DUDLEY Sports boss Tony Gore has praised the spirit of his side after they battled to their first victory of the campaign.

Sports beat Bilston Town 2-1 at Hillcrest Avenue last Saturday thanks second half goals from Luigi Aka and Richard Hanson.

But it was his side's battling qualities during a frantic end to the clash that impressed Gore the most.

Injuries to Abdul Ishola and Keannan Dunkley came either side of Bilston's pulling one back from the penalty spot and Kieron Price getting his marching orders for picking up a second yellow.

However, despite the disruption, Dudley held firm to chalk up three points.

The manager said: "I think we were good value for the win in the end.

"It was a very tight first half and it looked like neither team was going to score. However, we quickly found ourselves 2-0 up at the start of the second half.

"We'd done okay but just needed to create more chances. We did that and got the goals and have then dug in after a nervy end to the game.

"We defended really, really well. We cleared one off the line but other than that we weren't too troubled.

"Because of the last 20 minutes they will probably feel they deserved to win it but we showed a lot of spirit and hard work.

"It's always nice to get the first win on the board early and that is full credit to the lads."

Sports are due to face Black Country Rangers at Garden Walk on Tuesday night before a trip to Cradley Town this Saturday.