FT Alsager Town 4
(Woolley 9, 31, 54. Cobley 56)
Market Drayton Town 3
The Bullets have continued their fine form with a win over Market Drayton.
Having been awarded NWCFL First Division South club of the month and reaching the semi final of the Macron Challenge Cup, they are now keeping their league play-off hopes alive.
The playing conditions were difficult. Heavy hail fell during the first half, causing the pitch to become wet and muddy. This prevented the ball from moving freely across the pitch’s surface.
The Bullets made a lively start. A drilled cross was sent in which Jack Woolley finished to give Alsager the lead inside ten minutes.
Market Drayton responded quickly making it 1-1 with a ball over the top. Rahuf Mak received it and had plenty of time to compose himself and level things up.
Alsager looked to be on top, but midway through the first half Kirwan spilled the ball and the defender had to scramble it clear and concede a corner.
The corner was fired in and the ball was headed home giving Market Drayton the lead.
It was not long until the Bullets equalised. A grounded cross was deflected and fell to Woolley who scored to make it 2-2.
Alsager had a big chance not long before half time, but it was hit over the bar.
Moments later a Sean Tierney header forced goalkeeper Dominic Smith into a double save, as the Bullets went into the break wondering how they were not ahead.
HT Alsager Town 2-2 Market Drayton Town
Market Drayton had the first chance of the second half. Kirwan spilled the ball but striker Caelen Ryan fired the ball over the bar in what should surely have been a goal.
That miss proved to be critical as Alsager took the lead in the 54th minute. Woolley struck the ball cleanly, scoring at the near post to complete a well deserved hat-trick.
The Bullets then showed their aerial threat as Jordan Cobley headed the ball home from a corner.
Alsager continued to be the dominant side. Market Drayton relied heavily on long balls throughout the match.
Kallam Boyle went down in the box wanting a penalty which would have given Alsager the chance to make it five. The defender was deemed to have won the ball and the play continued.
The Bullets had another chance when Market Drayton nearly put the ball in their own net. It beat the keeper, but the ball stopped short of the line and was belted away.
Market Drayton scored against the run of play just before stoppage time. The ball was fired into the bottom left corner giving them a chance to secure a point.
There were no real chances after this as the Bullets secured a deserved victory.
FT Alsager Town 4-3 Market Drayton Town
The win today sees the Bullets move into 7th place just two points off the play-off spots.
They return to action next Saturday with a home match against Stockport Georgians.
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