Charles Hague-Jones previews the Meadowmen’s third West Midland Regional League game of the 2020/21 campaign
1 October 2020
@chaguejones
Our third encounter in the WMRL is another away trip, this time to Wednesfield FC. Having already met earlier on in the 2020/21 season, as we ran out 5-4 winners on penalties, it will be a chance for the home side to get revenge on Ward and his men.
So far, Wednesfield have won both of the games they have played in the league this season. A strong start which will hopefully help boost their early chances of finishing in the top four. Speaking about the number four, Wednesfield have managed to score 4 on both occasions, beating Wem Town 4-1 and Smethwick Rangers 4-3.
AFC Bridgnorth arguably couldn’t have had a more challenging start to the season. Two games in, their first three opponents are all sat in the top three and will all make strong impressions that they will want to remain there until the end of the season.
The Meadowmen have put on some strong showings in their fixtures under Ward this season so far, but have lacked a way of find the net through open play, something that may have arose due to the departure of last season’s top scorer, Anwar Olugbon.
The goals may not yet be flowing for them, but, there is a clear amount of character that gets them through tough games, already proven this season on a number of occasions.
Form
LWW
The hosts for Saturday have only suffered one defeat this season, coming against AFC Bridgnorth in the FA Vase. They will be out the blocks sharp, looking to take a dominant 3-1 lead, but this time, not let it end in heartbreak.
A flawless run so far in the league however, has them sat second as we go into the weekend, they will be looking to extend that run as Ward’s side will be looking to pick up their first win of the season and it will have to be done within the 90 minutes this time.
One to watch
Louis Mason and Ben Novis both have three in three for Wednesfield so far this season. Their partnership is brimming and you can expect some chances to be created from these two on Saturday. Crook didn’t feature in the FA Vase meeting though, so these two will have another task on their hands to beat the inform Bridgnorth keeper on Saturday.
Summary
Both sides will be looking to be in those top four positions come the end of the season and they’ll know that the points they pick up now are just as important to aid their surge. It should be a solid contest and both the sides will be up for it. After suffering a close 1-0 defeat away at Shifnal, Ward will be readying his side to come home with the three points.
Live updates of the game will be available on Twitter @AFCBridgnorth during Saturday’s league opener.
Updated COVID-19 guidelines are also found on the clubs’ social media pages. Please enjoy the game and stay safe.