Dudley Town 1-5 The Bears

Reporter Liam Donnelly
Photographs - Various
WHAT A WEEK FOR THE BEARS⚽️??⚽️??
With Congleton’s game postponed on Tuesday because of our lovely English weather. Lichfield knew they had to beat Highgate to keep the title race going.

They lost which meant THE BEARS ARE CHAMPIONS!! what a season it’s been so far for the bears. After the midland cup final I will write an extended season review.

Today the Bears travel to Dudley on there first stop on the champions tour. It really doesn’t feel real that we are the champions.
A credit to Richard Duffy and Anthony Griffiths who have done a fantastic job for this team. And of course to all the players who have made it all happen. Too all the volunteers at the Cleric Stadium who without them we wouldn’t have a fantastic pitch, and be able to run on Match days. COME ON YOU BEARS! ??⚽️

A special mention to Dudley Town who have created a special programme for todays game and a special feature on the champions of the Midland Premier Division.

It’s a fantastic sight to see that Congleton Town have 2 players in the Top goalscorers chart. Danny Needham so far on 26 with Brian Barton on 20. Congleton still have 2 games to play.

Team news:
For the champions:
Still no Dave Parton who is seeing out his last game of suspension. So Jake Parrison comes in once again. Richard Duffy on the bench, Barton also on the bench. But Ethan Hartshorn, Mackenzie Faulkner, and Peter Williams all start the Champions this afternoon.
Today Congleton will get their hands on the trophy!

The sun is warm here just outside of Dudley for todays game and the Title celebrations are about to get underway. With the Bear Army travelling in big numbers from Congleton.

First half:
A guard of honour was given to the bears before kick off. No signs of any cuppas in this one.
Late change for the bears. Needham is replaced by Tom Allen before kick off.
Dudley started off well in the first few minutes.
GOOOAAAAAAAAAL ??⚽️BEARS!
a ball through to Max McCarthy who finds George Sankey. Very dubious decision looked offside. But Sankey finishes it off well! The Champions have started!
GOOOAAAAAL ⚽️⚽️??
It’s Ethan Hartshorn with a screamer! Fantastic work by Max McCarthy with another great through ball. The Champions are going on the run!
2-0!
GOOOOOAAAAAAL⚽️⚽️⚽️???
The Bears are on fire and Dan Cocks with a superb finish! It goes right into the corner of the net. The Bears are on fire and the travelling Bear Army are in fine voice!
Pete Williams with a chance hit it from afar but the keeper easily claims it. Since going behind by thre Dudley have stepped up a bit and seeing more of the ball.
Max Mccarthy with a huge chance after working well to keep the ball in the box could only put it just wide after pressure from the Dudley defender. Still remains 0-3!
Big penalty claim for the bears Dan Cocks goes down in the box but ref waves play on, shortly after Max McCarthy gets clattered in the box by the keeper but again referee gives nothing.
Another big chance from long range from Darren Chadwick, keeper off his line but it goes just wide of the post.
Fantastic skill bySankey beats 2 players takes a shot on but the keeper gets down to save it.
GOOOOAAAAAAAL ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️????
Fantastic play by George Sankey once again. He puts a good ball into the box and Max McCarthy is there to finish it off. he gets the bears 4th of the game and Congleton are running riot here in Dudley.
0-4!
A fantastic move once more by the Bears. It’s like watching Manchester City. Max Mccarthy is running the show out there today. Ethan Hartshorn with the shot it hits the side netting and the linesman puts his flag up.
Stays 0-4!
Jake Parrison challenges a Dudley attacker for the ball but catches the attacker. And there is a stop in play whilst he receives some treatment.
But it’s a drop ball for the bears.

Half time Dudley 0-4 Congleton Town

It’s been a rampant half for the Bears, who are searching to score even more and show just why they are champions.
Could we see another 10-0 game…

Second half:
So far in the second half Congleton are trying to create even more chances to the really turn the screw. Dudley yet to create anything much of worth shouting about.
Two subs for the bears Tom Hampton and Callum Lovatt comes on. Darren Chadwick and Max McCarthy come off.

I AM MAXIMUS wins the grand National bears fans I’m sure backed him.

Free kick just outside the box for Dudley but it’s easily saved by the Bears keeper.
Sub for the bears. Dan Cocks comes off, Brian Barton on looking for more goals.
Another bit of lovely play by the Bears. Who are running the show here.

GOOOAAAAAAAAALLL ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️?????
What a strike from Tommy Hampton! This game is turning into another goal fest and never mind a man of the match we will have a goal of the match!
Dudley number 3 sees red ? after a getting a sinbin in the first half and a booking he never really recovered from and his head was gone.
The Bear Army are in fine voice here and loving the title celebrations, and playing some lovely football!
Another huge chance for the bears. The linesman had his flag up but the referee plays on unfortunately Barton couldn’t finish it off, but the play here today is wonderful.
GOOOOAAAAAL ⚽️
Dudley get nothing but a consolation goal it’s 1-5.
Full time
Dudley 1-5 Congleton town
The Bears put in another 5 star performance. The title of the Midland League was lifted and the Bears look ahead to the final game of the season at Tividale on Tuesday night..

I must say a huge respect to Dudley their players were on the pitch whilst the lift was going on.
Man of the match: Ethan Hartshorn ran the show was fantastic!
Goal of the match: Dan Cocks goal was special! They were all fantastic.
The Bears March on too their last game of the season on Tuesday.
Thanks for reading ?
Liam Donnelly
Congleton radio
Dudley town