Midland Soccer Alliance Division One
Ellesmere Rangers 2 - 1 Bridgnorth Town

A SPECTACULAR goal fit to win any game secured Ellesmere all three points in this Shropshire derby when their performance scarcely merited the draw that had looked the likely outcome.


With barely seconds left on the referee's watch a long ball into the box was headed out to defender Chris Catherall whose instant volley from 35 yards dipped just under the bar, completely beating Dan Harris in the visitors' goal.
No wonder Bridgnorth looked shellshocked.

They had enjoyed the lion's share of the play and created the bulk of the chances particularly through dangerman Anwar Olligbon who was unlucky to see a second half drive rebound off the far post.


It was Olligbon who put Bridgnorth ahead after just a minute when he chased a through ball and harried 'keeper Andy Mulliner into a kicking mistake and slotted into the empty net.


Ellesmere levelled on the half hour in their first serious attack when Nathan Hodge cut in from the right onto his left foot and found the net, beating 'keeper Harris at his near post.


Bridgnorth still looked excellent value for their point and could have had more if Mulliner had not put his mistake behind him to make several excellent second half saves from Andy Rich and Olligbon to keep his team level.
Then came Catherall's 'goal of the season.'