Cash-strapped Town see manager in goal

UniBond League Division One South

Willenhall Town 0

Rushall Olympic 2

RUSHALL climbed to the top of the table with victory at cash-strapped Willenhall who were forced to field 53-year-old manager Steve Pomroy in goal.

The stand-in keeper was at fault for Olympic's opener in the fourth minute of Tuesday night's derby, as he played the ball straight to the feet of Anthony Maguire, who hit a first time shot from 35 yards into the net.

But the manager made amends for the error on 13 minutes, as ex-Willenhall player Justin Nisbett was clean through on goal, but Pomroy made a smart block with his legs.

Four minutes later, Willenhall almost pulled level, as cross from the right was headed down by Adam Robins into the path of Nathan Howells, but the striker could only volley over the bar.

Pomroy produced more heroics before the interval, pulling off a fine save from a Nisbett diving header to ensure the Lockmen trailed by just the one goal at the break.

Three minutes into the second half, Nicholls came close to levelling for Town, as his shot from the edge of the area was just over the bar.

At the other end, Pomroy continued to perform superbly as a ball played to the back post saw Nisbett destined to double Rushall's lead, but the keeper dived full length across his goal and somehow kept the ball out.

On the hour mark, however, Rushall did double their lead, as a superb ball floated over the top found Niki Preston in space and he calmly slotted past Pomroy.

Pomroy was replaced in goal by defender Troy Doughlin, who was called into action on 74 minutes, as he kept out a Maguire effort with his legs.

Willenhall had two late chances to gain a consolation, as, first, Nicholls's shot from the edge of the area was well held by Chris Gemmell, and in stoppage time Adrian Manchester shot over the bar from 15 yards.

● WILLENHALL'S acting chairman Ian Bridgen has temporarily stepped down from his role due to family illness. Les Burrows will take over on a temporary basis as the club attempts to find new owners to end uncertainty over its future.