Boss Dean Gill makes the case for his defence
Wolverhampton Casuals turned on the style at Shawbury United to stretch their unbeaten start to the league season to nine games, writes Bradley Rice.
Cassies achieved the eighth shutout of their West Midlands Premier campaign as they won 5-0 at the weekend and boss Dean Gill will be hoping for another when his side entertain Cradley Town tonight.
Gill has been mightily impressed by his team’s defensive record this season and in spite of his side scoring five, the manager’s praise was directed at Casuals’ back four.
“To have only conceded once in the league, is an amazing feat,” said Gill. “In fact, we have 14 clean sheets in 16 games, it’s a record that isn’t matched anywhere.
“But it’s definitely a collective effort. We haven’t had the same defence. We’ve had to make changes during the season, it hasn’t been down to just a few players.
“Even when we were 5-0 up on Saturday, the lads were determined not to let Shawbury score.
“There is a great mentality and attitude throughout the team.
“We understand there will be a game, where maybe we concede two or three, but at the moment the lads are proud and we just want to keep the run going.”
Kieron Whittaker scored twice against Shawbury, while goals from Kane Cork, Reece Mason and substitute Kaz Danilian secured a comfortable Cassies win.
Looking ahead to tonight’s game, given Cradley are bottom of the table, the result appears a home banker – but Gill is not letting complacency creep into his side.
“As with any game in this division, you cannot take tonight’s game for granted,” he said. “They may be bottom of the league, but you never know what Cradley will turn up.
“But, having not played in a couple of weeks before Saturday, our lads are buzzing ahead of the game. Everyone is fit from Saturday, they’re good to go.”
Elsewhere in the West Midlands Premier, Hinesh Patel bagged a brace as Dudley Town ran out 4-2 winners at home to Cradley Town.
Mitch Lawley and Lewis Taylor Boyce were also on target for thw Robins, while Callum Baker scored twice for the visitors.
Meanwhile, Wolverhampton Sporting’s Jayden Ward bagged a brace in a 3-2 success against Black Country Rangers.
Kaoui Attoumani got Sporting’s third while goals from Rangers’ Babucar Sauane and Danny Meek proved to be consolation strikes for the away side.
Dudley Sports lost 3-0 away to Pershore Town, while Darlaston Town lost 2-1 at runaway leaders Shifnal Town.
Ezekiel Agyemang put the away side ahead early on, but table-toppers Shifnal fought back to claim all three points thanks to Dan Westwood and Tom Hill.
Darlaston are on the road again in the league this evening, when they make the trip to face Shawbury United.
