Without top scorers Tom Lowe and Danny Dolman alongside the suspended Paul Yeomans Wyrley slipped to only their second defeat of the season on Saturday away to Wrens Nest.

In torrential rain Wyrley started the game very brightly and after 20 minutes took the lead through Chris Geldart. Geldart was released by a fine pass from Chris Asbury before coolly slotting home from close range. That goal seemed to fire Wrens into life and on 35 minutes they got a deserved equaliser. A neat through ball found their striker who poked home from 18 yards past the despairing dive of keeper Richard James making his return from a broken leg. Five minutes before half time Wrens went in front when Wyrley failed to clear a corner properly. The ball was cleared to the edge of the box to a Wrens player who struck a ferocious shot toward goal. James pulled out a world class save but unfortunately his defenders then let him down by failing to react to the rebound and the ball was bundled home. Half time Wrens Nest 2 Wyrley Juniors 1.

Wyrley came out with a much better attitude in the second half and it was not long before they were back level. Chris Asbury controlled a high ball on his chest and struck a fine volley from 20 yards into the bottom corner which gave the keeper no chance. As the game wore on it appeared that Wyrley were the stronger of the two teams but they failed to turn any of the pressure into goalscoring oppurtunities.

With 15 minutes to go the referee consulted both of his assistants and informed both teams that with the game tied at 2-2 he was considering abandoning the match as the conditions were becoming unsafe. Just after this a rare mistake by Wyrley’s Adam Jinks allowed a Wrens player to get in behind him and with Jinks attempting to get back to make up for his error he only succeeded in deflecting the shot past James in the Wyrley goal. Wyrley then heaped on the pressure in an attempt to get back in the game and right at the death they had a glorious chance to get back level. Jinks carried the ball out from the back and exchanged passes with Chris Fowler twice before slotting the ball in to Geldart. Unfortunately with only the keeper to beat Geldart could not direct his shot on the heavy pitch and he fired straight at the keeper before the referee blew his final whistle.

A disappointing result for Wyrley but they are still right in the promotion race and must get back to winning ways this Saturday against Bentley at The Red Lion Ground.

Wyrley Team – Richard James, Steve Foster, Dan Martin, Adam Jinks, Stuart Foster, Chris Asbury, Lee Charles, Chris Fowler, Chris Geldart, Jamie Fowler, Dan Kalinski. Subs – Greg Tarbuck, Saul Stocking, Kris Chilton, Paul Baker

Man of the Match – Chris Asbury