IT was a mixed Bank Holiday weekend for Brocton as they suffered a narrow defeat on Saturday, following up with a victory over Lichfield City on Monday.
The Badgers were under early pressure at Bloxwich United at the weekend and it was all they could do to get out of their own half.
Ironically it was from Brocton’s first attack that Bloxwich broke away to take the lead. Tom Sturmey brought down an opponent and the home side converted the spot kick.
United increased the lead when a cross was turned into his own net by the unfortunate Richard Jones.
Brocton finally put together some constructive play and forced two successive corners. From the second, Gary Fife drilled home from 25 yards to bring Brocton back into contention.
Brocton had penalty appeals turned down just moments later and Bloxwich again hit the Badgers on the counter and restored a two-goal cushion.
The Badgers had the upperhand at the start of the second half and kept themselves in the match when Fife netted after his initial penalty was saved by the home keeper.
Brocton looked to have earned a point when Alex Barnfather equalised on 90 minutes, but Bloxwich snatched a winner in the fifth minute of stoppage time.
On Monday, Brocton returned to winning ways with a 2-1 home success against Lichfield City.
After chances were created at both ends, Brocton opened the scoring when Fife put away a penalty after Lichfield keeper Craig Johnson was adjudged to have brought down Barnfather.
However, Brocton were reduced to ten men when Jordan Bloor was red-carded for holding down an oppponent after having a free kick awarded against him.
Lichfield made the one man advantage count in the second half and grabbed an equaliser, but it was Brocton who took all three points when Dave Berks found the mark with a well taken free kick.
Brocton, who enjoyed a good run in the competition last season, hit the FA Vase trail this Saturday with a first qualifying round tie at home to Shawbury United (3pm).
Meanwhile, STAFFORD Town picked up a point in a 1-1 home draw against Pelsall Villa on Monday, following two successive defeats on the space of five days.
Midweek saw the Reds slip to a 1-0 reverse at fourth place Bloxwich, the game’s only goal coming from John Freeman on 29 minutes.
Town forced chances in the second period, but Steve Bennett, Sam Agar and Daryll Johns were all off target, as Bloxwich remained unbeaten this season.
On Saturday, Town entertained Coventry Copsewood but went down 2-0 against a ten-man visiting side, who had Tim Partridge sent off for violent conduct at the start of the second half.
Town’s lack of fire power was the cause of this latest downfall Callum Reeves opened the scoring for the visitors on five minutes, following a corner.
The Reds went close through Johns (twice) and John Kirby, but they were unable to capitalise on their one man advantage.
Copsewood secured the points with a late second goal from substitute Shane Brassington, so handing Town their first home defeat of the season.
Town are in FA Vase first qualifying round action this Saturday with a trip to Coleshill Town (3pm). If a replay is required it will take place
