Smethwick Rangers V AFC Bridgnorth (Division One)

Smethwick were looking to continue their excellent start in division one with a result against AFC Bridgnorth yesterday. They went into this match top of the table with only loss from thirteen matches. One of their main strengths is their defensive record which is one of the best in the league with just 11 goals conceded going into this match.

AFC Bridgnorth are rebuilding in step six under new manager Jack Griffiths. It’s been a tough start for the visitors with no wins from eleven matches coming into this match. None the less, there’s hope for the Shropshire side with the likes of Regan Wardle and Kosheen Sappelton joining the squad who impressed at this level last season.
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The atmosphere was friendly and relaxed prior to kick off with the facilities at the Boldmere Community Stadium good for the level. The main clubhouse is impressive and offers a good selection of food and drinks. One of the main benefits is the view offered from the main stand and it’s well worth a visit for groundhoppers across the West Midlands. 

​Starting line ups

The starting line up for Smethwick included Andreas Spanou starting in goal and Jake Lamb captaining the team from central defence. The formation looked like a 5-3-2 with Callum North and Lucas Edwards playing up front and being supported by Hisham Chiha from attacking midfield.

There were four changes from the team that started against Sutton United at the weekend with Chukwuxavier Nwobani-Akano coming into the team and playing in holding midfield alongside Danny Wood.

AFC Bridgnorth’s starting line up included Josh Lewis starting in goal and Craig Gregg captaining the team from holding midfield. The formation looked like a 4-2-3-1 with Joel Westwood playing up front and being supported by Kwabena Adjei and Reagan Wardle on the wings.

There were four changes from the team that started against Coton Green at the weekend with Damari Evans coming into the team and playing at right back. 

​First Half

The opening stages of the match were a bit scrappy with both teams settling into it and looking to get on the ball. AFC Bridgnorth started positively and looked like a side rejuvenated despite being in the bottom three. They were linking up the play well in the final third and being brave on the ball.

Smethwick were looking to soak up the pressure from AFC Bridgnorth and catch them on the counterattack. The hosts were playing a lot of good balls down the channels and looked to work balls into the box.

Pierre Phillips impressed at the back for Smethwick and cleared a lot of dangerous balls into the box to take the pressure off them. Chukwuxavier Nwobani-Akano also played well from holding midfield and was doing a good job of linking up the play to help Smethwick grow into the match.

Smethwick took the lead in the middle of the first half thanks to a shot from distance by Lucas Edwards who beat Josh Lewis before finishing into the bottom right corner.

AFC Bridgnorth responded well to the set back and started to build some momentum in the latter stages of the first half. Brett Taylor was having a good game at the back for the visitors. He made a promising run with the ball before having a shot from distance well saved by Andrea Spanou who managed to push it over for a corner.

Cody White also had a free kick that just went wide of the left-hand post for AFC Bridgnorth who were threatening for an equaliser.

The pressure from the visitors eventually told and a quality passing move made it 1-1 after 36 minutes. A brilliant through ball by Reagan Wardle opened the Smethwick defence and found Kwabena Adjei down the right-hand side. He played a low ball to Cody White who finished well for the equaliser.

Smethwick did well to see the first half out to go into the break 1-1 thanks to the defending of Jake Lamb and Efe Unuarhemhen at the back.

Second Half

It was not quite clicking up front for Smethwick Rangers in this match. There was some good build up play in the final third by the hosts but that final ball was missing yesterday.

The second half was a cagey affair with not that many clear-cut chances. It was a fairly even match with the visitors looking to get their first win of the season.  

Brett Taylor and Kosheen Sappelton played well for the visitors yesterday and helped them build some momentum in the middle of the second half. They were getting on the ball a lot and helped them build attacks from midfield to cause Smethwick problems.      

Their best chance to win it came in the 75th minute when Cody White was free in the box. He got into a brilliant position before sending his shot wide of the right-hand post. None the less, the number of chances the visitors were creating was encouraging yesterday.

There was a brief stoppage in play with the floodlights going off for a few minutes which stopped some of the momentum being built by AFC Bridgnorth who were pushing for a winner.

Smethwick had a few chances to take home the three points when the match resumed late on with Chukwuxavier Nwobani-Akano having a shot from distance saved by Josh Lewis. The best chance for the hosts came following a corner when Red Simmons was free in the box. He had a shot instinctively saved by Josh Lewis to keep it at 1-1 at full time.

Full time

Smethwick will feel a bit disappointed not to get the win yesterday but it’s a good point on reflection and keeps them top of the table in division one. They could have lost this match but held on for a point which could be huge come the end of the season.

There in a good position to challenge for the play offs in division one if they can keep their excellent form going. They have the weekend off before two away games against Saffron Dynamo and Birstall United in the league over the next few weeks.

AFC Bridgnorth were excellent in this match and could have got the three points on another day. They competed well with Smethwick throughout and were creating a lot of good chances in the box.

Reagan Wardle impressed on the right-hand side and offered pace going forward. He impressed for the likes of Wolves Sporting and Wednesfield last season and is a good signing by AFC Bridgnorth.

Based on this match they look capable of pushing into mid table over the next few months. A win would give the squad a lot of confidence, but they look on track to pick up a result at some point.

They have one of the toughest schedules going in step six. They have home games against Brocton (League Cup) and Nuneaton Town next week before playing the likes of Heather St John’s, Saffron Dynamo and Bilston Town. None the less, if they can play like they did yesterday the visitors have a good chance of causing an upset against one of these teams.   

FT score: Smethwick Rangers 1-1 AFC Bridgnorth

Man of the match: Reagan Wardle (AFC Bridgnorth)

Attendance: 33

Match report written by Rhys Beardmore for the Midland Football League