VS back on top of league
VS back on top
VS back on top of league
Halesowen Town 1 VS Rugby 2
Jubilant VS returned to the top of the league with a fine victory over old FA vase rivals Halesowen.
The scoreline flattered the home side as Rugby dominated most of the 90 minutes play.
Jimmy Knox made one change from Saturday, Graham Reed played up front with Mark Rosegreen and Ian Bullions came in for Robbie Jones.
VS started with a bang, creating three clear chances in the first 20 minutes, Reed, Rosegreen and Shearer all came close to opening the scoring.
The opening goal came after 22 minutes, a Niblett cross was met by the diving Fitzpatrick and his glancing header found the bottom corner of the net.
In the next 15 minutes efforts from Bullions, McGinty and Reed almost increased a dominant VS's lead.
Halton nearly made it 2-0 on the stroke of half time when he headed just wide.
The second half continued as before, Martin making his only real worthwhile save after 48 minutes from Halesowen's Heywood.
VS increased their lead when Fitzpatrick's pinpoint pass put Rosegreen clear and he made no mistake from 18 yards, his raiding drive hitting the roof of the net on 61 minutes.
Halesowen scored two minutes later when Hazelwood headed home a near post header from a corner kick. After that lapse VS never looked like letting the game slip from their grasp.
Substitute Jones on for Coe with 15 minutes left, twice came close. First denied by keeper Rowe and then Bradley clearing his second effort off the line.
VS ended the game on the attack and thoroughly deserved their first ever victory at The Grove.
VS: Mick Martin, Nigel Niblett, Tony McGinty, Liam Halton, John Coe, Graham Reed, Mick Shearer, Gary Bradder, Mark Rosegreen, Ian Bullions, Gary Fitzpatrick. Subs: Tony Clark, Robbie Jones. Free kicks: VS 10/4 Halesowen 5/8. Corners: VS 4/3 Halesowen 1/2.