NEITHER team were able to take bragging rights from the Dudley derby this weekend as the West Midlands Premier League sides played out a 1-1 draw.

With both Dudley Sports and Dudley Town safe from the drop, Sports headed to the Dell Stadium hoping to get revenge on a Town side who won the previous tie 2-1 back in March.

But after a goalless first period, the home team took the lead on 57 minutes, before Sports hit back with a curling effort from Richard Nicholson with 20 minutes to go.

The visitors had a chance to win it 10 minutes later when they were awarded a penalty, but Jack Bailey missed the crucial spot kick.

Sports boss Tony Gore was left disappointed with the result, saying his side made enough chances to win the game.

He said: “As well as missing the penalty, we also missed a lot of chances. We’re disappointed we didn’t win it, but when we were 1-0 down we did show a bit of character to get back into the game.

“Even though there was nothing to play for and it was just bragging rights, both teams went for it and tried to win the game. It was very competitive without being dirty. I can’t actually remember a bad foul or yellow card for either side.”

Dudley Sports will take on Wolverhampton Sporting Community this Saturday hoping to dent the home side’s chances of a top two finish, while Town head to Bewdley Town (both 3pm).

Gore added: “Sporting are a very strong side who are still aiming for second place so we know it’s going to be a tough game. We need to give our best, as teams up near them will be hoping we cause an upset.

“But our players are human. They know it’s the last game of the season and there’s nothing riding on it, but I still want them to be competitive.

“We’ve only lost one in our last eight, so we’re on a good run. This run is the main reason we’re still in the division.

“But overall, we weren’t celebrating the fact that we’ve stayed up, as from all accounts it’s a disappointing season and we need to do much better next year.”