Shifnal's Sean Pugh too sharp for Dudley
Two Sean Pugh goals helped Shifnal Town to a 3-0 win over Dudley Town in the West Midlands League Premier Division.
After creating numerous chances which they failed to convert, it was beginning to look as if Shifnal would never score, until Pugh broke the deadlock in the 36th minute.
Ben Novis did well to keep the ball in at the bye-line, before slipping the ball inside for Pugh. His first-time shot was cleared off the line, but he made no mistake with a second chance. Five minutes into the second period, Harrison Barrett was pulled down on the edge of the area and Dudley keeper Ash Horton stood no chance as Pugh’s free-kick rocketed into the far corner.
Three minutes later the visitors had a similar chance, when Novis brought Rhys Morgan down just outside the box, but Morgan’s free-kick was superbly saved by Tom Whittaker at full stretch. In the 78th minute, Craig Love set up substitute Will Wells, but his fierce drive from the edge of the penalty area was well saved by Horton.
A 20-yard drive from Love was inches too high, but with two minutes left the hosts made the game safe.
Wells’ low 20-yard shot flew high into the air off Horton’s foot, Wells back-headed the ball back into the danger area, where Novis made certain with a simple header.
The visitors came close to grabbing a consolation goal but Whittaker turned away a 25-yard free-kick from George Reeves.
Newport Town enjoyed an excellent 9-2 win at Willenhall in Division One.
Town led 3-1 at half-time, through Jordan Turton, Liam Bould and Jay Russell, but there were still stern words from boss Adam Proudlock at half-time.
Willenhall pulled a goal back after the break, before Town took control. Rob Millington netted a brace, with goals from George Hill, Makhan Rai, Tom Horton and a first in Newport colours for Ed James.