DUDLEY Kingswinford are preparing for a crucial month ahead.

The Heathbrook outfit put themselves well in the promotion picture in Midlands One West after last Saturday's 38-10 success at Malvern.

With Newbold taking the spoils at home to Bromsgrove the same weekend it leaves DK just three points off top spot heading into November.

However, it is a month that could prove vital in their quest for glory this campaign.

First they welcome second-from-bottom side Moseley Oak this Saturday (3pm) before an eye-catching run of fixtures.

They go to fellow promotion hopefuls Bromsgrove in the North Mids Cup on November 10 before a trip to current leaders Newbold a week later.

The month concludes with a Heathbrook battle with local rivals Old Halesonians on Friday, November 23.

Director of rugby Neil Shillingford said: "It is a big month and one that everyone can really look forward to.

"If we can keep everyone fit and on the park then it could be a good month."

One the win over Malvern, he added: "It was tough at times and we weren't at our best at times but then in others we were really good.

"It was a bonus point win on the road and a case of job done.

"Malvern defended really well at times and we struggled with the ref a little as well but it was just something else for us to contend with.

"There are a lot of games still to come but we have put ourselves right in the mix at the top.

"We weren't at our best at the start of the season yet are right up there. That hopefully bodes well for the rest of the season."

DK now head to Moseley in good spirits.

"It's going to be a tough game because we know they're abrasive in the forward and play set piece to set piece but it's all about us getting our own job right," added the coach.

DK will be without Sam Vaughan after he picked up a shoulder injury and could be facing more than a month on the sidelines. Connah Jones will be back in contention, however, after his return from concussion.