Sid Valley teams back in action

Tipton returned to action after missing three games due to the weather and found they had been decimated by injury and illness.

They could only field 11 fit players plus substitute Lee Strawbridge who is about six weeks short of returning from injury, so knew they were in for a tough afternoon.

Tipton started slowly and were 1-0 down after five minutes. The University made the score 2-0 following a fine move down their right.

Tipton responded well and started to play themselves back into the game and earned a corner on the left. Ash Baker put in a great ball for Steve Flack to head home.

Neither side created a clear chance until right at the end of the half when the University broke away down their left and delivered a great ball across the box which was well hit first time giving Barry Wood, Tipton striker who is still standing in, in goal due to injury, no chance.

The University started the second half better and Wood made a fine save on 46 minutes pushing the ball over the bar from a close range shot.

Tipton then battled well and matched the University for the remainder of the game, but left back Haydn Banfield went off injured so substitute Lee Strawbridge went in goal and Barry Wood took Banfield’s position. They then lost their right back Glen Salter five minutes later when he succumbed to this season’s injury curse, going over on his ankle with no one near him. He looks likely to miss several weeks. It is hoped he makes a speedy recovery. Tipton continued with 10 men. University scored again to a shot which gave Strawbridge no chance.

Captain Neil Gooding’s fine long range shot was palmed away for a corner. The final score did not reflect the effort that all the Tipton side put in and they should feel proud of that effort in very difficult circumstances. Man of the Match for them was Adam Connett.