Wyrley Juniors 2-2 Penkridge Town

Wyrley entertained the league’s form side, Penkridge Town, in the League Cup First Leg on Saturday and Penkridge were determined to show why they were unbeaten in their last ten games.  

Penkridge came steaming out of the blocks and applied a load of pressure on the Wyrley goal with Richard James called into action on several occasions to make some important saves before Penkridge got the reward for their dominance after 30 minutes. A cross to the back post found the Penkridge winger in acres of space and he pulled the ball back to the penalty spot for his team mate to fire home into the bottom corner.

Wyrley continued to struggle to get out of their own half against a very determined Penkridge side and it was no surprise when the lead was doubled shortly before half time. Another cross from the left wing was blocked by Stuart Foster but Wyrley failed to deal with the loose ball and the Penkridge winger had a simple task of slotting home from close range. The Half Time whistle was blown with Penkridge wondering how they were not further in front.

After being reminded during the interval that there was plenty of football still to be played in this tie, Wyrley returned determined to find a way back in to the game and began to create plenty of chances. First Danny Dolman went close with a long distance effort before Chris Geldart then had a goalbound shot blocked.

Wyrley made a double substitution and introduced Jamie Fowler and Lee Charles to the game and just when it looked like they were going to turn their pressure in to goals Shaun Charles was dismissed for his second yellow card of the game and Wyrley’s task became even tougher. 

Surprisingly though Wyrley continued to dominate proceedings despite being a man down and they were given a lifeline when a Penkridge player handled the ball in the box when under pressure. The assistant referee spotted it and a penalty was awarded which Lee Charles coolly converted.

This gave Wyrley the heart to keep pushing and on 75 minutes they got the equaliser through Danny Dolman. A nice through ball set Jamie Fowler away and just when it looked like he was about to shoot he cleverly pulled the ball back into the path of Dolman to slot home.

Wyrley had the better of the chances in the closing stages but failed to convert any and a spirited comeback means they now have every chance of progressing to the final from the second leg at Penkridge on 24^th April.

Wyrley Team – Richard James, Steve Foster, Dan Martin, Phil Bowater, Stuart Foster, Paul Yeomans