MIDLAND FOOTBALL COMBINATION
PREMIER DIVISION

West Midlands Police 2, Brocton 2

Brocton who were making their first ever visit to Tally Ho! and managed to salvaged a point with a dramatic stoppage time equaliser.

The first half flowed end-to- end, and Brocton missed their chances and were punished by West Mids who scored twice. On 14 minutes, Paul Shaw burst from the half way line down the right flank and sent in an inch perfect cross to Martin Slattery who's first time shot from close range was blocked by Brocton keeper Michael Shelper but the ball rebounded into the air and Slattery was left with a simple header into the net.

Brocton should have equalised on 29 minutes when a cross from Ben Harrison found Craig Millen unmarked in front of goal but he headed wide when scoring seemed easier. West Mids increased their lead on the stroke of half time when the Brocton defence only half cleared a Police attack and the ball fell to the vastly experienced Andy Reece, who from 30 yards out, rifled home an unstoppable shot into the corner of the net giving keeper Shelper no chance.

Five minutes into the second half, Brocton reduced the arrears when a deep cross from Matthew Inskip found Harrison who scored with a classic far post header.

On 67 minutes West Mids keeper Tony 'Pop' Workman made a long clearance which fell to Martin Slattery who set up Wayne Healey who fired into the side netting from a good position. Brocton then failed to convert a string of good chances that fell to Inskip (M), Millen, Pemberton and Wellcombe.

With a minute left on the clock, keeper 'Pop' Workman was the Police hero with a brilliant full length save from a Millen fiercely struck shot. Just when West Mids thought they had done enough to take all three point, Brocton launched a final attack and Richard Reeves swung in a cross from the left touchline and substitute player/manager, Steve Kneller climbed above the Police defence to power home a close range header.

An unusual aspect of this game was that only THREE fouls were awarded throughout the whole 90 minutes and one of those was in the 89th minute. Credit must be given to both sides and to referee Mr Gary Blackmore from Redditch. IS THIS ARECORD?