TIVIDALE struck three to hand league leaders Wolverhampton Sporting their first defeat of the season.

Manager Dave King's men won 3-2 last Saturday thanks to goals from Freddie Watts, Tyree Clarke and Dan Smith.

Tivi had slipped up against Ellesmere Rangers last Tuesday night but hit back in devastating fashion to hand the West Midlands Premier League pacesetters a rare home loss.

Sporting had won their first 10 games of the current campaign but were undone by Dale, who are now in fourth place and five points off the top.

King was delighted with the way his side took the points.

He said: "It was very pleasing. We played very, very well and fully deserved the win.

"We changed our system a little and decided to go with a flat back line rather than the three centre backs and wing-backs we have used in recent weeks.

"We were quick on the flanks and it worked really well for us.

"I think we have it in our locker to beat anyone when we put it all together and we showed that again."

Tyree Clarke's strike comes after he rejected a switch to Lye Town last week.

He manager added: "Tyree is a player with a good pedigree.

"He maybe hasn't really got going as he'd have liked this season but he did very well on Saturday and showed just what he can do."

Meanwhile, Nathan Jones also turned down an approach from Team Dudley to stay and fight for his place at Packwood Road.

King now wants his side to find the consistency they need to be a real force at this level.

He said: "That game proved that we can compete with the best sides in this league. Wolverhampton Sporting really do set the standard and we have gone there and got a good win.

"If a side finishes above them, they will probably win the league.

"We have shown in one-off games that we are a very good side but must now work to find consistency."

Tivi will look to follow up the win when they go to basement boys Wellington Amateurs this Saturday.

Curtis Cocking will be available following suspension but Liam Williamson is still a week away.