Black Country Rangers 1 Wulfs 2

The second round of the JW Hunt Cup saw Wulfs travel to Willenhall Town’s Noose Lane ground to face WMRL Division Two side Black Country Rangers.

With Manager Pete Tipton unavailable, his assistant Jason Scott took over the reins and was assisted by Martyn Morgan.

In a slow start to the game, the opening exchanges were restricted to a long range shot apiece that didn’t trouble either keeper.

Wulfs almost took an 8th minute lead following a bizarre goalmouth scramble when a Richard Gummery right wing corner caused mayhem inside the six yard box.  First a couple of defenders produced air shots and then a third sliced his attempted clearance straight at his own keeper from point blank range.  Keeper Jamie Taylor gratefully held on to the follow up header.

Rangers’ first effort at goal came in the 16th minute when Martin Taylor strode out of defence before sliding a through ball for Jamie Hurdman to run on to and hit a low shot that keeper Danny Tipton got down well to save.

The rest of the first half was of very poor quality and the only other real chance of note came from a 24th minute Richard Gummery corner which James Skedgel met with a downward header that, unfortunately for him, bounced up and over the bar.

A half time call for an all round improvement was heeded as Wulfs imposed themselves immediately from the restart. 

Just a few seconds had elapsed when Ricky Anslow won a free kick which Richard Gummery delivered quickly into the area where a completely unmarked James Skedgel had time to chest down before spooning a shot miles wide from eight yards out with just the keeper to beat.

Skedgel’s blushes were spared three minutes later when Wulfs took the lead. 

Richard Gummery’s attempt at a through ball should have caused few problems but defender Martin Taylor missed his kick leaving Ricky Anslow with a clear run at goal and he made no mistake as he lifted the ball over the keeper and into the net.

Wulfs were now well in control of the game but suffered the 62nd minute loss of Chip Southern when an unnecessary flashpoint saw both he and Rangers defender Shaun Griffiths sent off.

The loss didn’t seem to affect Wulfs too much as they doubled their advantage in the 65th minute.  Jason Scott pulled a ball expertly out of the air before turning his marker and sliding a ball through for Ricky Anslow to fire home past the advancing keeper for his second of the game.

This display of skill was enough to convince Player Manager Jason Scott it was a good time to substitute himself to great applause from the crown.  Rangers also made two substitutions which improved their attacking strength no end.

In the 77th minute Martin Shenton broke down the right flank before squaring to substitute Richard Hamilton but his effort flew high and wide.

Wulfs should have sealed the game nine minutes from time in a move which should have seen Ricky Anslow complete his hat-trick.  Andy Mitchell carried the ball down the right before squaring across goal to an unmarked Ricky Anslow who had one touch to control but then hit his shot over the bar with just the keeper to beat.

This miss could have proved costly as Rangers pulled a goal back two minutes later.  Tom Edkins drove at the Wulfs defence before sliding a pass into the path of substitute Danny Smith and he hit a low drive into the net from just inside the area.

Fortunately there were no further scares for Wulfs and they progressed to a Quarter Final home tie against Division One side Stafford Town.