BEWDLEY Town continue to breath right down the neck of long-time league leaders Shifnal after they eclipsed Cradley Town 4-0 in the West Midlands Premier Division this week.

Simon Rudd rifled Bewdley into an early lead but from that point next to bottom side Cradley produced some sterling resistance.

Bewdley had to wait until 12 minutes from time before they could increase their lead with a somewhat fortunate goal when Dylan Hart's cross deceived Cradley shot stopper Liam O'Dowd when the ball sailed over his head and into the net.

Buoyant Bewdley then pressed home their advantage with late strikes from Luke Morris and then Sam Prescot who powered home a stoppage time header from Tom Smith's corner.

The result means Bewdley move to within three points of Shifnal who suffered the frustration of having their game at Worcester Raiders postponed owing to a waterlogged pitch.

Busy Bewdley were hoping to restage their Worcester County Cup clash with Kidderminster Harriers on Tuesday at Ribbesford Meadow after last week's proposed meeting was called off.

Dudley Town drop to fourth place after being held to a 2-2 draw at AFC Bridgnorth.

Shuja Mahmood struck twice for the Robins to salvage a point as they struggled to get to grips with the difficult playing conditions at Crown Meadow.

Wolves Casuals, who have games in hand, now climb above the Robins as a result of their 2-1 success over local rivals Wednesfield.

Dudley Sports' dismal run of form continued as they were blitzed 5-0 at home to Bilston Town.

Adam Garmson grabbed a couple of goals for the Steelmen, taking his league tally of goals to 26 this season but he still trails Shifnal's leading marksman Tom Hill by another five goals.

Further strikes from Jordan Smith-Williams, Kevin Nickle and Alex Cameron condemned Dudley Sports to their 16th defeat in 20 starts to leave them propping up the table.

Life doesn't get any easier for Sports as they were due to entertain top of the table Shifnal on Tuesday while Dudley Town take a brief respite from their league campaign to host Studley at Sporting Khalsa's ground in the Birmingham Midweek Floodlit Cup before travelling to take on second-placed Bewdley this Saturday.

Smethwick Rangers pulled off a pleasing 3-1 win at Pershore Town to make further progress up the league table.

Mark Bennett bagged a couple of goals for Tividale based Smethwick with James Crofts converting a third after Steve Webb had produced a goal for Pershore in the first half.

Smethwick are scheduled to entertain local rivals Black Country Rangers at Tividale's Packwood Road ground on Wednesday in the West Midlands League Cup.

The sides meet again on Saturday, this time at Hillcrest Avenue in Brierley Hill, when league points will be at stake.