Wulfs 1 Bewdley3
Wulfs entertained Bewdley Town for a top of the table clash that would undoubtedly prove to be the toughest test yet for Pete Tipton’s men.
It was Wulfs who got out of the blocks quickest.
In the opening minute Chip Southern was freed down the right and his deep cross was met by Liam Evans but he hit his shot not only over the bar but also over the safety netting behind the goal.
The fast start paid dividends in the 6th minute.
Simon Hardle, making his first start of the season, received a pass from Chip Southern and threaded a great ball down the line to Steve Rich who crossed into the area where Dave Hayhurst kept up his good recent scoring run by volleying into the roof of the net.
The lead was short lived, however, as Bewdley hit back within two minutes.
Ben McCloughlan delivered a free kick into the area and after a bit of a melee the ball dropped to the feet of Ben Drew on the penalty spot and he calmly slotted home.
Play switched back to the other end of the pitch where Chip Southern again caused trouble down the right before cutting back for Simon Hardle to curl a cross into the area where Steve Rich just failed to get a touch at the back post.
Bewdley were very sharp all over the pitch but Wulfs were matching them head on but it was Bewdley who took the lead in the 31st minute.
A long ball forward was headed on to the dangerous Chris Hough and he played a lovely reverse ball to strike partner Jamie Hart who fired home past Danny Tipton.
Bewdley now held all the aces as they were able to sit back and defend while their front two continued to cause problems on the break.
Wulfs battled on gamely and went close just before half time when Chip Southern delivered another cross from the right and Steve Rich climbed highest but sent his header over the crossbar.
A half time switch saw new signing Ricky Anslow make his debut in place of Myles Fenn as Wulfs took the game to their opponents but struggled to fashion many chances of note.
The one good chance that did come their way, in the 57th minute saw Dave Hayhurst cross into the area for Steve Rich to control and hit a half volley that had keeper Tom Harper stretching full length to his right to save well.
After soaking up plenty of pressure, Bewdley created a couple of chances of their own.
The 1st saw Danny Tipton save well with an outstretched foot after Chris Hough had broke in behind the defence and the 2nd brought Bewdley a third and decisive goal.
Hough was again the instigator as he again breached the defence in the 71st minute but this time was hauled down by Danny Tipton after attempting to round him.
Jamie Hart made no mistake from the resulting spot kick.
From this point on the points were secure although Liam Evans did go close to pulling a goal back when he met a clearance by chesting forward and volleying just wide.
Bewdley also had a good chance to extend their lead when Jamie Hart crossed into the area and Steve Holt fired just wide of the post from near the penalty spot.
So Wulfs suffered their first defeat of the season but credit to Bewdley who played a great game.
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