Midland League secretary Gary Hazelhurst watched the Boxing Day match between Sporting Khalsa and AFC Wulfrunians.
With Hereford travelling to the Wulfs next Saturday here's his report on the game.
There is nothing like a Boxing Day derby to blow away the Christmas Day and has these sides had met in the FA Cup earlier in the season and played out a 5 goal thriller, a lot was expected at the Aspray Arena. With the pitch a little sticky following days of rain, it was no surprise that both sides struggled to play any flowing football early on. Wulfs’ forwards were a constant threat to the Khalsa back line and James Pemberton had to react quickly, racing off his line to thwart Ricky Anslow. The home side should have taken the lead in the 20th minute. A free-kick from Craig Bannister was punched into the air by Danny Tipton who proceeded to palm the ball into the path of Mensah Kinch but this time, Tipton made a comfortable save. Matthew Martin was next to test Tipton but again the Wulfs keeper was up to the task. Kinch went closest to breaking the deadlock but his shot rattled the crossbar.
Craig Gregg wasted a great chance for Wulfs just after the break, shooting wide when clean through. Wulfs opened the scoring in the 52nd minute. Jamie King latched on to an excellent through ball from Ravinder Aulak and fired into the corner past Pemberton. The lead lasted a minute, a mistake at the back letting in Marvin Nisbett who beat Tipton and then tapped home. A minute later, Nisbett hit the post and saw the follow-up saved by Tipton. Bannister then wasted an opportunity for Khalsa as they pressed for a second goal. At the other end, Kyle Brady volleyed wide when well placed but in the 69th minute, Brady made no mistake tapping in a cross from Anslow.
Gregg forced a fine save from Pemberton as Wulfs looked to extend their lead. Substitute Michael Nelson hit the post again for Khalsa who could not force home the rebound. Wulfs made it three in the 82nd minute. A poor back pass by Tim Jackson played in Brady and although he was forced wide, the ball found its way to Anslow who made no mistake. Khalsa were back in it two minutes from time when Nisbett beat Tipton top the ball and tapped the ball home. In stoppage time, the visitors went the closest when Mark Ganderton’s shot was well saved. Wulfs saw out the clock to put a dent in Sporting Khalsa’s promotion hopes. A great second half and a game that could have gone either way.
Over the 90 minutes, Wulfs were good value for their win and it sets them up for their home game against Hereford next week.