COUNTY LEAGUE
VINEY ST SWITHINS 0, ELLWOOD 2
ELLWOOD'S claim to be real challengers for the County League title this season received a further boost when they accounted for close neighbours Viney Hill in the Forest's top soccer match of the day last Saturday.
Now in third place and with eight wins from 11 games, Ellwood were favourites to pick up the points on Saturday – but they knew it would be tough.
Afterwards player manager Sean Williams was full of praise for his team's performance.
"Derby games are not always the prettiest of spectacles and league placings mean little when the sides are just down the road from each other. I am pleased with our boys because, although we are currently third in the league, Viney are a side well capable of turning anyone over. But we stuck to our game plan and didn't give much away," said Williams.
It was Williams himself who gave Ellwood the lead inside 10 minutes but only after Paul Bird had given them a scare at the other end hitting a post with a shot from the edge of the area.
Viney had a good opportunity to level things but failed to make the most of the chance before Carl Smith increased Ellwood's lead just before half-time with a well taken header.
Viney picked things up briefly after the interval but Ellwood stood firm and limited their scoring opportunities to a handful while creating some decent chances themselves.
"I think we defended really well, but I was most pleased with our midfield performance because we stifled a very capable opposition and took nothing for granted.
"Alan Bell, Ryan Pendrey and second-half substitute Adam Stradling did all I asked of them. Our front two worked hard as well and kept Viney pinned deeper than they would have liked so I'm happy with the overall team showing – and, of course, the result," said Williams.