JOINT manager Craig Payton admits that Bewdley Town FC are starting to feel the effects of a heavy fixture list in the West Midlands League Premier Division.

The Ribbesford Meadows side beat Gornal on Saturday 2-1 and then lost 4-1 to Bustleholme, which was their seventh game in 18 days.

Town also face a similarly hectic run-in, taking on Ellesmere Rangers at home tonight (7.45pm kick-off), entertaining Wednesfield on Saturday (3pm kick-off) and Gornal on Bank Holiday Monday (7.45pm).

Town then end the season at home to Oldbury next Thursday (7.45pm) and play their final match at Bromyard on Saturday, May 8 (3pm).

Payton said: “Bustleholme are the best side we have played this season.

“We have found it hard because we’ve had so many games in a short space of time.

“If we had been chasing the title this run-in would have made it very difficult to do well.

“We’re just trying to get through until the end of the season and go from there.

“But full credit to everyone for the club for keeping going as it has been tough over the last few months.

“By the end of the season we will have played over 50 games and used something like 38 players, which is extraordinary.”

On Saturday, a Grant Joshua penalty and Adam Hazeldine’s late goal, set up by Dan Flowers, ensured victory.

They found Bustleholme irresistible on Tuesday, slipping 3-0 down at home before rallying after the break thanks to Steve Holt’s strike.

Bewdley were also awarded the Premier Division’s team of the month award for March on Saturday.