Willenhall Town 2 Spalding United 1

By Russell Brown

Two goals from Karl Edwards gave Willenhall their first Unibond home win and pushed the Red’s into fifth place in the League. It took a while for Willenhall to get going but a much improved second half performance ensured that the red’s unbeaten start to the season continued.

Both sides passed the ball around well in the first half, but the final pass often proved to be a disappointing end to a promising build up and chances were limited to snatched opportunities.

A Gary Pawson defensive header fell straight to John Quilt on the edge of the area, but the big striker tried too hard to make an instant return shot and drove high over the Spalding goal.

Some excellent play on the left saw Jason Smith and Karl Edwards combine well and when the striker crossed the ball Quilt’s acrobatic attempt at an overhead kick was again just too high of the mark.

The visitors looked solid in defence and were working hard to close down the space that Willenhall were trying to create.

The only scare that the home side had to endure in the opening 45 minutes was one of their own making. Scott Colcombe getting far too much on an attempted back pass and keeper Nathan Vaughan had to scramble across his goal line to scoop clear.

United were claiming the lead just after the break when a free kick on the right saw Ian Dunn stoop in to flick a header towards the far post and somehow Vaughan got across to punch the ball away from goal with the Spalding players claiming the ball had already crossed the line.

In the 62^nd minute came the goal that the home fans had been patiently waiting for and it was a breakthrough for new signing Karl Edwards who claimed his first league goal in Willenhall colours since his transfer from Chasetown. Quilt’s cushioned header set up the striker and with no hesitation he took a few strides forward before thrashing the ball across the keeper to hit the back of the net.

That visibly raised the confidence of both the home side and certainly Edwards himself and he showed just why manager Rob Smith was keen to sign the youngster, adding his second goal in spectacular style in the 77^th minute.

There seemed to be little danger when substitute Nathan Jackson found the forward on the edge of the area. Surrounded by Spalding defenders, Edwards dummied to go one way before swiveling and driving a superb low shot that flashed past Brett Chittock and hit the base of the far post to spin into the net.

In the final minute the Tulips finally breached the Red’s defence with what was to prove to be a well constructed, but ultimately a consolation goal. Pawson swerved between three players before releasing a perfect ball to Dunn who whipped his shot past Vaughan to give the Lincolnshire side something positive to take from the game.

Spalding Report

Only a goalpost denied the Tulips of a share of the points at Willenhall today.

The Tulips played some superb football, particularly in the first half and really did deserve something from the game.  But, once again, the good work was undone by ineffective finishing.  Oh, for a terrier in attack, someone to snap at the heels of the defence and to make a goalkeeper earn his keep!

We were very much in control for the first 45 minutes but tables were turned somewhat after the break against a wind increasing in strength and blowing straight down the pitch.  An indication of the wind’s power was that both home goals were scored from a distance.

Although there was some quality play it was 31 minutes before either side had a worthwhile shot on goal.  Skipper Andy Lodge, who covered every inch of the pitch in a dominant display, fired just wide after working well for space, then Liam Nimmo was closed down at a crucial stage after Jason Sedlan and Jemie Lawrence had combined well.

When Willenhall replied the Tulips back four of Steve Waiton, Graham Bowater, Gary Pawson and Steve Charles provided excellent cover for ‘keeper Brett Chittock.

Tulips looked to have taken the lead on 54 minutes when Graham Bowater’s back flip header looked set for the top corner but goalkeeper, Nathan Vaughan miraculously turned the ball away, although there were strong claims that the ball was at least two feet over the line.  At the other end Steve Waiton came to the rescue as the home team posed a threat.

Willenhall broke the deadlock on 63 minutes when Carl Edwards, looking at least a yard off-side, raced through to score.  The same player increased the home lead 12 minutes later, this time his shot from 30 yards rebounded from one post to the other before sneaking into the net.

It took a piece of inspirational play by Gary Pawson, following a free kick, to put the Tulips on the score sheet, bringing the goal they richly deserved.  He gigged by three defenders and slipped the ball through to Ian Dunn to hit the target.

With time running out another flowing move ended with ‘Dunny’ rattling the woodwork with a real snorter of a shot.

Manager, Dick Creasey, said he was disappointed with the result.  ‘We have played well enough to have got something from the game today.  The home players admitted that Bowater’s shot had definitely crossed the line but we were denied’.

Tulips: Brett Chittock, Graham Bowater, Andy Lodge, Steve Waiton, Gary Pawson, Jason Sedlan, Andy Stanhope, Steve Charles, Ian Dunn, Liam Nimmo, Jamie Lawrence (Tom Gosling 65 mins), Subs not used Steffan Dancy and Rob Greetham.