Haughmond played hosts to Bilston Town on a day more suited to kite flying than football but at least we never had the rain from the previous Saturday.
With a number of absentees, the squad looked a little different, Dan and Mando were standing in for Burtie who was away scouting.
Despite the weather a decent crowd braved the wind and created a good atmosphere.
The wind was that strong we did wonder how much football we would get but all credit to both sides who kept the ball on the ground and made for a good game.
Bilston had come with a game plan that became evident as the game progressed and within ten minutes they had taken the lead despite the claims of off side from the home side.
After getting the early lead Bilston were happy to let Haughmond play in front of them and this clearly worked as the home side had the greater share of the play but struggled to penetrate the orange wall and Bilston looked comfortable defending their lead.
Ben Matthews picked up a Thigh injury and was replaced by Alex Johnson on the left hand side with Jack Griffiths moving into the centre half position.
Half time arrived with the score at 0-1 and Haughmond struggling to find an answer to the resolute Bilston defence.
With the wind getting stronger the second half started as the first one finished with the home side looking for a way through and the away side looking comfortable in executing their game plan. Bookings started to be shown as tackles started to become tired and late and tempers flared.
With 15minutes remaining Mando threw on Steve Rogers and the shape changed as Haughmond loaded the top end and eventually the pressure took it’s toll on the away side as Jolly got a shot away and the keeper who had a great game spilled the shot and Steve Hole was on hand to smash home the loose ball.
Straight away Haughmond thought they had a second but somehow the keeper pushed away a goal bound header, with moments left Bilston had two great efforts but could not pass Sam Jones who made two fantastic saves despite watching the previous 75mins as a spectator.
Great game to watch considering the weather and credit to both sides for an entertaining game.
MoM was shared by Jack Griffiths and Alex Johnson, Jack who moved into the centre half position and looked really strong and AJ came on and slotted in on the left and used the ball really well and looked a threat and defended well.
A little break before the SFA Q/F against Whitchurch Alport on the Wednesday 16th.