TIVIDALE smashed seven past Bilston Town to continue their strong start to the new campaign.

Darragh Bustin bagged a hat-trick as unbeaten Dale moved up to second place in the West Midlands Premier League.

Demetri Brown and sub Rion Francis-Mills both hit doubles to set up a comfortable 7-1 success after they'd gone behind early in the contest.

The win also backs up last Wednesday's home win over Wolverhampton Casuals.

Boss Dave King said: "It was an emphatic win for us and was even more pleasing after we'd won a tough game against Wolves Casuals in the week.

"I made a few changes to the side but that was just to rotate the players and keep everyone fresh. It had nothing to do with poor performances because everyone has been excellent.

"It can be difficult when you go behind in games but we managed to pull it level quite quickly.

"In the end we have fully deserved to win by the margin we did. We created plenty of chances."

Tivi will now face two local derbies at the Beeches when they take on Cradley Town on Saturday and early pacesetters Black Country Rangers on Bank Holiday Monday (both 3pm kick-off).

King added: "Because they are both local derbies it means that we will have two very tough games. Form will go out of the window.

"We'll go into Saturday and prepare for that first but then have another difficult game against a Black Country Rangers side that are flying at the moment."

Dale will be without the absent Tyree Clarke for both games and Bustin will miss Monday's clash.

However, the club will welcome back Dan Smith, Freddie Watts and Harvey Walker.