Reds Grab Points

[Duffer]

Saturday 21st December 2002

Midland Football Alliance

WILLENHALL TOWN 3 vs PELSALL VILLA 1

 

The Reds put last weeks Vase disappointment behind them as they got back to the season's main objective, the league.

 

After a dull first 20 minutes where neither team created any real chances, it took former England and Aston Villa player Walters to bring the game alive. His first time hit volley from some 30 yards out on 23 minutes hit the post with keeper Pemberton beaten, Moseley hit the loose ball, which the keeper brilliantly dived to save, but he was powerless to save the resulting shot from Walters.

 

On 32 minutes Villa's Tolley found himself in space only for keeper Vaughan to block his effort. Two minutes later a Moseley corner was brilliantly converted by the diving head of Quilt to give the Reds a two goal advantage.

 

Right on half time Villa missed a good chance to pull one back following an error by Eades, the Villa strike force saw two efforts scrambled off Town's goal line.

 

The second half saw Willenhall start to dominate the game more, on 58 minutes a Whitcombe through ball saw Quilt's effort saved by Pemberton. Five minutes later and Hay darted through the Villa defence before coolly slicing the ball passed the keeper.

 

It took just two minutes for Villa to grab a goal back, ex-Red Tolley capitalising on a defensive lapse, to blast the ball past Vaughan.

 

Just a minute later and Villa should have got a second when Allen headed just wide.

 

On 83 minutes Hay nearly grabbed his second when his header hit the post.

 

With a tough Xmas programme ahead, Willenhall will need to step up a gear if they are to keep their promotion wagon on track.

 

Boxing Day sees Willenall visit Wednesfield for a 11am derby clash. Saturday 28th Dec. sees Rushall visit Noose Lane for a real 6 pointer top of the league clash.

Willenhall then visit Bridgnorth on the 2nd Jan 03, for a 7.45 kick off.