Non-league round-up: Debutant helps Market Drayton Town to a big win
Armando Wood scored on his debut as Market Drayton Town continued to climb the league with a 5-0 thrashing of Alsager Town.
Drayton are now ninth in North West Counties League Division One South after goals from Wood, Nicky Parker and Max Finney put them ahead against the third-placed Bullets.
A red card for Alsager’s player-manager meant Drayton could push forward more in the second half and right-back David Ablewhite netted a brace in the closing 10 minutes to seal the win.
Before signing to Drayton last week, Wood was spotted by Town manager Dan Dawson at Allscott Heath.
Dawson said: “The first time he tore us to pieces, when they beat us 3-0 away from home, what really stood out was his versatility. He played in the No.10 position for them, but drifted a lot.
“And then the second time we played them at home, we beat them 8-2, but even in the 85th, 88th minute, he was running around, making challenges, being creative, trying to make things happen, never gave in.
“Tremendous attitude and at that moment, we knew we really wanted him.”
To close the game for Drayton, Ablewhite got through one-on-one with the keeper and dinked it over into the Alsager net.
Dawson said the finish surprised his squad: “I don't think any of us expected him to chip the keeper, clean through on goal in the 90th minute.”
Ludlow Town linger at seventh in Hellenic League Division One, after losing their home fixture against Wantage Town 3-2.
Ryan Clarke opened the scoring to take the lead going into the break, before Ludlow fell behind to 2-1.
Clarke made it a brace to equalise, however Wantage’s Callum Crook finished off a hat-trick with three minutes remaining.
