CRADDOCK TOO HOT FOR HALESOWEN
With top scorer Alan Craddock back to spearhead the attack, Bromsgrove Rovers looked a more menacing force at Halesowen on Saturday, and won an F. A. Cup tie by a greater margin than the 2-1 result might suggest. After virtually being "presented" with a goal start. Halesowen were overplayed with such competence that the Rovers could have had twice as many goals as fell to them. The home side are having a disappointing time just now, with eight narrow defeats in nine games, and injuries weakened their chances on Saturday. But they served up cup football with a zest that dented the Rovers' rhythm for half an hour, and for almost as long again they held out against mounting attacks.
Eventually they made the strange move of switching their centre-forward Robin Whetnall to mark Hellawell, presumably because he was the swiftest answer they could find to the winger's speed. Williams, the substitute who had come on to replace an injured back is really an inside forward, but he was less of a problem to the Bromsgrove defence than the swift stepping Whetnall had been, and with Bromsgrove in control during the last 30 minutes, Halesowen had some narrow escapes.
Craddock scored both of the Bromsgrove goals and was obviously the days hero. He stood up stoutly to some fierce tackling and gave the home rearguard plenty of anxious moments. Adams who made his first appearance in Rovers' colours, supplied many thoughtful touches, and when he has sharpened to match fitness should be a useful asset.
In the opening minute, Rovers blundered when a through pass by Brookes bounced badly for Wood, and Dyer was left with a clear lane ahead. He raced in, drew Hooper and pushed the ball beyond his reach. Rovers struck back quickly and Craddock galloped to the line and squared a pass which Merrick glided inches wide. Then the youngster aimed a volley at a cross from Taylor, and cleared the target by yards. Taylor also tried for first time luck without getting any, and Adams hit the ball too high after a good run by the left winger. A better effort came from Merrick who drove the ball hard and low after forcing his way through, but Green knocked the shot down and the Rovers were beginning to look a bit frustrated at getting no reward for the mainstream of attacks. Eventually Chambers set Taylor going to lift over a centre which Craddock headed home.
Halesowen's attempted raids had been well held after the first minutes, but as soon as the second half started, there was another piece of hesitancy that could have proved fatal. Rovers waited for an offside whistle when Fleet got the ball, none came and the inside-left ran on to skim the bar with a strong drive, Craddock twice got through on the left and after a centre had been wasted on the first occasion, he followed up next time and took a second stab at the ball to skim the mark.
Reynolds also burst through a retreating defence and tested Green, and when Hellawell returned a cross from Taylor the left-winger almost deceived the 'keeper with a quick flick. After a sustained bout of pressure Craddock headed Rovers into the lead from Taylor's pass and after that the Greens were well on top. A flick by Merrick and a long drop shot by Hellawell both went close. Rovers got into a wrangle after Stafford had miskicked but luck was on their side. Hooper saved confidently when Pheasant sent in a hard shot and near the end Rovers got the ball in the net again. Taylor pulled back a pass after a good run and Merrick banged the ball home but the winger had been left in an offside position by defenders moving forward, and the referee disallowed the goal.
Halesowen:- Green; Argent, Pearson; Dyer, Brookes, Cooper; Anderson, Pheasant, Whetnall, Fleet, Arnold.
Bromsgrove:- Hooper; Reynolds. Gwynne; Chambers, Wood, Stafford; Hellawell, Adams, Craddock, Merrick, Taylor.
Report courtesy of Bromsgrove Messenger |