The Jags took on local rivals Cannock Town in a Shield tie and were incredibly fortunate to keep their 100% record intact!

On a bitterly cold afternoon and a short, narrow muddy pitch which only suited the home side the Jags were forced into several pre match changes. With two keepers in the squad neither were available so leading scorer Louie donned the gloves to give a decent account in that position with one fingertip save that not many regular keepers would have got a hand to.

It was clear from the early stages Cannock were to defend like their lives depended on it making it very hard for the Jags to make in-roads especially on the small Cannock Park pitch which just has no room the stretch the game.

As Wyrley became frustrated Cannock’s confidence grew before one of only a handful of shots flew into the top corner to take what some might have described as a shock lead! Wyrley couldn’t react, with so little space to work with, any possession was closed down quickly and the Jags dragged themselves in at half time to be asked how much they wanted to win and maintain a push for the semi finals.

To their credit the Jags looked a different team in the second half, some tactical changes started to work, Man of the Match Coops covered every inch of the muddy pitch making countless tackles, Luke was now getting some service and worrying Town’s defence. Billy bravely carrying a knock from the week before gave the side some more midfield bite but it did look like one of those days when several hours of play would not produce another goal. The dependable back four of Ollie I, Tom, Milky and the returning Josh O after 6 weeks off were passengers as wave after wave of attack came to nothing.

With only minutes left Luke broke free down the right to cut back inside and finish with ease to give the Jags at least a point they deserved. Wyrley weren’t prepared to settle for a point though and with almost the last kick of the game in what felt like slow motion Coops from 20 yards out lobbed the keeper to seal all three points.

Man of the Match – The jester, Oli Coops