Timmins leads the United victory charge

Having lost 6-1 to reigning Redbox Signmakers Beacon champions Dynamo Dudley the previous weekend, United responded by pulling off an identical victory over visiting Shere Punjab Wolves, writes Dave McLean.

It was just the result United were seeking as they fired five second-half goals to see off 10-man Shere Punjab’s strong challenge.

United were pegged back after taking an early advantage, before the game changed after Shere Punjab had a player red-carded just before the interval. Tom Timmins led the six-goal spree with a brace, with other efforts arriving from Ashley Walker, Andy Day, Jack Kelly and an own goal. Harpreet Sangha was on the mark for the visitors.

The chasing pack of four all registered wins to remain on the heels of Dudley Dynamo, who made it seven victories in nine with a convincing 9-3 triumph.

This after winless opponents Cannock United had come from a goal down to lead 2-1 with two goals in as many minutes from hat-trick man Ryan Shoemark.

But it was the more experienced Dynamo squad who eventually eased home with goals from Steve Jones (three), Luke McDonnell, Ben Hickman (both two), Aaron Lloyd and Alan Parkes.

Kurdish United held on to second spot, on goal difference, as they and Claregate Park Rangers both made it five league successes in seven with respective wins over Beacon Lions (3-1) and Fiveways Inn (6-2) to stay six points adrift of Dynamo with two games in hand.

Visiting United took a two-goal advantage into half-time before Ryan Thomas cut the deficit. The hosts were then denied by the woodwork, before United returned another maximum points haul with a crucial third goal. On target for United were Anjam Ahmedi, Sarhang Rawf and Wyra Mohamed.

Claregate extended their unbeaten league run to six games after hitting four goals in a blistering first-half spell. Fiveways responded with a double either side of the hour, only to concede two further goals.

Inflicting most damage was Kyle Matthews, whose treble pushed his seasonal tally to 12. He was supported by a Dan Jones double and one from Simon Stokes. James Gadd and Richard Roper struck for Fiveways.

Codsall Station made it five league matches undefeated with a 4-2 home triumph over FC Premier. Dom Leason gave Codsall a narrow 1-0 lead at the break, the effort cancelled out by FC Premier’s Scott Hill just after the restart.

Mike Foley and George Armstrong helped regain Codsall’s command, before Simon Gough responded to set up a tense finale. With two minutes remaining Liam Davies struck a vital fourth for the hosts.

In the Paycare Development Division, leaders Bloxwich Rangers under-21s bounced back after a first league loss. They took on a Dudley Rangers United outfit unbeaten in six league and cup games and ran out convincing 6-0 winners.

It was a seventh league success for Darren Berry’s charges, whose goals flowed from Connor Hall (two), Daniel Jones, Ethan Mannion, Reece Berry and Ross Stokes.

FC Premier under-21s moved level on points with second-placed AFC Sporting Gornal after thumping AFC Springfield 11-0, as no fewer than eight players found the target.

Leading the way was hat-trick hero Kasen Pease, while Hayden Beeming notched a double. Jacob Jones, Curtis Bullock, Tyler McCurry, Ajani Allen, Regan Palethorpe and Luke Arkinstall-Shore added the others.

Coven United caused an upset as they came from behind to defeat Trysull Tigers, who had an opportunity to go second in the table.

Hero of the hour for Coven was stand-in goalkeeper Jackson Game who produced several good saves, including an excellent penalty stop with just five minutes remaining.

Ben Cope had given Trysull a narrow half-time lead, only for new signing Mackie Miller and Tim Bellingham to secure a second Coven win this term.

There were also maximum points for Penn Rovers. A Lewis Edwards double and singles from James Craig and Dan Nicholls secured a welcome Penn success, with Brad Paul replying.