DUDLEY Sports joint boss Tony Gore believes his side are turning the corner as they bid to climb the West Midlands Premier table.

Sports have endured a miserable run since getting knocked out of the FA Cup in September, recording just two wins from 15 games to sit 17th in the table.

Gore says performances are steadily improving and believes the return to fitness of a number of key players will further boost the situation.

Ten man Sports recorded a 1-1 draw with Ledbury Town on Saturday, Ashley Pountney scoring after Mitch Orford was sent off for retaliation.

Gore said: “The performance on Saturday was very good, as was the week before, all that was missing was the result.

“We showed a lot of character, especially being down to ten men after just 40 minutes.

“It looked like we might hold on but in the end the extra man did for us.”

Sports have seen Steve Bull leave High Ercal Avenue for Gornal Athletic, with Richard Esp arriving in the other direction.

Leading scorer Chris Rabone has also departed to Bustleholme.

Gore added: “I believe we are starting to turn the corner, we have had a number of players out injured and already you can see the difference when they come back into the team.”

Sports face a difficult trip to title challengers Ludlow Town on Saturday, where a victory would also benefit high-flying neighbours Dudley Town.

The Robins sit fifth, just three points off top spot in the table’s increasingly congested upper reaches after a 4-0 demolition of Bromyard Town at the weekend.

Ian Rowe’s men host fellow promotion chasers Oldbury Athletic at the Dell on Saturday, with the visitors fresh from a 2-1 win over Bewdley Town.

Gornal Athletic host Bromyard as they seek a return to form following last Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Bloxwich.

Tividale’s long-awaited FA Vase clash with Northern League outfit New Mills FC ended in disappointment as they were dumped out of the competition 6-1.

The Dale fell behind within the first five minutes but Anthony Cox levelled matters from the penalty spot.

However, their joy was shortlived as New Mills ran away with the game, Dean Whitehouse’s side will now look to bounce back at Wellington on Saturday.