Match Report Rugby Town 0 - Halesowen Town 3
Zamaretto Premier Division
Tuesday 9th 2010
Halesowen Town maintained their long unbeaten run with a comprehensive victory at basement boys Rugby Town.
On a bitterly cold night at Rugby’s impressive Butlin Road stadium the YELTZ demonstrated why they have remained unbeaten for 22 games controlling the game virtually from start to finish.
The visitors may have expected a sterner test as the hosts had recorded their first home victory on Saturday with resounding 4-0 verdict against Oxford City.
On a superb playing surface the YELTZ got out the blocks from the start and dominated the early exchanges playing some slick football.
The visitors deservedly took the lead on 17 minutes through the ever alert David Blenkinsopp, following some good play down the left leading scorer Stefan Moore put in an inviting cross and Blenkinsopp reacted quicker than anyone to sweep the ball home.
It looked a matter of time before the visitors increased their advantage but the home side hung on gamely and in the 25th minute following a mistake by the impressive Henry Eze Rugby captain hit a tremendous drive from 25 yards that whistled just over the bar.
That proved to be the last real chance Rugby had in the entire game with Eze and his defensive partner Liam Daly looking particularly impressive at the heart of the visitors defence.
The second half highlighted the gulf in class as the YELTZ played some delightful football much to the satisfaction of the diehard travelling YELTZ support.
The second and killer goal came in the 69th from a tremendous drive from giant defender Henry Eze.
Following sustained Halesowen pressure the ball fell to Eze some 18 yards out and he produced a fantastic strike with his left foot that gave home keeper Andrew Stevens absolutely no chance.
The game was now way out of reach for the home side who continued to battles bravely but all the class was coming from a rampant YELTZ side who sniffed that there were more goals available due to the overwhelming amount of possession they were enjoying.
Following another flowing move down the right on the right in the 87th minute diminutive on loan play maker, David McDermott capped a fine display by applying a clinical finish from another Moore cross.
The game was now over as a contest and but for the heroics of home keeper Stevens the winning margin could have been even wider.
Another 3 great away points which keeps the YELTZ on the heels of the playoff contenders with a home game coming up on Saturday Matty Clarke will be looking to keep the pressure on the teams above by collecting another 3 points.
On this showing, albeit against a struggling but game Rugby side, the play off dream may just become a reality for the YELTZ faithful.
Rugby: Stevens, Stringfellow, Hollist (Gearing 54), Tullin, Gordon, Fellows, Oulton, Youngs, Brown (Smith 48), Kolodynski, Love (Richards 75). Subs (not used): Bell
Halesowen: Bussey, Cowley (Connor 63), Turner, Daly, Eze, Denny, McDermott, Rickards, Moore, Blenkinsopp (Smith 63), Edwards (Griffiths 75). Subs (not used): Fulford, Morley.
Referee: Mr G Law (Leicester) Attendance: 185