West Midlands Regional League

Premier Division

Ellesmere Rangers 1

Dudley Town 0

Rangers grabbed three hard-earned points when a wonder goal from Mike Nelson was enough to halt their recent slide down the table.

Although Rangers dominated the bulk of the first half their Black Country opponents were on top for much of the second period and may have felt they deserved something for their efforts.

Dudley arrived late for the kick off and it showed as they struggled to get into the match with Rangers unable to find a decisive finish. Home striker Will Twyford guilty of missing gilt-edged chances first fluffing a shot from range after good work down the right from Mike Nelson and then having a weak header turned over the bar by the impressive visiting keeper Shane Hayhew.

Just before the break, it was Rangers’ own keeper Mason Springthorpe who made the first of several excellent saves to earn his man-of-the-match award when he denied the visitors Connor Hadlington who homed in on goal when an Ellesmere move broke down.

Dudley improved after the break but just like Rangers they squandered several chances Maine firing powerfully into the midriff of Springthorpe and then shooting wide from a well-worked free kick. Lewis Worsley suffered a similar fate dragging an effort wide of the far post when through on goal.

When Rangers finally woke up winger Nelson’s trickery worked an opening for Seth Ellis but he was blocked by a defender. But just when it seemed a goal-less draw was on the cards Ellesmere achieved a break through 15 minutes from time with a half clearance landing at the feet of Nelson just outside the penalty area and from a standing start he bent the ball past the keeper and into the far right hand corner – a goal fit to win any game.

But there was still more heroics to come from Springthorpe who produced a wonder save from the last kick of the match turning a shot from Dudley midfielder Ash Ralph onto the bar to deny the visitors the point they probably deserved.

Tonight, there is local pride at stake when Ellesmere travel to FC Oswestry for the quarter finals of the Shropshire Cup at 8pm.

On Saturday Rangers travel to Cradley Town in the league. Kick-off is at 3pm.

West Midlands Regional League

Division One

Gornal Athletic 2

Wem Town 1

Wem lost the chance to stay level with league leaders Newport Town as they were beaten at third-placed Gornal Athletic on Saturday.

The defeat leaves them in second place but allowed their hosts on Saturday to move within seven points of Wem.

The Bowens Field men still have a game in hand on Newport but the leaders have a significantly better goal difference of 47 compared to Wem’s 27.

They will look to bounce back on Saturday as they travel to lower mid-table Allscott for a 2pm kick-off.

Shropshire Premier Division

Prees 3

Oakengates Rangers 2

Prees had to survive a late comeback from Oakengates Rangers, but came out 3-2 winners to maintain their title challenge in their first outing of 2018.

The vital win means Prees are just four points off top spot with a game in hand on leaders Oakengates Athletic.

In windy conditions at the Recreation Ground it was Rangers that started the brighter.

Despite not creating anything clear cut, goalkeeper Will Hopkins had to be at his commanding best to withstand a number of long balls pumped in to the Prees area.

But with pace in their side, Prees are dangerous on the counter and despite seeing less of the ball they always looked a threat.

Both Tom Clive and Martin Williams both shot straight at the keeper when presented with golden opportunities and it looked like they would go in level at the break, but for a sensational strike from Shane Hinds.

A corner from the left was met on the run by Hinds whose volley found the net from 10 yards to give the hosts the lead at the interval.

The goal seemed to settle Prees, and they doubled their tally straight after the restart.

Williams made the most of a defensive mistake to race clear, and after his strike was saved by the keeper, Clive was on hand to convert in to an empty net.

And barely a minute later it was three when Williams’ wayward cross went through the keeper at the near post.

But Rangers continued to try to play, and scored two goals in the space of 10 minutes to get back in to the contest, but a resolute Prees backline managed to hold on to ensure the Rec Men took the points.

Prees are at home this Saturday as they entertain Craven Arms in another must-win game.