Reds Fail To Smash Glassboys

[Duffer]

Saturday 20th August 2002

Midland Football Alliance

WILLENHALL TOWN 1 vs STOURBRIDGE 1

 

With 3 wins from their first 3 games Willenhall faced their toughest test when last season's MFA champions Stourbridge visited Noose Lane. With their huge budget it's easy to see why The Glassboys are favourites to retain the MFA crown this season.

 

Willenhall surprised many with a much different starting formation, and it took a while for the players to adjust to playing 3 at the back. The Glassboys started brightly when after just 5 minutes Ecclestone capitalised on a defensive error only to see his effort go narrowly over the bar.

 

Four minutes later and Town's Pearce was on hand to clear off the line another Stourbridge attack. With the match evening out, Reds striker Bullimore headed just over the bar from a Moseley corner on 23 minutes.

 

On 29 minutes a Swann free kick saw Pearce jump high above everyone else only to see his effort go narrowly over the bar. In a good spell for the home team, Pearce saw his powerful shot deflected for the first of four concessive corners on 38 minutes.

 

Stourbridge started the second period of play with a goal. On 51 minutes an error by Creighton let Lee through, his shot was blocked by keeper Vaughan, however the ball landed at the feet of Ecclestone who scored from close range.

 

This spurned on Willenhall and they started to get back on top despite some stern tactics by the visitors. On 59 minutes a Rochester cross was meet by Hay, his effort was brilliantly saved by a diving Higgs.

 

On 77 minutes Higgs was again the hero when he produced a tremendous flying save to deny a Pearce 35 yard free kick. However, with Willenhall applying all the pressure and reverting back to their usual 4 at the back, even the in form keeper couldn't deny them a deserved equaliser.

 

On 84 minutes a Carter cross was headed past Higgs by defender Salmon for his first goal of the season.

 

Despite having all the play Willenhall were unable to snatch the 3 points thanks mainly to the outstanding Higgs in the Stourbridge goal. With Stourbridge's physical approach to the game it was no surprise when the ref had to dismiss Benton on 87 minutes.