Dave Tracey’s treble helps Telford & Wrekin set the pace
Telford & Wrekin are still leading the way in Midlands Division Three after beginning 2019 with a comfortable 5-2 home victory against West Bridgford II.
Dave Tracey chipped in with a hat-trick at Wrekin College, with the result leaving them three points clear in top spot.
"They were a new team to us, but we did well and deserved the win," said Telford defender Jon Woodrow.
"It was good to get a game under our belts after the Christmas break and to get the win.
"We said at the start of the season we wanted to win the league, we want to get promoted.
"We're in a good position, so we just want to win a few more games over these coming weeks, and see where that leaves us.
"Dave got a hat-trick and he must be the top scorer for us this season.
"All of his goals have been from open play as well, which is great. We've been creating a lot of chances and converting them.
The visitors went in with a clear game-plan, looking to use aerials to force Telford back - and that approach initially caused problems.
West Bridgford took the lead when a ball was fired into the D and evaded everyone, except the forward on the far post, who gave the home side's keeper Chris Kelly no chance with a neat finish.
The hosts then pushed forward and, from their first short corner of the clash, Calum Stacey's drag flick nestled in the back of the net.
Tracey then gave Telford the lead with a tap-in after some fine work from skipper Alex Johnson.
After the break, Stacey scored his second corner of the game, and Tracey fired home from close range.
Tracey completed his treble before, in the dying minutes, a lapse in concentration from Telford's defence allowed West Bridgford to grab a consolation.
Telford welcome seventh-placed Bloxwich to Wrekin College on Saturday (1.30pm).
