Men's 1st XI Vs Olton & WW 2

Telford and Wrekin Men’s 1st XI welcomed Olton and West Warwick 2nd’s on Saturday in what was their first home game since the disappointing defeat to Stourport, but were looking to build on last week’s 3-1 victory over Worcester.

Liam Hennessy and Callum Nightingale were available after their half-term holidays, as well as Phil Bailey who replaced the absent Luke Stacey.

The hosts started the game well wining several short corners but could not convert. Chances also come from open play, but it took Telford 15 minutes to open the scoring. Former Olton man Tom Mallett scored with an exceptional reverse strike from a narrow angle after rounding the oncoming keeper. Liam Hennessy was provider after intercepting the ball on the halfway line, he found Mallett who took care of the rest.

Sean Huffer scored his third goal of the season from close range after a lovely passing move from Telford. A good move through the midfield allowed Tom Gough to find the overlapping Callum Nightingale on the right-hand side. His cross across the ‘D’ found Huffer in the right place at the right time to find the goal.

Telford’s pressure was relentless in the 1st half as Dave Tracey bagged the third goal of the game just before half time. Tom Mallett’s drag flick was saved into the path of Tracey who coolly finished over the keeper’s right side.

Half time came with Telford in control and added to their 3 goal lead minutes into the second half. Callum Stacey’s drag flick came off the post and fell kindly to Noah Higginson who finished well on the half volley to score his 5th goal in 6 games.

Olton halved Telford’s lead in the space of 5 minutes after several lapses in concentration, leaving a nervy final 10 minutes of the game as Olton pressed to get themselves something from the game.

The hosts composed and saw out the final 10 minutes of the game to give themselves the three points that they deserved which was most certainly a game of two halves to leave Telford sitting in 2nd place in the Midlands Division 1 table. 

Next week Telford travel to Edgbaston hoping to keep the pressure on table toppers Stourport.