TIVIDALE'S promotion push has been boosted by the news that their home ground is eligible to host football at a higher level.

Hard work of supporters and club officials has paid off after The Beeches was given the green light should the team achieve promotion this season.

Volunteers have put in hours of work in recent weeks to make sure the Packwood Road ground meets the required level and would not stand in Tivi's way should the team bag top spot in the Midland Alliance.

Work carried out includes redevelopment of one end of the ground, improvements to the changing facilities, the addition of another turnstile and new seating.

Club secretary Leon Murray hailed the efforts of volunteers that made it all possible. He said: "A month ago we were told we weren't up to scratch and would not be allowed to go up with the ground as it was.

"We are delighted to announce that The Beeches has now been deemed good enough. That is mainly down to the fantastic effort put in by the community.

"Supporters have donated time, materials and money to making sure the ground meets the standard needed."

Meanwhile, on the pitch, the current league-leaders are looking to get back to winning ways after losing 2-1 away to Westfields last Saturday.

That result also followed a disappointing 0-0 away league draw against Rocester.

Murray added: "We have never done great against Westfields, but we still need to be picking up points from such games at this stage of the season. The main thing is we are playing well and creating chances. If we carry on playing that way then the results should follow sooner rather than later.

"We have eight home games left this season, they could be key to our success. We have had a tough last few weeks and have had to rotate the squad a little due to the fixture pile-up, but we are keen to pick up our next three points as soon as possible. We know what is required of us."

However, despite failing to win one of their last two league games, Tivi have progressed to the semi-finals of the Walsall Senior Cup with a 3-2 extra-time away win over Walsall Wood last Thursday.

Tivi were set to take on Loughborough University at home last night before travelling to Highgate tomorrow night. A busy week will end with a home game against Coventry Sphinx at The Beeches this Saturday.

Their promotion charge has been boosted by the return to fitness of forwards Matt Jukes and Nathan Waite.