Wonder goal wins it for Wulfrunians

         ⚽Midland Football League  Premier Div ⚽         18/09/21

Played at The CKW Stadium

AFC Wulfrunians 2  Stourport Swifts 1

This was somewhat of a strange kind of encounter inasmuch as both sides seemed to have 2 distinct spells of possession/pressure but that didn't spoil the enjoyment ; this league always offers an excellent standard of entertaining football.

Wulfrunians were in the ascendency straight from the off but struggled to find a way through the resolute visitors defence. Following sustained pressure, the inevitable happened in the 7th minute as Swifts played a simple ball to the rhs which beat the defender and left Antonio to slot the ball home. Things were fairly even until the 20th minute when a superb cross-field pass from Hannah left Rowley with a straightforward lob over the advancing keeper. This seemed to spur Wulfs as they controlled things for the remainder of the half.

The second half was again fairly even until the highlight of the match in the 65th minute ; there didn't seem to be much on so Hill cut in from the left and tried his luck and it paid off handsomely when he let fly a 25 yard screamer into the top rh corner. A goal which would grace any MOTD ! Swifts responded magnificently, pouring forward at every opportunity but try as they might , they were unable to break through Wulfs defence.

A brilliant game for any spectator, be they partisan or neutral, played in an excellent if uncompromising spirit.

MOTM Wulfs ; No9

MOTM Swifts ; No 5

Admission ; £4

Programme ; £1.50

Drink ; £1

Crowd ; 70(est)

Referee ; 7/10

Entertainment value ; 9/10

Team Dudley well on top.

                  ⚽  West Midlands Regional League Div 1  ⚽     11/09/21  

Played at Bilston Town FC

FC Darlaston 1  Team Dudley 4  

The1st half of this game was as one-sided as we've seen in a long time ; Dudley were a  goal ahead within minutes and it certainly looked like a rout was in the offing. Incredibly, it took until just before the break to add a second.

Darlaston management team must have given them a right bollocking at the break because they emerged a changed side, snapping into the tackle and pressing much further up the pitch(the introduction of Number 15 made a crucial difference in midfield)and they got their just reward just a few minutes after the restart to reduce the deficit. They should have been level immediately after but were thwarted by a combination of good goalkeeping and poor finishing. As often happens in such circumstances, the visitors increased their lead, steadied the ship and just to add salt to Darlastons wounds, added a fourth.

No doubt , the best team on the day won and deservedly but credit to Darlaston for lifting themselves and giving it a right go after the break.

MOTM ; FC Darlaston ; Number 3

MOTM ; Team Dudley ; number 10

Special mention has to be included for an excellent referee who(and I hope he won't mind my saying)although looking like he has managed quite a few games in his time, conducted affairs brilliantly with an added dose of humour when required.

               

Entrance ; £3 concession

Programme ; N/a

Drink ; £1

Crowd ; 40(est)

Referee ; 9.5/10

entertainment value ; 8/10

Stalemate at Shifnal Town

      ⚽Midland Football League  Premier Div ⚽          04/09/21

The Acoustafoam Stadium

                          Shifnal Town 0   Highgate Utd 0

This was a case of  highly rated MFL newcomers against a well-established, tough as old boots MFL team and proved to be a fascinating match. The visitors were on the front foot from the off and it took Shifnal quite a while to establish a foothold in the game but as the half wore on they were looking the side most likely to score.

Following the break, it was the visitors  who began to stamp their authority on the game, controlling midfield but unable to find any decent end product , although they did have a goal disallowed for off-side. Indeed as the game progressed, it was Shifnal looking more dangerous in the area and it was they who had the best of any opportunities on offer.

The game entered the realms of farce near the end when the visiting keeper was 'sin-binned'(not sure of the reason) and it took a while to sort things out. Nothing really changed as a result of this strange incident and the game finished honours even.

MOTM Shifnal Town ; No 8

MOTM Highgate Utd ; No 11

Entrance ; £6

Programme ; Sold out

Drink ; £1.50

Crowd ; 100 est

Referee ; 7/10

Entertainment value ; 8/10