Shifnal End Reds Run

[Duffer]

Saturday 30th November 2002

Midland Football Alliance

WILLENHALL TOWN 0 vs SHIFNAL TOWN 1

 

 

Willenhall lost their unbeaten home league record to lowly Shifnal and have only themselves to blame for failing to take their chances. With league leaders Oadby also losing it would have been a huge boost for the Reds if they had managed to grab the points.

 

The first half was poor with Shifnal looking to defend and neither team seemingly in control, the ball being booted aimlessly anywhere.

 

The best chance of the first period fell to the Reds when Hay linked up well with Walters, the former England star put a through ball to Bullimore, his low shot just wide of Lunn's post.

 

The second half saw the other side of Willenhall, with Quilt replacing Grosvenor during the break, the sub played a one-two before unleashing a powerful low shot. Keeper Lunn appeared to scoop the ball out well behind the goal line, the linesman declined the strong and seemingly valid appeals on 48 minutes.

 

On 50 minutes D Carter rose high above the Shifnal defence, his header just over the bar.

 

A minute later and Quilt saw header cleared off the line to deny the Reds, then on 61 minutes Hay and Goodall combined before the resulting low shot went wide.

 

Soaking up the pressure Shifnal then won a corner which Salmon failed to clear and Leonard blasted the ball just inside the far post to give Shifnal the lead.

 

Two minutes later and Knowles should have doubled the visitors lead when the Reds failed to clear the ball, with the goal open at his mercy he volleyed the ball sky high.

 

On 72 minutes a Quilt cross found Bullimore who appeared to be flatten by keeper Lunn in the box, the lineman awarded a goal kick instead of the much expected penalty.

 

Shifnal held on to grab 3 much needed points.

 

Willenhall make the long haul on Saturday to Northern League Divison 1 side Morpeth Town in the 3rd Round of the FA Vase, the Reds will have plenty of vocal support with a full offical coach making the trip on Friday and returning Sunday. While a coach full of supporters will travel there and back on the day to support the Reds.