ANGRY Cradley Town boss Andy Wyton lambasted his players this week in the wake of their 4-2 defeat at next-to-bottom Dudley Town, writes Nick Pullen.

With Tividale's game at Smethwick Rangers called off, the game represented a real chance for Cradley to close the gap on the leaders.

But instead, Cradley were left embarrassed by a youthful Dudley side and Wyton pulled no punches afterwards when he said: "I was disgusted by the attitude of my players.

"They thought Dudley Town would be a pushover and only had to turn up to take the points. Our lack of application was unacceptable. We were woeful.

"Take nothing away from Dudley Town, because they deserved to win. I believe they had no less than five Under-17's in their squad, but they showed 10 times more heart than my players.

"They won every first and second ball. Dudley quite simply out-fought us.

"It was the worst display I've seen since I've been in charge at Cradley and some of the players need to take a long, hard look at themselves, because the attitude stunk! I could sense it in the warm-up that the attitude wasn't right.

"Lee Pardoe was sick while warming up and it all went down hill from that point.

"Even at half time when we were 2-1 down, I told the players they still had 45minutes to put matters right - but Dudley still outfought us.

"If there were any Cradley Town supporters at the game, I would insist that my players give them their money back!

"With the squad of players that I've assembled, we should be good enough to challenge for the league title.

"I'd brought back Geoff Hill from Gornal Athletic, who on his day is possibly one of the best strikers in the West Midlands League.

"I've also signed Lee Smith from Black Country Rangers to boost the midfield.

"I didn't really need to make any signings, but I just wanted to freshen things up a bit.

"But now I'll be looking to release players if a get another repeat performance like the one at Dudley.

"I will be looking for a big reaction when we entertain Shifnal Town this Saturday.

"It's not a question of ability - it's the attitude and lack of application that really upset me.

"I don't want to be disrespectful to Dudley Town. Dean Whitehouse will get them going, there's no doubt about that.

"They are fighting for their lives and don't want to get relegated. But if we have any aspirations about winning the league title, then these are the sort of games we should be taking three points from."