TIVIDALE boss Dave King says his players will be ready to work hard when neighbours Dudley Town visit the Beeches this Saturday.

King is wary of the improvement factor that new Robins manager Dean Whitehouse could bring and admits his side will have to be prepared to roll their sleeves up.

Whitehouse used to manage Dale any led them to success in the West Midlands League in the 2010/11 season.

Table-toppers Tivi didn't play last Saturday after their clash at Ellesmere Rangers fell victim to the freezing conditions. They are due to take on Wednesfield at home tomorrow night before welcoming Dudley at the weekend (3pm kick-off).

King said: "It has been frustrating not to play for a few weeks after we went top but it's the same for everyone.

"We've managed to still do some good training and we did that Saturday after the game was called off.

"We now just want to get back to playing again.

"Dudley will be a very tough game for us, made tougher by the fact they have a new manager. He'll have got a few new players in and we can expect an improvement.

"He'll also be keen to do well when coming back to his former club.

"We will have to match their work-rate early on."

Dale have no major injury concerns ahead of the weekend. Freddie Watts isn't available but Curtis Cocking returns.