Late Equalisler For Reds

[Duffer]

Ludlow Town 2 Willenhall Town 2

 

Tuesday 10th September, 2002

 

Lee Bullimore's injury time equaliser saved Willenhall's unbeaten start to the season after Ludlow had threatened a shock victory over the in form Red's. The home side worked hard to overcome the disadvantage of falling a goal behind in the opening minutes and came within seconds of claiming three points until Bullimore spoilt the celebrations.

 

It looked business as usual for Willenhall as Gary Hay raced onto a defence splitting pass from John Quilt in the second minute and the striker showed deadly finishing to hit his tenth league goal of the season. Quilt then looked to have doubled the visitors lead as he bundled in a cross, but the referee ruled out the strike for a foul on keeper Martin Poole.

 

Ludlow equalised out of the blue as a scramble in the Willenhall area saw the ball squirm out to Alan Hider who crashed the chance into the net. Ludlow still had to thank the woodwork for keeping them on level terms at the break as Quilt's curling shot struck the base of the post.

 

Poole kept Ludlow in the game with a string of fine saves and the home side looked dangerous on the counter-attack, causing Willenhall real problems with their pace.

 

It was a mistake from the normally reliable Melford Salmon that allowed Ludlow to take the lead as the centre half lost the ball under pressure from Gareth Horler and the home striker strode forward unchallenged to hit the net.

 

Willenhall hit their hosts with everything in the closing stages but looked to be going home with nothing as Poole was in outstanding form to deny the frenzied attack. Then came that dramatic last gasp equaliser as Bullimore popped up to control a through ball and swerve into a shooting position in the area to drill low and true.