TEN man Dudley Town took derby day bragging rights with a 1-0 victory over rivals Dudley Sports.

The two sides did battle at the Dell Stadium last Saturday as both looked to get back to winning ways after a run of defeats.

It was Town that did enough to take all three points after Rion Francis-Mill hit the only goal of the game in the first 20 minutes.

The Robins had to play the second half with ten men after Gary Barrell was shown red for denying a goalscoring opportunity after the referee awarded Sports a penalty on the brink of half time.

However, goalkeeper James Scarratt pulled off the save from Luke Williams to make sure his side took their advantage in at the break.

It was a lead they would hold to bag their first win in five matches.

Chairman Steve Austin said: "It was a great win and one that I think we deserved in the end. It was a typical local derby and we had to battle hard.

"It is important to beat the teams around us and that was exactly what we did."

Town will now look to do the same when they face Cradley Town away this Saturday.

Meanwhile, Sports boss Tony Gore was left frustrated by his side's lack of killer instinct.

"It was very disappointing," he said. "We didn't play very well even though I think we were still the best team. Their keeper pulled off three or four really good saves and they scored with their only big chance.

"Overall, we probably didn't do enough in the final third, which has been a theme in recent matches."

They were looking to bounce back against Haughmond at home last night before facing Shawbury United at Hillcrest Avenue this Saturday.

"It is now about stopping the slide," added Gore. "We have enjoyed a good first half of the season but must not let it just drift away now."