Steelmen starting to show their mettle
Desperate times called for desperate measures at Bilston Town – and things have taken a turn for the better since they hit the reset button.
Scott Hamilton’s side began the West Midlands Premier season in awful fashion, losing their first seven games. But, after Hamilton was given the backing to shift things around, they are now on a four-match unbeaten run at home.
Bilston’s latest effort at Queen Street was a 2-1 victory against Dudley Town at the weekend and, after being the basement boys for quite a while, they have risen to 16th out of the division’s 20 teams.
“From the start of the season, losing seven on the bounce, we had to rip it up and start again,” Hamilton explained.
“I’m happy with the squad now. It’s changed massively and the results have picked up. I’m grateful to have had the chance. We were behind everybody, bottom of the table – but after other teams weren’t winning as well, we’re above some of them now so we’re pleased.”
Hayden Hughes and Nehemia Zazi struck for the Steelmen in Saturday’s success. Dilano Reid missed a penalty as well.
“Dudley were in form and it was quite a dominant showing from us,” said Hamilton.
“I’d put that up there as one of our best performances of the season and it had to be as Dudley are no mugs.”
Hamilton knows there is a long road still ahead, though, and added: “We’ve given ourselves an opportunity but we’re still fighting after the start we had.
“It was a an awful start. I’d like to finish mid-table but, realistically, the aim for us at the moment is staying up.”
Sitting at the top of the Premier table are Tividale. Dave King’s men eased to a 6-0 triumph over Pershore Town.
Dead-ball specialist Darragh Bustin chipped in with a hat-trick. His first was a free-kick and the second and third were penalties. Demetri Brown scored twice too, with Matt Hunt getting the other.
Black Country Rangers are second – 10 points behind having played three less games – and drew 2-2 at Wellington.
Dudley Sports were thrashed 7-2 at home by Shifnal Town, Wolverhampton Casuals were 3-1 winners at Hereford Lads Club, Cradley Town lost 2-0 at Malvern Town, Bewdley Town beat Pegasus Juniors 2-0 and Wednesfield drew 0-0 with Smethwick.
In Division One, Sikh Hunters thumped Telford Juniors 14-0
Wednesfield and Bewdley are back in league action tonight – Wednesfield at Pegasus, Bewdley hosting Haughmond.
Black Country are taking on Studley in the Birmingham FA Midweek Cup, with Cradley Town up against Nuneaton Griff in the competition too.
Finally tonight, Willenhall Town face Team Dudley bizarrely, in the Birmingham FA Saturday Vase.
