Reds Win FA Cup Thriller

[Duffer]

Saturday 31st August 2002

FA Cup Preliminary Round

WILLENHALL TOWN 1 vs GLAPWELL 0

 

 

A match with few chances but played with plenty of passion and of a standard expected from two clubs riding high in their receptive leagues. Both teams had key players missing, Glapwell's ex-England star Chris Waddle was missing due to media commitments, while one half of Town's in form strike force, Bullimore, was sidelined with a hamstring problem.

 

First chance of the game fell to Glapwell currently 3rd in the North Eastern Counties Premier, when Clarke saw his overhead kick go just wide.

 

The match exploded on 19 minutes when Town's Slater was carried off the field and sent to hospital following an off the ball incident with a Glapwell striker. Fortunately for Town one of last season's star players, Eades had just returned from coaching in America and he was able to slip into the huge void left by Slater.

 

The incident sparked the Midland Football Alliance side into life and they immediately slipped up a gear. Just a minute later and Simmonite handled the ball in the area and up stepped Moseley to blast the spot kick into the net.

 

Six minutes later and Reds skipper Swann could have had added a second when his low swerving shot was brilliantly turned away by a diving West.

 

On 34 minutes West failed to clear the ball and Moseley found himself unable to score from close range.

 

With Glapwell under severe pressure their tempers starting to boil over and there were a few ugly incidents. Half time arrived just in time to prevent any further scuffles.

 

Fortunately the break gave the sides a chance to cool down and the second half was played with less aggression. Glapwell had the better of the play but were unable to break down the fortress like defence of the home team.

 

On 52 minutes Colliver saw his 25 yard free kick go just over the Willenhall bar, a minute later and Walker in a seemingly off side position saw his shot saved by Vaughan.

 

Despite the Glapwell pressure it was nearly Willenhall who sneaked a second goal in the dying, tense moments when sub Bromley saw his low shot go just wide.

 

A very entertaining game for the 108 strong crowd. Willenhall entertain Marconni next Saturday in a FA Vase game.