Another bumper Queen Street crowd saw 3 fantastic Bilston goals during an entertaining game against Market Drayton FC.
Both teams were coming into the game in good form, so it came as a bit of surprise to see Bilston in the lead within the first minute!
Jordan Crump chased the ball down the left wing from kick-off, beating his man and crossing into the Market Drayton box. A brief battle saw Harry Dixon come out on top at the second attempt, burying the ball into the net while many of the fans were still making their way around the pitch.
Bilston had a couple of half-chances to score again, but the game was pretty tight. That was until Market Drayton’s no.8 decided to switch sports and engage in a little MMA – earning himself a very well deserved red card for his efforts.
The Steelmen continued to work hard, and were determined to make the extra man count, but headed into the dressing room at half-time 1-0 up.
The second half saw an unchanged Bilston team pushing forward at every opportunity – kicking into the wind as they kept trying to find their way through a well-drilled Market Drayton defensive line.
It was defender Nathan Hewett who instigated the eventual second goal, with a fantastic run with the ball that completely scythed through the Market Drayton team. His through ball then landed at the feet of Dixon, who whipped a cracking shot towards goal. A fantastic save down low by the Market Drayton goalkeeper could only delay the inevitable, and Jordan Crump smashed the loose ball into the back of the net to make it 2-0.
A number of substitutions from Market Drayton saw them grow into the game a little, until Bilston made it 3-0 with an early goal of the season contender from Darragh Bustin. The midfielder ran 40 yard with the ball on the counter-attack, before cutting inside past their defender, and burying the ball into the far bottom corner.
A couple of late chances from either side, including a great save from James Crump from a Market Drayton free-kick, saw the game out. Well done Bilston, another great team performance!
Final score: Bilston Town 3 – Market Drayton 0
Goalscorers: Harry Dixon, Jordan Crump, Darragh Bustin