Claregate Park Rangers 2 vs 1 AFC Vale

Today's home league fixture against AFC Vale ended in a 2-1 victory for Claregate in a tough game on heavy pitch.

Claregate netted the first on 17 minutes when Kyle Matthews' trickey in the box brought a foul and Jon Wilson stepped up to convert the penalty by sending the keeper the wrong way with a well placed finish.

Vale got themselves back into the game on 25 minutes with a penalty of their own.

Right on half time Kane Lewis took the ball in his stride, cut in from the right taking on 2 players then played a cheeky little one-two with Daniel "Burnzy" Burns for Kane to curl a left footed effort around the keeper and inside the far post for one of the best goals we've seen this season and take the scores to 2-1.

The second half saw Vale pile on the pressure but the back 4, in particular Jon Wilson and the returning Nathan Garratt, stood firm. Vale had efforts hitting the bar and post as well as bringing a stunning save from Lee Witherford but Claregate dug in and saw the game out.

A hard fought win but Claregate could have made it easier with better service in the final third. Performance levels all round were top quality but Jon Wilson edged man of the match for a gutsy defensive display. Subs used were Si Stokes on for Trotter on 55 mins and Matty Yeomans on for Josh Hodson on 62 mins.

That ends our January games with Claregate winning every game.

Next up is Codsall Station in the first of the Martyn Chell Cup games.

As always, thanks to our sponsors:

Jacks Bar

Jones Road Working Mens Club.

Brierley Hill Crystal

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Sally's 1st Stop