Reds Hang On To Beat Shifnal

[Duffer]

 

Tuesday 18th March 2003

Midland Football Alliance

SHIFNAL TOWN 1 vs WILLENHALL TOWN 2

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Willenhall started the match in blistering form against a very poor Shifnal side languishing at the wrong end of the table. Judging by this performance they must be highly fancied for the drop, which would be rough justice for the excellent facilities they have.

 

Just 2 minutes into the game and the visitors should have been in the lead, when Dunkley intercepted the ball, lobbed the keeper, only to see his effort skim off the crossbar.

 

A minute later and Bullimore and Dunkley combined well before Bullimore unleashed a feircous shot into the top corner.

 

With Willenhall dominating the game it came as a surprise that they had to wait till the 11th minute before they increased their lead. Goodall split the defence with an inch perfect pass to Moseley, his first time hit cross was chested down by Pearce, before sending a screaming shot into the back of the Shifnal net.

 

Mosley saw his cross / shot skid off the crossbar on 19 minutes, and despite their dominance Willenhall, somehow, were unable to add to their tally.

 

The second half will be remembered for one incident alone, when just 10 minutes into play and Vaughan collected the ball, a very late, high, and needless challenge by Shifnal's Gazzillo on the young keeper sparked a fracas, which saw the striker and keeper exchange punches. Quite rightly the ref gave the keeper a straight red card, but in the height of inconsistance only booked the striker.

 

Willenhall then had to rearrange their side to accommodate the enforced disadvantage, Creighton took the gloves, and the attacking Pearce was sacrificed for defender Salmon.

 

On 77 sub Salmon nearly made a name for himself when his diving header was just wide of the post, and with Willenhall playing Dunkley as a lone striker they dug in deep to try and preserve their lead.

 

Five minutes in added time, Shifnal were awarded a freekick on the edge of the edge, and with their only on goal effort, Pound curled the ball into the top corner of the goal.

 

Willenhall visit Grosvenor Park on Saturday while Shifnal entertain Causeway.