Downing keeps his cool to grab a last-gasp reward
Jack Downing showed nerves of steel to net a penalty deep into stoppage time and ensure AFC Wulfrunians extended their unbeaten Midland League run to seven games.
Darren Goodall’s side left it late against Tividale, but continued their impressive run of form which sees them nicely placed in among the mid-table pack in the Premier Division.
Tividale, in eighth, now three places and three points better off than their hosts, looked like picking up a superb win on the road after Luke Carter made no mistake from the penalty spot with 25 minutes of the contest remaining.
The opener came against the run of play as Wulfrunians enjoyed the lion’s share of opportunities in the first period.
But Tividale improved in the second half and Carter’s fifth goal of the season, after Daniel Smith had been felled in the box, meant a late show was required from the hosts.
A contentious spot-kick, awarded in the fifth minute of time added for a foul on Adam Meacham, handed former AFC Telford and Stourport frontman Downing the chance to earn Wulfs a share of the spoils and he duly obliged.
Tividale are unbeaten in five league games ahead of a fortnight break due to opposition cup involvement. Wulfrunians are one of just two Premier Division fixtures on FA Vase day this weekend, as they head to Coventry United, who sit one place below them in 12th.
Lye Town remain seventh in the MFL’s top flight after a goalless draw at home to Heather St. John’s.
Grant Joshua’s men are gearing up for a big FA Vase first round proper clash at Leicestershire side Aylestone Park on Saturday.
The Flyers boss tweeted: “Proud of my lads, came a long way in seven months. Being disappointed about a draw is only a positive sign for me. Take the knocks and move on together.”
In West Midlands Premier Division action, Cradley Town picked up just a second league win of the season with a 4-2 success over Wednesfield.
Goals from Casey Collins, Jason Wellings, Darren Whitley and substitute Christian Ikeokwu did the damage for the Hammers, who climb to 11th, four places and three points below Wednesfield.
Bilston Town Community chalked up a fifth win in six – a 2-0 victory over Shropshire side Wem Town – to climb to third in the standings.
Goals late on in either half from Reece Mason, from the penalty spot, and Todd Ferrier secured the hard-fought victory for the Queen Street side.
Wolverhampton Sporting Community made it three wins from five with a 2-1 success at Dudley Sports.
Leavan Sullivan and Adam Skeldon were on target for seventh-placed Sporting at Hillcrest Avenue. Sports have a shot at an immediate response with a clash against high-flying Shifnal Town tonight.
Dudley Town are also at home tonight. The Robins welcome second-placed Shawbury United after a free weekend.
Wolverhampton Casuals, who sit sixth, picked up a creditable 2-2 draw against Shawbury, with all four goals coming in the first period. Craig Bannister and Kieran Price were on target for Casuals.
Darlaston Town (1874) were soundly beaten at home, 5-1 by leaders Worcester Raiders.
The Raiders, unbeaten with five wins from six, led 3-0 at the break and despite Ezekiel Agyemang’s goal after the interval, the visitors eased to a commanding win.
