CRADLEY Town missed their chance to go back on top of the West Midlands League this week when they lost 3-2 at Dudley Town.

Despite leading 2-1 going into the final 15 minutes, Cradley couldn't wrap the game up as late goals from Alex Perry and Shawn Davenport sealed the points for Dudley.

That was after Darren Whitley had put Cradley ahead before half time before Adam Meacham restored their advantage from the penalty spot.

Assistant manager Andy Mole admitted: "We created chance after chance but couldn't score the goals.

"At 2-1 up we should have seen the game through, but credit to Dudley, as they kept going."

Mole revealed the game was in danger of being called off owing to maintenance work taking place on the Dell Stadium floodlights.

Mole said: "It's little things that sometime go against you. It was a case of either kicking off at 2pm or having the game called off. It meant some of the players having to rush there, but I'm not using that as an excuse."

Cradley have suffered another setback as leading marksman Adam Meacham has joined local rivals Lye Town.

Mole admitted: "It's a blow, but we would never stand in anyone's way of playing at a higher level. It's nothing that we can't cope with as we've got Aaron Lloyd and Johvan Blake-Walker, who can both play in that position."

Luke Williams has also returned to Cradley following a spell with rivals Dudley Sports - just in time to play against Dudley Sport who visit Beeches View Avenue this Saturday.

Cradley's local derby with tenants Black Country Rangers was called off on Tuesday owing to pitch conditions.