AFC Bridgnorth fire out a warning to league rivals

Liam Kirton’s brace, strikes from Luke Morris and Sam Robinson and an own goal saw Stanton’s side run out comprehensive winners at Crown Meadow on Saturday.

They are now seventh in the table, 14 games in.

“We’re really playing well at the moment,” said Stanton.

“It was a fantastic performance from us.

“We played at Dudley Town during the week and won 3-0 – and it could have been seven or eight had we taken all our chances.

“On the back of that clean sheet, we were confident going into the game against Smethwick.

“We knew it was going to be a tough, physical game but as long as we were able to match that, we knew we had the ability to create some great opportunities.

“We did just that, and we put them away.

“We were ruthless in front of goal so we’re very happy with that.

“Luke has got himself 12 goals in seven games and Liam and Sam took their goals well so I think we have sent out a statement to those teams around us.”

Stanton took the reins in the summer and has re-shaped the squad, with only a couple remaining from last campaign – which they ended 18th out of 20 teams.

“We’re really happy with the progress we’ve made,” he added.

“It’s more or less a completely new squad of players, with a few from the development team on the fringes.

“We’ve built a squad of lads from outside the area – Wolverhampton, Stafford and a few from Telford.

“We’re a footballing side and we can battle with the physical teams as well.

“The lads are doing a fantastic job at the moment.

“We’re going to sides now and scoring goals. We’ve got that cutting edge, clinical finishing.”

The only side from the country above Bridgnorth in the table are Haughmond.

They are third and made it back-to-back wins as they beat Dudley Town 4-2 at Shrewsbury Sports Village.

It was 1-1 at the break as Scott Ryan’s opener for Mond was swiftly cancelled out by the visitors.

Dudley then went ahead shortly into the second period, but Dan Williams’ charges came roaring back.

Joe Parry equalised as he thundered a shot into the net via the underside of the bar.

Harry Morris put them in front with an excellent header and the clash was wrapped up as Mond skipper Jack Griffiths jinked past a few players before rifling a shot into the top corner with his left foot.