DUDLEY Town declared their venture onto a 3G pitch this week as a disaster after they lost out 2-1 against Fairfield Villa in the Smedley Crook Cup.

The Robins made arrangements to play the game at Bilston, but the move backfired and manager Andy Wyton admitted:

“We didn’t play well and couldn’t get used to the surface. I couldn’t fault people because it was all about getting a game on, but we didn’t cope well with the conditions.”

Tividale loanee Tom Overfield had put the Robins in front but Wyton admitted: “We deserved to get beaten because we were awful and I’m surprised anyone stayed to watch us.

“Fairfield were a good bunch of lads and I hope they do well.

“But what makes it worse was the fact this was a cup we could have won. We would have been at home to either Paget Rangers or Ledbury in the next round.”

GORNAL Athletic can welcome back talismanic central defender Rudy Misambo for Saturday’s clash with Tipton Town at Garden Walk.

Misambo has been missing for several months after tearing his hamstring and manager Matt Price claimed:

“We’ve really missed him. He’s a big presence for Gornal, both on and off the pitch.” Both new signing David Meese and Danny Crudgington should be back.