Porter's first match ends in a home defeat

UniBond League First Division South

Willenhall Town 1

Mickleover Sports 2

DESPITE matching the league leaders for large parts of the game, Dave Porter's first game in charge of basement side Willenhall Town ended in defeat, writes Matthew Wood .

Former Port Vale youth and Stafford Rangers man Porter took over following the resignation of Steve Pomroy last week and will have been encouraged by the Lockmen's display on Tuesday night.

It had looked bleak when Mickleover stormed into a two-goal lead through Karl Ashton's half volley on 13 minutes and Martin Smythe's close-range finish.

But Town fought back and after Nick Robertson shot just wide they pulled one back as a Jamall Pinnock effort hit the post and Shaun Griffiths was on hand to turn the ball in from close range.

UniBond League First Division South

Grantham Town 4

Willenhall Town 1

WILLENHALL put in one of their most committed performances of the season at Grantham on Saturday despite being managerless following Pomroy's resignation.

Willenhall, who had just 11 players, were saved several times by keeper Matt Jones early on but the hosts went in front when Niall O'Rafferty converted a spot-kick.

Grantham doubled their lead on 42 minutes, as Ben Saunders forced the ball in from close range.

Willenhall pulled a goal back on 62 minutes as Carlton Rose closed down a clearance from home keeper Richard Stainsby, the ball fell to Matt Whitehouse who hit a shot into the net.

However, O'Rafferty netted twice to complete his hat-trick for Grantham with Willenhall's Whitehouse seeing red for a rash challenge.