Northern Premier League Division One South - THE MATCH

Willenhall Town 0-2 Rushall Olympic - Tuesday 19th January 2010 - Kick-Off 1945

Anthony Maguire 4

Nick Preston 60

'Prest' the Advantage' - Official Match Report

Willenhall Town finally played their first match of 2010, and despite a spirited effort in the local derby against high flying Rushall, went down to another defeat.
Manager Steve Pomroy, donning the gloves at the age of 53, played the ball straight to the feet of Anthony Maguire, who hit a first time shot from 35 yards into the net to give Rushall a 4th minute lead.
But the manager made amends for the error on 13 minutes. Ex Willenhall player Justin Nisbett was set clean through on goal, but Pomroy did well to stay on his feet long enough, and Nisbett fired a shot which was saved by the keepers legs.
4 minutes later Willenhall almost pulled level. A cross from the right was headed down by Adam Robins into the path of Nathan Howells, but the striker could only volley over the bar.
On the half hour mark Ricky Nicholls saw his free kick take a deflection off the wall before going through to keeper Chris Gemmell, whilst 9 minutes later, a cross from Nisbett saw Harry Harris shot take a deflection out for a corner.
From the corner, Nisbett managed to connect with a diving header, but Pomroy got down quickly to pull off a fine save.

Half time: Willenhall 0 Rushall 1

3 minutes after the break Nicholls came close as his shot from the edge of the area was just over the bar.
But up the other end Pomroy continued to perform heroics, as a ball played to the back post saw Nisbett destined to double Rushall’s lead. But Pomroy dived full length across his goal and somehow kept the ball out.
But on the hour mark Rushall did double their lead. A superb ball floated over the top found Nick Preston in space, and he calmly slotted past Pomroy.
Pomroy was replaced in goal by defender Troy Doughlin, and he was called into action on 74 minutes, as he kept out a Maguire effort with his legs, after they had won possession off Wayne Brown.
Willenhall had two chances late on to gain a consolation effort, first, Nicholls shot from the edge of the area was well held by Gemmell, and in stoppage time the ball was squared to Adrian Manchester, who shot over the bar from 15 yards.

Willenhall line-up: Pomroy (Doughlin), Griffiths, Pomroy-Crowe, Manchester, Brown, Whitehouse, Pinnock (Worley), Eagles (Nicholls), Rose, Howells, Robins.

Rushall line-up: Gemmell, Moran, Robinson, Preston, Smith, Beckett, McNaught, Fitzpatrick, Harris (Jevons), Nisbett (Edmond), Maguire.

Attendance: 71

NOTE* - The Lockmen make the venture to Loughborough Dynamo on Saturday 23rd January 2010 - Kick-Off 1500. Coach Travel Service has been confirmed. Admission Fees price at £10..00 for all concerned. Deperature from Noose Lane; 1100AM