Stourbridge Fanzine

Report

The Glassboys recorded their first win of the season with a 2-0 victory over Bedford Town. The pattern of the previous two games was once again in evidence with a stuttering first half showing followed by a big improvement in the second period. As well as the two goals, Stourbridge also hit the woodwork and the first clean sheet of the season was recorded with Joe Williams looking very impressive and assured at the heart of the defence.

The first 45 minutes saw little flowing football with both sides showing defensive nervousness at times and neither keeper was greatly troubled.

For Bedford, Ian Draycott twice found himself well placed on the edge of the area but fired well over on both occasions. Stourbridge’s best effort came when an Alex Cowley left wing cross was met by a Ryan Mahon diving header, which flew just over the bar.

Stour improved their work rate in the second half and Drew Canavan and Sean Evans made several surging runs at the Bedford defence and a home goal looked increasingly in the offing.

On 61 minutes, the Glassboys came close to the breakthrough as Aaron Drake cut in from the right wing and let fly with a 25 yard thunderbolt, which beat Mike Armitt in the visitor’s goal only to rebound straight into his arms off the post.

Eight minutes later, Stourbridge took the lead as Evans broke into the area and his low pull-back was touched on by Ryan Rowe for Ben Billingham to stroke the ball home from 8 yards.

On 75 minutes, the Glassboys made the game safe with a second goal. Sean Evans was again the creator as he intercepted a pass from a Bedford defender and his deep cross was headed up into the air by Aaron Drake. The Stour midfielder was first to react to the falling ball and lifted a lob over the Bedford custodian and into the net.

After the much improved second half display, the Glassboys have moved up to ninth place in the league. They are one of only five unbeaten teams in the Premier Division and they can look forward positively to the next two games, both away at Clevedon and Didcot.

Report by Mark Binner