Reds Stage Fight Back

[Duffer]

Saturday 8th March 2003

Midland Football Alliance

OADBY TOWN 2 vs WILLENHALL TOWN 2

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The original match for this fixture was abandoned at half time due to a frozen pitch, this time Willenhall's problems started before they reached Topps Park! The team coach was caught up in a major hold up on the M69 and didn't reach the ground till five past three. Fifteen minutes later they were on the pitch for the kick off against the FA Vase semi-finalists and league front runners Oadby.

 

As with most of their encounters the game was open, full of commitment and saw some fine attacking football. Willenhall's keeper Vaughan produced three reflex saves in a row to deny Oadby on 18 minutes, the young keeper reacted brilliantly to the original shot by Brennen then recovered to block two follow up efforts.

 

Oadby broke the dead lock on 27 minutes when they capitalised on some sloppy defending, Curtis Warner slotting in the opening goal from close range.

 

Ten minutes later and Willenhall's Moseley saw his low effort graze the post. The exciting first half seemed to end in double quick time, and the crowd waited with bated breath for more of the same in the second period.

 

Oadby started the stronger and piled their trade, coming close on several occasions, including hitting the crossbar. The visitors switched to a flat back four as they made 2 half time changes, bringing on young, gifted Dunkley and warhorse Pearce who returned after a lengthy sabbatical.

 

It was sub Pearce who lost the ball on the half way line, and with his defence pushing forward Oadby broke clear and this time it was Ashley Warner who blasted the ball past an unprotected Vaughan.

 

Willenhall's response was immediate, Whitcombe topped off a battling run with a perfect cross for sub Dunkley to slide in at the far post to grab a deserved goal for the visitors on 64 minutes.

 

Seizing the opportunity Willenhall threw on third sub Bromley and with Willenhall having the upperhand it came as no surprise when another fine cross by Whitcombe, this time from the opposite wing, was powerfully headed home by Pearce on 82 minutes.

 

The final 20 minutes Willenhall were like a rash on the Oadby goal and will feel gutted that they didn't convert their dominance into a winning goal.

 

Willenhall entertain in form Oldbury next Saturday at Noose Lane with a 3pm kick off.