Men's 1st XI Vs Bloxwich 1

Telford & Wrekin Men's 1XI opened up their MRHA Tier 1 Division 3 league campaign with a last minute 3-2 victory against Bloxwich. Telford welcomed back Sam Mallet to the squad after a season with Olton & West Warwick and deadline day signing Callum Stacey who joined from Cannock. They were missing defender Andy Balmer but were otherwise at full strength against a Bloxwich side that finished mid table last season. 

Bloxwich started the brighter and forced a short corner in the opening minutes which was despatched to the bottom corner and continued to pile on the pressure in an opening 10 minutes where Telford were unable to get a grip of the game. As the half wore on though, Telford managed to gain more possession further up the field and created chances of their own with Dave Tracey finishing off a short corner to bring the sides level. Both sides had chances to re-take the lead but the sides went into half-time level at 1-1.

In the second half Telford looked to reduce the number of unforced errors and put their hosts under pressure but were unable to breakdown a stubborn defence. At the other end, Bloxwich were looking dangerous on the break and midway through the second half made it 2-1 from another short corner that had broken down. They had chances to extend their lead but Telford remained composed and with 5 minutes to go skipper Alex Johnson crossed for Tracey to deflect the ball home into the far corner and then with seconds left on the clock they won a short corner which Dominic Ashley forced home to complete a fantastic comeback win. 

With lots to work on in training this week, a full strength Telford will look to build on their first opening day win in a number of seasons when they take on Coventry & North Warwick at Wrekin College 1.30pm start.