Dudley Redhead United beat Singleton Strikers 4:2 in League 1 NNSW on Saturday evening, moving their campaign forward in the regular season. The visitors took all three points despite trailing on the scoreboard for part of the match, and the result leaves them sitting third in the table with 19 points from 10 games. Singleton remain eighth with nine points after nine matches, and they now have a game in hand over the side above them.
By then the home side had shown they could compete, but Dudley's consistency in front of goal proved the difference. The visitors ended a barren spell against these opponents, and Singleton paid for a sloppy opening. To be fair, the hosts worked hard to get back into the contest, but they found no answer once the away side took control.
Singleton's recent form suggests they can turn things around. They beat Toronto Avaba Staggs 1:0 last weekend and South Cardiff 1:0 before that, but losses to Lake Macquarie and Newcastle Croatia showed vulnerability. Dudley have been steadier, with a win against New Lambton and a draw with South Cardiff keeping them in touch with the leaders.
The gap between the sides remains significant. Nineteen points to nine does not close quickly, and Singleton will need to convert draws into wins if they want to climb. Third place gives Dudley a cushion, but one point separates them from second, and every match matters when you are chasing promotion.
What this match showed was that Dudley can win away from home without dominating possession. They took their chances, and Singleton could not find a way back once the visitors pulled ahead. The result keeps the visitors in contention and leaves the hosts searching for answers before the next fixture.