Reds off to a flyer
Willenhall Town 3-1 Dunstable Town
By Martyn Simpson
Willenhall got off to the best start imaginable with a convincing victory in difficult conditions. Scott Voice and a Paul Danks double did the damage to send the visitors packing. A new look squad saw no fewer than eleven players make their Willenhall bow during the course of the afternoon.
Both sides were playing their first game in a new division and despite the torrential rain it was a high octane start. As early as the 4th minute the hosts could have been in front. A deceiving Nick Campbell cross was palmed to safety just when it looked as though the ball would find its way into the back of the net.
Shortly after, Dean Perrow was put clean through but the keeper rushed out and scrambled the ball clear. This signalled the start of the visitors purple patch as both Anthony Fontenelle and Ben L’Honore both came close.
The deadlock was broken on 29 minutes courtesy of quick thinking from Voice. Whilst Dunstable were preparing to defend a free kick, Voice shot early to catch everyone unaware and mark his debut with a goal. The Reds should have been two up at the interval as Voice sent Perrow racing clear but he dragged his shot wide.
Weather conditions improved for the second period but the hosts were soon dealt a blow as Craig Slater hobbled off injured. Soon after, Perrow also limped off but the introduction of Danks was a pivotal moment in the game.
The lead was extended thanks to yet another swiftly taken free kick. The impressive Chad Sheppard found Danks in space, who made no mistake from close range. It looked as though the game would end at 2-0 however there was more late drama to come. Failure to properly defend an 87th minute set piece allowed Fontenelle to give Dunstable an avenue back into the game but a late incisive breakaway saw Danks put the result beyond doubt.
Reds line up: Shiels; Platt, Newell, Slater (Petty 51); Campbell (Holland 68), Bishop, Sheppard, Rochester, Vaughan; Voice, Perrow (Danks 60). Subs not used: Rowe, Quilt
Dunstable line up: Eade, Strange, Walker, Covington, Coulson; L’Honore (O’Neill 78), Sarll, Osborne (Barnett 64); Fontenelle, Arthur, Dixon. Subs not used: Potter, Stallard