West Midland Regional Women’s League. Div. North

Coach, Ron Arnold’s 40th birthday party on Saturday night played a huge part in this match as players were suffering from the celebrations the night before and the journey to Stoke didn’t help some.

Bradwell were more than ready for this game and were in confident mood after beating Wyrley in their last 5 encounters, Wyrley’s work rate was below par in the first half but it was only when a challenge in the box by Gemma Whitehouse resulted in a penalty awarded that Bradwell took advantage and went into the lead.

Wyrley was finding the going tough and couldn’t break through a defence that were extremely well organised and were quick to get back to the half way line, at half time the score remained at 1-0.

The second half saw Wyrley a little more alert but with only three shots on goal still couldn’t break through and once again it was Bradwell that scored after some sloppy defending.

Emily Lloyd in goal for Wyrley was superb, making a couple of tremendous saves and the never die attitude finally saw a break through when Stacey Arnold picked up the ball beat 2 defenders and scored a brilliant goal with only ten minutes left, from then on Wyrley seemed to finally come alive and the Bradwell defenders had to work hard to keep them out.

Then with only a minute left a ball over the top into the path of the running April Phillps who found herself with a clear run on goal calmly slotted the ball round the keeper.

It was a tremendous moment for players and supporters alike and the final whistle went when the players kicked off after the goal.

This was a poor performance by Wyrley’s standards but once again they proved that they do not ever give up and are a team to be proud of.

Player of the match was Kirsty Hughes.

Next game is at home to Willenhall Town Ladies who currently top the league at Burntwood FC’s ground, Rugeley Road, Burntwood, kick off 2pm.