DUDLEY Town's squad is being stretched thin as the season draws to close, according to chairman Steve Austin.

A serious injury to Lee Smith during last Saturday's 3-1 home win over Wellington has added to the club's injury concerns.

"It is always difficult to get a team together at this time of year when there is nothing really to play for," said Austin. "This has been made harder by the fact we now have four or five out injured as well.

"We always get a team out but it is a difficult period with only a few game to go.

"We are now going to be using a few players from our Under 21 squad to supplement the first team."

Smith, who opened the scoring against Wellington at The Dell, has been ruled out for the season after injuring his ankle later in the contest.

Dudley had to be patient before they finally found did enough to win Saturday's game.

Smith's strike was cancelled out by the visitors early in the second half before Shawn Devonport and Brodie Williams struck in the 85th and 88th minutes.

"It was a game that we would hope to win, but the players still needed to go out and get the job done," said the chairman Austin.

"They had to battle after Wellington got level but they did that well."

The Robins will now travel to take on Shawbury United this Saturday.

"On our day and with a fully fit squad we are a match for anyone," added Austin. "However, as things stand, anything we manage to take from the game will be a bonus.

"After that we then have two games against Bewdley coming up, so we will be looking to take something from those."

Meanwhile, Dudley Sports face an important game against Haughmond this Saturday.

A victory would be a massive step towards the club's aim of securing a top ten finish in the West Midlands Premier this season.

Manager Tony Gore's men will need to bounce back to winning ways after a 2-1 away defeat against Black Country Rangers on Easter Monday.