Football
Hall is spot on for Blackwood

Blackwood 1 Lichfield City 0

President’s Cup Quarter-Finals

WAYNE Hall scored the only goal of the game to secure a place in the last four of the President’s Cup for Blackwood on Saturday.

Tackling Lichfield for the third time this season, Blackwood went through thanks to Hall’s second half penalty and they will now meet either Stretton Eagles or Archdale ‘73 in a two-legged semi-final.

After a slow start to proceedings it was Blackwood who began to get on top with Tony Clarke impressing and Simon Larmour also looking a threat.

The contest remained goalless at the interval but Blackwood continued to look the more likely in the second half as Jacob Snape flashed an effort wide and Larmour cleared the bar.

It was Larmour and Snape who combined to win the penalty with the latter being fouled and Hall, playing his first game for five weeks, made no mistake from 12-yards.

Blackwood began to dominate all over the pitch after going ahead and it took a number of good saves from the visitor’s keeper to prevent the margin of victory being greater.

Boss Jim Brogan said afterwards: “Our keeper has not had to make a save all game and that just goes to show how well we have defended.

“It’s nice to come away with a victory but I am delighted with the clean sheet and a place in the semi-finals for the third time in three years since we’ve been in the Midland Combination.”

Blackwood resume their Midland Combination Division One title challenge on Saturday when they entertain fellow high-flyers Knowle (2pm).