TIVIDALE were handed their first defeat of the season by league leaders Black Country Rangers.

Tivi lost 2-1 against 10-man Rangers on Bank Holiday Monday as their unbeaten start in the West Midlands Premier League season was halted at the Beeches.

The home side were left to rue a first half penalty miss from Demetri Brown before Black Country took the lead from a Kieran Clarke free-kick.

Captain Jamel Fuller then saw red for Rangers early in the second half but that didn't stop them from doubling their advantage through Roland Agbor just past the hour mark.

Dale hitman Dan Smith pulled on back for his side with 10 minutes to go but it proved too little, too late for the hosts.

The defeat followed last Saturday's 3-0 home win over Cradley Town and manager Dave King wants his side to take the positives from a strong start to the campaign.

He said: "We did really well against Cradley but were just on the wrong side of it against Black Country Rangers.

"I think a draw would have been a fair result in the end but we just have to take it on the chin.

"We started the game really well but then missed the penalty and that gave them a lift.

"It's a disappointing result but there is a hell of a long way to go.

"Black Country will be right up there this season and on another day we could have taken something from the game.

"It shouldn't take away from the fact we've had a good start to the season.

"If we win our game in hand it would put us just one win behind Black Country so it's not a disaster."

Tividale will look to hit back when they return to action against Hereford Lads Club on September 8.

However, King was frustrated that his side don't have a game this weekend, saying: "We'd prefer to be playing this weekend. After a defeat you just want to get back out there to put it right.

"In three months time we'll have rain and waterlogged pitches and here we are without a fixture this weekend."