Southern League

South & West Division

Halesowen 0

Cinderford Town 1

A SECOND HALF goal from Mike Whittington gave Cinderford a fantastic win at previously unbeaten Halesowen, in front of a crowd of more than 300.

It was no more than they deserved.

Town boss Steve Peters admitted his hands were tied when it came to picking the team because of injuries to skipper Dale Evans, Nick Hancock, Craig Tait and Dan Harrison. The Foresters also lost Danny Haines to injury in the first half.

Peters said: "We were a bit makeshift, but I thought we were excellent.

"Halesowen is an intimidating place to go at the best of times and the pitch was terrible.

"They have a big side and are very direct, so it was a test. Not many sides will go there and win this season."

The hard working Whittington scored the only goal of the game four minutes into the second half. Cinder-

ford also had a Lewis Sommers goal disallowed for offside as they dominated from start to finish. Peters said: "I thought we were disappointing on Saturday so it's good to get a reaction.

"I want to win, even if I'm playing subbuteo or monopoly, but I only get annoyed with players when I know they can do better.

"On Monday the players were shattered because they gave everything.

"People will sit up and take notice of this result."

Town have hardly fielded the same XI two games running, but the boss insists that helps to keep people on their toes.

"Sometimes I look at the bench and think 'you should be playing today' but I can only put 11 out there.

"One of the first names on my team sheet, however, is Warren Archer because he puts in a shift every week.

"He's not Pele but he gets eight out of 10 every game."

Cinderford Town: Ben John, Warren Archer, Danny Haines, Greg Lewis, Dale Peckham, Andy Lewis, Matt Barnes, Brad Andrews, Mike Whittington, Lewis Sommers, Dean Lee. Subs: Ashley Malcolm, Nick McCootie, Robbie Maggs, Craig Tait, Dan Harrison.