DRENIZ Bala kept Gornal Athletic's promotion bandwagon rolling as his hat-trick helped beat Wolverhampton Casuals last Saturday.

The win moved the Peacocks back into second place and just three points behind current leaders Sporting Khalsa.

Khalsa have four games in hand on Gornal but manager Andy Wyton is keen to keep the pressure on as their opposition's fixtures begin to pile up.

Other goals from Thomas Piggott and Liam Hickman sealed the win at the weekend.

Wyton said: "We didn't start that well and got our first against the run of play and had to ride out our luck a little.

"Dreniz was outstanding and all three of his goals were really well taken. We are a real threat now and just need to keep going."

Wyton had to reshuffle his defence due the absence of both Ross Love and Matt Vaughan at the weekend. Alex Dallison and Danny Crudgington teamed up in central defence.

"It was great to see the forwards fire, especially when we had a different back line. It really helps to take the pressure off," added the boss.

"I also thought Brett McGilligan and Jason Wood were brilliant in midfield. It is the best display from a midfield pair that I've seen all season."

Wyton also singled out the impact new signing James Baldwin had from the bench.

Athletic went into the game on the back of a win over Bolehall Swifts in the quarter-final of Birmingham Midweek Floodlit Challenge Cup last Tuesday.

They will now face Southam United away in the semi-final on March 3.

This Saturday will see the Peacocks welcome Wellington to Garden Walk as they look to maintain their fine form.

They are set to be without Grand Joshua due to a thigh injury.