WOLSTANTON UTD 5 BROCTON 2
(Staffs FA Vase)
IT WAS difficult to decide which of two factors, confidence or home advantage, was the major one, as Brocton crashed out of the Staffs FA Vase on Saturday.
However, this was a result Wolstanton deserved even if the margin was harsh on the Badgers who wasted a number of good scoring opportunities.
On a heavy pitch, Wolstanton were certainly quicker to react as the ball stuck on a muddy pitch in open play, and twice in the goal area when they scored.
The first goal came after a Brocton attack had been cleared and the visitors had three tries to do the same in the heart of their own area.
Each time the ball stuck and on the third occasion was collected and turned into the net.
Goal number two came on 25 minutes following a penetrating run down the left and cut into the area which Sam Fleming seemed to have dealt with, producing a timely tackle.
But the ball did not move away and Fleming was deemed to have tripped the attacker in the aftermath as he made a second attempt.
The penalty was awarded and duly scored.
After replying with a drive just wide, Dan Lomas was on hand again, but this time headed wide after Dave Ablewhite had set Bloor free and crossed from the left, Just as half time approached, with Brocton beginning to look a little more threatening, an attempted cross from the right into Brocton's box struck Rob Tomlinson’s arm at point blank range and the referee awarded Wolstanton their second penalty and it was 3-0.
The visitors went for broke early in the second period and Ablewhite evaded attempted tackles before setting Dave Berks on a run.
Berks got to the bye line and found Pickering, who shot on the turn just wide.
Lomas produced a fine touch to bring down a long ball from Fleming and simultaneously make himself some space in front of goal.
Unfortunately his shot did not quite match the earlier touch and found the keeper.
A good run by Bloor finally produced a goal as his shot from an acute angle went in off the keeper at the near post.
A free kick lobbed into the Badgers’ area soon put paid to any thoughts of a Brocton come back as it stuck in the mud when it landed and was finally swept into the net.
Lomas then got the reward for all his efforts as a free kick from Berks was headed perfectly into the top left hand corner of the net.
United were content to contain and their passing and confidence kept them well in control.
After a heavy shower, a miserable afternoon for Brocton followers was completed when the home side pounced on a missed pass and hit a fifth goal.
This Saturday, Brocton enertain Southam United in the leagiue (3pm).
