Dudley Sports 2 Wulfs 1

After defeats against high flyers Bridgnorth Town and Shawbury United in their last two games, Wulfs were desperate to get back on track with another difficult game away at in-form Dudley Sports.

With Jason Scott again deputising for Pete Tipton as Manager with Martyn Morgan again at his side, Simon Hardle, Mark Tipton and Fraser Houston were all promoted back to the starting line up.

Both teams made bright starts to the game but it was Wulfs who should have taken a 12th minute lead.

Chip Southern delivered a low corner from the right, James Skedgel’s hooked shot was half blocked and Myles Fenn had a clear shot at goal six yards how that he somehow managed to put over the bar.

Dudley’s response was a 25 yard free kick that Andy Blakeley blazed well over Danny Tipton’s crossbar.

This effort was obviously just a sighter as Dudley took a 28th minute lead with a free kick from the exact same spot.  This time it was Matt Bridgwater who stepped up to fire a low shot in off the inside of the post.

Wulfs tried to hit straight back and three minutes later Andy Mitchell hassled to win possession before seeing his shot from a narrow angle saved by James Trevalen.  Mitchell picked up the rebound and pulled it back to Robin Sheffield who saw his shot deflect just wide.

In the 33rd minute Mark Tipton picked up a pass from Chip Southern and hit a 25 yard shot that was spilt by Trevalen but grabbed at the second attempt as Ricky Anslow closed in.

Although Wulfs were enjoying most of the possession, it was Sports who extended their lead three minutes before the break. 

Wulfs failed to clear their lines properly and Ross Harris nipped in to hit a partially blocked cross that flew across the edge of the area and spun past a backtracking defender giving Anthony Cox a free run at goal.

He made no mistake as he lifted the ball over the advancing Danny Tipton and into the net.

With the wind at their backs and the advantage of a slight slope in the second half, Wulfs still felt there was a way back into this game and their cause was helped immensely when they pulled a goal back in the 57th minute.

Fraser Houston won possession, nudged the ball between a defenders legs and the slid a shot past the keeper for a fine individual goal.

Dudley hit back quickly and went close when Ross Harris had a shot from a narrow angle blocked by Danny Tipton but by now it was Wulfs who were doing most of the attacking.

Indeed, they almost grabbed an equaliser in the 67th minute.  Andy Mitchell foraged for possession on the edge of the area and Fraser Houston took over, turned his man and had a shot blocked at close range by James Trevalen.

Ten minutes later Simon Hardle received a short corner and cut the ball back to the edge of the area where Robin Sheffield hit a low shot just wide of the post.

Wulfs continued to pile on the pressure but were met by some resolute defending that, coupled with their very bright attacking play, should see Dudley there or thereabouts come the end of the season.