DUDLEY Sports took a massive stride towards West Midland Premier League safety with victory over Gornal Athletic.

Sports bagged a 2-0 win at Garden Walk to lift themselves outside the bottom two last Saturday.

Stuart Hillman netted mid-way through the first half before Liam Timms' second-half penalty settled matters against the league's basement boys.

Manager Tony Gore said: "It was a bit nervy at times but we got what we deserved.

"I think we dominated the game and could even have scored a few more.

"The main thing is that we have come away with the win at just the right time.

"We have moved out of the bottom two again and have a couple of games in hand on the sides around us now.

"It would be great if we could put a good run together to put even more pressure on those below us."

Sports are due to face local rivals Dudley Town tonight before welcoming Pegasus Juniors to Hillcrest Avenue this Saturday (3pm kick-off).

However, they will have to continue their survival fight without key marksman Hillman after the forward left the club this week.

Gore wouldn't give details into the acrimonious exit but confirmed it was the club's decision to let him go.

The boss is now focused on building on the win and edging further away from the dropzone.

He added: "The players know how important the games are now and they showed that in their attitude against Gornal."

Mark Gore and Richard Hanson were both due to miss tonight's derby clash but Gore may return for the weekend.