The Meadowmen fall to defeat at home against Bilston Town in the WMRL.
Leon Taylor and substitute Matt Pinder’s goals were enough to see the Steelmen leave the Crown Meadow with three points this afternoon after a gutsy performance from AFC Bridgnorth ended with no reward.
17 October 2020
@chaguejones
Bridgnorth started the stronger of the two sides, the first major attack towards the opposition goal came down the right wing through Elliott Lee, who’s ball into the box was met by striker Tom Grainger- however, his effort drifted just wide of the front post.
Bilston also created a chance to open the scoring as Jake Pearson’s ball was lofted towards the back post and Liam Matthews was unable to connect and his effort whizzed out of play for a goal-kick.
The first major chance came when a clash between Josh Smith, Aaron Weston and Bilston’s Matthews in the box drew the referee to point to the penalty spot. Having won the spot kick, Matthews stepped up and for the second time in two games, Chris Crook was the hero from the spot, keeping the score-line 0-0.
However, Crook was on the other end of emotions as his misplaced goal-kick lent the ball to Taylor who charged forward, held off the oncoming Bridgnorth defence and smashed into the roof of the net.
Cam Milne had a chance to get the Meadowmen level just before half-time as he stepped up to take a free-kick just on the edge of the Bilston box. The free-kick was hit across goal and gratefully grasped by Bilston keeper, Brad Clarkson.
Graham Ward’s side started the second half in more fiery fashion on the hunt for the equaliser. Karl Griffiths threaded a ball through to Lee who pulled the ball out of his feet but was unable to get a powerful enough connection on his effort.
Bilston then put the game to bed with 5 minutes remaining. Myles Arnold played a loose pass back to Crook in the Meadowmen goal, Pinder was able to latch onto the ball and take it round the keeper to slot in the second, ultimately ending the game.
A better performance from the Meadowmen and are experiencing some really tough times on and off the field at the moment with injuries and losing players to self-isolation. They started the better side both halves but ultimately two mistakes at the back led to two goals being handed out to the Steelman, who were quick to take those chances.
Teams:
AFC Bridgnorth- Chris Crook, Aaron Weston, Josh Smith, Tom Whitney, Myles Arnold, Karl Griffiths, Cam Milne ©, Jake Walton (Knowles 80), Elliott Lee, Josh Garrington (Marsh 70), Tom Grainger.
Subs- George Marsh, Craig Knowles, Lewis Ayres, Chris Field.
Bilston Town- Clarkson, Jones, Mason, Pearson, Foreshaw ©, Podmore (Kay 65), Gill, Ferrier, Taylor (Turton 87), Miller (Pinder 65), Matthews.
Subs- Evans, Turton, Kay, Pinder, Cottee.
Bookings-
Cam Milne, Karl Griffiths