A DOUBLE from forward Chris Bladen helped Tividale to a vital victory over Walsall Wood last Saturday.

Tivi gave their survival hopes a massive boost with the 3-1 away success as Dan Smith also got on the scoresheet.

Boss Dave King was delighted with the three points, saying: "We have been playing so well lately, especially since the Lye game on Boxing Day, so I do think this win has been on the cards for a while.

"We have been doing really well but not getting what we deserve. Finally everything clinked, we took our chances and cut out the silly mistakes."

Dale are due to take on fourth-placed Coleshill Town tonight before facing a vital double against two sides just above them.

They will travel to Shawbury United this Saturday before they welcome Rocester to the Beeches a week later.

King is now determined to cut the gap to the teams above. He added: "We have played a lot of the top sides now and still have the teams around us play.

"We want to drag those above us into the relegation battle. The aim now is to take confidence from the win and keep it going."

Craig Stevens was due to miss the Coleshill clash but could return for Saturday's trip to Shawbury.

Liam Smith is now available again following a four-game suspension.

King is sent to boost his ranks with the arrival of former Cradley Town midfielder Charles Gregg.