Reds Pip United

[Duffer]

Saturday 24th August 2002

Midland Football Alliance

OLDBURY UNITED 2 vs WILLENHALL TOWN 3

 

Willenhall continued their unbeaten run against a poor Oldbury side but made hard work of going 5 games without a defeat.

 

It looked like being a whitewash when, having all the play, Town broke the dead lock on 11 minutes. Striker Hay controlled a through ball before blasting it into the top corner of the Oldbury goal. This was his 5th goal in 5 games.

 

Not to be out done by his strike partner, Bullimore netted his 5th goal in 5 games just 5 minutes later, following some excellent play by Moseley, his cross was smashed into the net by the other in demand striker.

 

Despite having the better of the play Willenhall couldn't convert their efforts into goals, whilst Oldbury struggled to raise any attack on the Reds goal. The best opportunity for another goal came on 37 minutes when Hay won the ball, passed to Goodall and with just the keeper to beat took too long allowing the United defence to retreat and tackle him.

 

On 44 minutes Hay was clean through again but was brought crashing down in the area, however the strong penalty appeals were dismissed.

 

Just 3 minutes into the restart and United had their inspired keeper Ford to thank for brilliantly denying the Reds. Hay had his blasted effort saved one handed by Ford, then 2 minutes later the keeper somehow got a hand to a powerful Creighton header from close range following a Moseley corner.

 

Bullimore saw his header on 54 minutes go just over, and minutes later a Moseley freekick was headed just over by sub Quilt.

 

Following a ten minute break in play due to an injury to the linesman, Oldbury regrouped. On 71 minutes Ball capitalised on an error in the Reds defence, raced 15 yards before unleashing an unstoppable shot in the Willenhall net.

 

Three minutes later and the Reds had their second penalty claim turned down when Moseley was chopped down in the area.

 

Oldbury levelled the scores with their second attack of the game, sub Harvey netting from close range on 76 minutes. Four minutes later Quilt saw his effort just over following a Moseley freekick.

 

Some 15 minutes into added time and super sub Grosvenor scored the winner against his old club. From 35 yards he blasted a low shot towards goal and with a slight deflection the ball was buried on the bottom corner of the net. Minutes later his corner hit the far post.

 

Bank Holiday Monday sees Willenhall entertain Bridgnorth (pending Bridgnorth's Saturday FA Cup result), while Oldbury visit Studley.

 

Saturday 31st August sees Willenhall entertain Glapwell (with ex-England star Chris Waddle!) in an FA Cup match.