BEWDLEY Town managed to miss a string of scoring chances before snatching a slender 1-0 win at Tividale based Smethwick Rangers in the West Midlands Premier Division.

Thankfully Matt Kerby finally managed to pierce Smethwick's rearguard action when heading home from a Ryan Glenister free kick to bag Bewdley maximum points.

But Bewdley may well find themselves chasing Shifnal Town again this season as the Shropshire side are following up last season's impressive form by setting the early pace.

Having opened their league account with a win over Smethwick, Shifnal followed up by clinching a 2-0 triumph at Cradley Town.

Kyle Montague converted twice as Shifnal stormed into a 2-0 lead by  half time.

Shifnal continued to run Cradley ragged after the break and it took some heroic goalkeeping from Liam O'Dowd to prevent the Shropshire side from adding further to their tally.

Against the run  of play, Cradley should have clawed a goal back when Shifnal's Jordan Jones brought down Casey Collins, but goalkeeper Jake James made sure Cradley couldn't throw themselves a lifeline back into the game by saving Chris Bladen's penalty attempt.

Dudley Sports snapped up a welcome point when holding Pershore Town to a 2-2 draw at Hillcrest Avenue thanks to goals from David Meese and substitute Tyrone Clarke.

Black Country Rangers clash with local rivals Dudley Town was called off after one of the players tested positive for COVID 19. 

Dudley Town will hope for better luck this week when they entertain Pershore Town on Saturday.

Dudley Sports visit Shawbury United while Bewdley Town travel to Wolves Sporting Community.

Cradley Town return to Beeches View Avenue when they entertain local rivals Smethwick Rangers.

But there's better news for Black Country who will now play their home games at Lye Town this season.