Second half rally helps Brocton keep the heat on league leaders

A double from Reg Smith and a late Will Whieldon goal saw Brocton battle back from a goal down to claim victory and extend their unbeaten run to 13 matches.

Curtis later admitted he had been less than impressed with a first half performance which saw his team trailing to Finn Jones’ deflected strike, eight minutes before the break.

But they rallied impressively and were ahead within nine minutes of the restart thanks to Smith’s brace before Whieldon’s goal settled any late nerves.

Curtis said: “I’m very pleased with the result against a good OJM side. 

“They were very good in the first half and deserved to be ahead but as good as they were, we were very poor and didn’t seem to want it. 

“The second half was a different story. The first goal had a shade of luck as the ball bounced kindly for Reg but after that we played some excellent football.”

Brocton’s win kept them a point behind Lichfield, who edged past bottom of the league Wolves Casuals 1-0 thanks to Josh Mansell’s goal.

Dudley Town continued their strong run of form with a 2-0 win over Romulus which saw them leapfrog the visitors and move up to 12th in the table.

Goals from Connor Armstrong and Tom Owen, the latter on home debut, earned the Robins a third straight league win.

They sit a point behind AFC Wulfrunians, who they face on Boxing Day, after the latter played out an entertaining 2-2 draw with Stourport Swifts. Freddie Cockerell scored twice in a minute for Wulfs after James Hanson had put the Swifts in front with Kobi Love then netting seven minutes from time to earn the visitors a share of the spoils.

AFC Wulfs are offering Wolves season ticket holders and anyone with a ticket for the Premier League match against Manchester United discounted entry for the Boxing Day clash with Dudley, which kicks off at 1pm.

Cradley Town are up to fifth in Division One after coming from behind to beat Smethwick Rangers 2-1. 

Natty Hewett, who scored with his first touch after coming on and debutant Taylor Homer scored the goals to the delight of boss Stuart How, who said: “I didn’t think today was our prettiest performance but it was a positive one in terms of attitude and energy levels.

“I think we were a bit unfortunate to be behind but our reaction in the second half was an excellent one.”

Bilston Town dropped to seventh after they were beaten 2-1 at Sutton United despite going ahead through Jake Short. A double from Luke Sidaway could not prevent Gornal Athletic falling to a 3-2 defeat at home to Paget Rangers.

Stafford Town will spend Christmas five points clear at the top of the North West Counties Division One South after a Matt Hearsey goal earned them a 1-0 victory over Market Drayton Town.