JOINT manager Craig Payton admits Bewdley Town face a tough run of five games in the West Midlands League Premier Division.

The Ribbesford Meadow outfit face four top six sides in October.

Their testing run starts at fourth-placed AFC Wulfrunians on Saturday (3pm kick-off), followed by a trip to sixth-placed Lye next Wednesday (7.45pm).

Bewdley then tackle top side Tividale on Saturday, October 9 at home (3pm kick-off), before travelling to Dudley Sports on Tuesday, October 12 (7.45pm).

Gornal Athletic complete the run when Bewdley entertain them on Saturday, October 16 (3pm).

Payton said: “We’ve got a daunting run of games ahead of us, I don't think we’ve had such a tough run of games at this level.

“It’s going to be a big test for the lads but after them we will know how we've progressed.

“We’re still a young team gelling and some of the lads are getting used to playing twice a week and all the training.

“Then they’re going into big games like the run we’ve got coming up.”

Bewdley go into the game on the back of a 0-0 draw at home to Wolverhampton Casuals last Saturday.

Town were thwarted by a string of saves by the keeper but did keep a rare clean sheet.

“It was not a 0-0 game, we had some good chances but Wolverhampton’s keeper pulled off some fine saves,” commented Payton.

“What was pleasing was we kept a clean sheet, which doesn’t happen that often.

“The players have taken on board what we asked of them and that’s pleasing.”

Captain Steve Holt returned from injury to play his first full game on Saturday and give Bewdley a much-needed boost.

Dan Mason and Craig Webb are both set to return but striker Olly Smith is set to be out for at least another week with a knee injury.