Boss bemoans game management after Brocton lose late

The 2-1 defeat in Shropshire leaves Brocton looking nervously over their shoulders, with the home team coming up fast on the rails in the Midland League Premier Division play-off race.

A Will Whieldon penalty, which cancelled out Callum Parker’s fifth minute opener, looked to have earned the Staffordshire side a point.

But they were stung at the death, Ollie Holden firing home on the turn after Brocton had failed to clear their lines.

Curtis said: “I’m disappointed in the way the game finished. We barely laid a hand on them first half and we were poor. 

“In the second half we were better and forced their keeper into some good saves before we equalised with the penalty. 

“Seven minutes into stoppage time we have to clear our lines but instead we allow Whitchurch a shot and a goal. Over the 90 minutes, they deserved to win the game. We have to manage the game better.”

Leaders Lichfield City maintained their seven-point lead at the summit with a 4-0 win away at Studley.

Goals from Jamie Elkes, Jamie Spears, Jude Taylor and Sonny Sheasby earned Lichfield a victory which puts them within nine points of securing the title.

Dudley Town were 4-1 winners at Northwich Victoria, while a Freddie Cockerell goal earned AFC Wulfrunians a 1-0 derby win over Wolverhampton Casuals.

An Alfie Higgs goal earned Tividale what could prove an important point in their battle against the drop. Higgs netted a 72nd minute equaliser as Tivi claimed a 1-1 draw at home to Uttoxeter Town.

In Division One, Cradley Town boss Stuart How was left bemoaning a slow start after the play-off chasers suffered a 3-1 defeat at Heather St Johns.

Cradley found themselves two down after just 21 minutes after Nathan McGarrity and Kyle Jardine struck for the hosts. 

But the visitors then improved and looked favourites to get a leveller after Jordan Crump pulled one back, only for Kai Thomas to seal the win for the hosts.

How said: “It’s really disappointing to not get anything out of the game. But we are our own worst enemies at times.

“The first 20 minutes we were on the back foot. There were two outstanding goals from them have left us chasing the game.

“When we have pulled one back, momentum was firmly with us. We’ve come away scratching our head how we have not taken something from the game.” 

Nehemia Zazi grabbed the only goal as Bilston Town claimed a 1-0 win over Saffron Dynamo which kept their slim play-off hopes alive.

“That is precisely the kind of game we have been drawing,” said boss Mike Dunn. “The draws have killed us this season. If it wasn’t for those we would be right up there.”

Smethwick Rangers drew 2-2 at home to Nuneaton Griff, while Gornal Athletic also shared four goals with Ingles.

A double from Patryk Mazurkiewicz sent Stafford Town through to the final of the Edward Case Cup.

Matt Hearsey was also on target for Town in their 3-0 home win over Ashville. Stafford will face Atherton LR in the final.