Williams' men followed the cup win up with a 1-0 triumph at fourth-placed Bewdley on Saturday.

The manager said: "I always knew we would be okay when we could get our strongest team out and the results over the last seven or eight weeks have proven that.

"There are a lot of lads here who have stayed loyal through the hard times this season and I told them we would come through the other side.

"We have given ourselves a great opportunity to win some silverware, which is a credit to the players' resolve."

Williams believes the return of influential midfielder John Richards from injury as well as the signing of experienced striker Andy Checketts from Tividale and some surprise signings from the Dudley and Cradley Sunday League have been key.

Williams still has three league fixtures to worry about before welcoming Wednesfield in the cup and none of them come bigger than a trip to rivals Dudley Town.

The Peacocks will pay a visit to the Robins on Saturday when they travel the short distance to the Dell Stadium (3pm kick-off).

Williams is looking forward to the clash and added: "Our games against Dudley Town are ones we always look forward to.

"A lot of the players know each other very well so it always gives the game that extra edge."

The Robins will go into the game with confidence after earning a fine 2-1 victory at Ellesmere Rangers at the weekend.

Goals from Justin Nesbitt and Sam Tasker secured the victory.

Brierley Hill and Withymoor took all three points in their derby with Dudley Sports thanks to a 2-1 win.

Lee Booth and Steve Harris scored the all-important goals.

This Saturday, Brierley Hill are without a game but Dudley Sports will be on their travels when they visit Ellesmere (3pm kick-off).

Tividale play their final home league game of the season on Saturday when Ludlow visit the Beeches (3pm kick-off).

9:28am Thursday 17th April 2008

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