AFTER relegation was confirmed a few weeks ago, Tividale have put up a spirited end to the season, and were only minutes away from a confidence-boosting victory against high-flying Westfields on Saturday.

Dave King’s side went into the weekend’s Midland League tie without a win in 15 games, a run which stretches back to January, and despite being 2-0 up at half time, his young team had to eventually settle for a point.

Chris Bladen put Tivi 1-0 ahead after just 12 minutes, before Elliott Hartley doubled the lead just before half time. Alexandre Hainault got a goal back five minutes after the break, before Aidan Thomas’ deflected effort gave the visitors a point to take back to Hereford.

King said: “It’s a funny old game. We played really well on Saturday with a very young team out. We had a 16-year-old goalkeeper, a 17-year-old centre half and a couple of other 17-year-olds playing for us, but they were superb.

“We really played some good stuff and I couldn’t have been more pleased with the first half performance. All it was missing was a third goal which would have made it game over.

“When we went in at half time I told them that they had to keep it tight, but unfortunately Westfields managed to get one back and then we missed a great chance to make it 3-1.

“Maybe it was a lack of experience which let them get back into it, but we couldn’t do anything about the equaliser.

“We have some great young players here who showed they can compete at this level, so if we can keep hold of them, we should be in a strong position, as they will play a vital role in helping us get back up next season.”

Tividale will host Long Eaton United in their last Premier Division game on Saturday (3pm kick off).

King added: “We’ve not got the results our performances have deserved in the past two or three games, but it has definitely had a positive impact on our confidence and will take that with us to Saturday’s game and into next season.

“Our lads here always give their all and will be giving 100 per cent again on Saturday as we hope to finish the season with a win.”