Boss blasts 'naive' Brocton after stoppage time chaos leads to defeat

Lucas Green-Birch appeared to have earned at least a point for the promotion-chasing hosts when he cancelled out Maradoche Mipro’s strike early in the second half for the visitors.

But all was lost in a chaotic added period which saw Romulus score twice, before Charlie King was dismissed for a rash challenge.

That came after Tyree Sanusi had prodded the visitors ahead and then scored again on the break to seal the win.

A gloomy Curtis said: “On the balance of play and chances, we should have won the game comfortably.

“But we don’t deserve to win the game when we defend as badly as we did in the last 10 minutes.

“There was a bit of naivety at the end. We seemed to be pushing for the win and switched off at the back.”

Brocton’s defeat allowed Lichfield City to extend their lead at the top of the table, courtesy of a 2-0 home win over Tividale.

Callum Rudd and Jack Edwards both scored in the space of five second half minutes for the league leaders, with debutant goalkeeper Brendon Bunn then saving a late penalty to preserve the clean sheet.

Matt Funge scored in each half to earn Dudley Town a 2-0 win over Stone Old Alleynians which keeps them firmly in the top half of the table.

But there was frustration for OJM Black Country, who went down 2-1 at home to Shifnal Town. The hosts took the lead early in the second half and despite being pegged back still looked like claiming a point until the visitors were awarded a stoppage time penalty, which Isaac Phillips converted from the spot.

AFC Wulfrunians were also edged out by another member of the promotion-chasing pack, losing 1-0 at home to 1874 Northwich. Bottom of the table Wolves Casuals were beaten 1-0 by Studley.

Stafford Town remained top of North West Counties Division One South and boosted their goal difference with a 5-0 thumping of Barnton.

Patryk Mazurkiewicz, Matt Hearsey and Josh Wilson were on target, before James May netted a stoppage time brace.

Cradley Town stayed fifth in Midland League Division One after a deserved 4-2 win over a spirited Leicester St Andrews, completing the double over their play-off rivals.

Trevey Wright gave Cradley the lead with a header from a Ben Billingham corner after five minutes.

Former Stourbridge forward Greg Mills equalised with a fine goal but Billingham's direct free kick made it 2-1 at half time.

Jordan Crumpton made it three just after the break before a half volley from Josh Crossley reduced the deficit for the visitors.

A neat finish from Cradley substitute Callum North near the end secured the points but the game.

Smethwick Rangers kept up the heat on the top five with a 4-0 win over Paget Rangers but Bilston Town lost ground as they were beaten 3-2 at Coventry Copsewood despite a spirited second half fightback. Gornal Athletic lost 2-0 at Heather St John’s.