Alsager Town 4-3 Haughmond
Alsager Town took on Haughmond at Wood Park, looking for a first league victory after a draw and two defeats.
First half
Alsager Town almost got off to a dream start, as Luke Nicholls hit the bar with a headed effort just minutes into the game. However, Haugmond opened the scoring soon after, against the run of play, with a shot which found the top right corner of the net.
Haughmond looked on top after their goal and forced George Byrne into a punching save, but Alsager soon equalised. Isaac Middleton came out of his net and attempted to clear the ball, but he missed it completely, providing Nicholls with one of the easiest finishes he will ever experience.
The Bullets winger continued to provide a threat on the left flank, but Haughmond soon scored again. Alsager failed to clear the ball and it fell to Ethan Pickford, who found the bottom right corner.
Manager Warren Jones was visibly frustrated by his team, taking aim at the defence, before commanding his players to sort out the midfield. This proved somewhat effective, as it was Alsager who created the next couple of chances. However, they were unable to challenge the opposition goalkeeper.
The momentum shifted once more and Haughmond took a 3-1 lead. The ball was squared to Pickford, who managed to put the ball past Alsager’s scrambling defenders.
However, a long ball found Nicholls who carried it forwards and gave the goalkeeper no chance of making a save. That goal meant Alsager only trailed by a single goal as the match reached its interval.
Half time: Alsager Town 2-3 Haughmond
Second half
The Bullets wasted no time in the second half and levelled the game almost immediately. Right back Freddie Stevens played a grounded cross to Nicholls and he scored to seal a well deserved hat-trick.
Stevens continued to be a threat on the right wing, impressing with his forward running and clever one-twos. Three of his crosses led to goalscoring opportunities, but Alfie Carmichael and Luigi Mongan were unable to convert them.
It was the away team who began to look most likely to score a winning goal. They had plenty of the ball and forced Byrne into making a couple of good saves.
There were even claims for a penalty, after a Haughmond attacker went down in the Alsager penalty area, but the referee was not convinced.
There was still one more twist remaining in the game, as Alsager scored, having not had a chance in a good while. Brayden Barlow found the bottom left corner and soon after, the referee blew his whistle to end the game.
Full time: Alsager Town 4-3 Haughmond
Warren Jones reacts to Alsager Town’s victory
Alsager’s manager took to X to share his thoughts on the match. He praised the resilience of his players, but did not shy away from discussing the obvious mistakes his side made.
He said: “We made seriously hard work of that. Massive reaction from the players in the second half and just deserved it in the end. Small signs of showing what we are about and capable of but still lots of improvements needed. Positive 1st win.”
He posted again today and said: “The Counties [NWCFL] is a tough league to get points on the board and experience costs big money.
“We have a lot of talented youth and are trying to develop them to become players in the men’s game. To see two 17 year olds linking up to get the winner was superb.”
Haughmond manager Paul Lewis claimed his team were better in the first half, but a lack of squad depth played a role in their defeat.
He said: “Once again we are on the wrong end of a defeat, which I didn’t see happening at half time when leading 3-2 and the better team. To concede two minutes into the second half was a big blow.
“We then lose a player to injury and when you travel with just 12 players at this level, it’s very poor. We need to recruit more players, and fast!”
What next for Alsager Town?
Alsager’s win against Haughmond lifted them out of the relegation zone, but only on goal difference. They are back at home next week against Redditch Borough in the FA Vase.
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