DUDLEY Kingswinford face a vital clash at Hereford this Saturday as they look to get their season back on track.

DK have only won twice this campaign and continue to be dogged by their poor form away from Heathbrook.

That continued last Saturday as they lost 20-12 at fellow mid-table side Worcester Wanderers.

Director of Rugby Neil Shillingford is under no illusion about how important the Hereford game has become. Their weekend opponents sit two places below but are also on 11 points.

He said: "The longer we go without a win the more important these games become.

"When you take on teams around you then you have to make sure you come away with something, even a losing bonus point.

"We have to find consistency throughout the week. It is no coincidence that those who struggle to get a full training session in are then the ones that struggle during the game. We are not good enough to just turn up on a Saturday and win games. We have to put the hard work in and go through the process in the week leading up to the game as well.

"Hereford won't be an easy place to go but the players know what they need to do.

"We have to start winning away and they players are fully aware of that."

Against Worcester, Shillingford thinks the way the opposition handled the referee proved the difference during a close encounter at Westons.

"It was another result that got away from us," he added.

"They have some experienced players and did a much better job at playing the official than we did, which is something we need to improve.

"We can't keep complaining about poor decisions, we have to adapt quicker and manage the situation better."

DK were also hit with injuries to second row duo Joe Francis and John McGregor before the game.

McGregor is set to miss the Hereford clash but Francis will be assessed this week.