Yeltz 2 Glassboys 1 (From Halesowen News)

Yeltz 2 Glassboys 1

5:18pm Saturday 26th December 2009

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A DAVID Blenkinsopp goal ten minutes from time helped Halesowen Town to derby victory over Stourbridge.

The striker, who had only been on the pitch for seven minutes, turned home a cross from man-of-the-match Danny Edwards to cap a second half fightback for the home side.

Leon Broadhurst had given the Glassboys the lead in first half stoppage time but Edwards equalised for Halesowen just after the break.

Both sides had their chances in an even second half but it was Blenkinsopp who proved the hero.

Gary Hackett's men will be disappointed they didn't take more advantage of a first half in which they were well on top.

Despite the absence of playmaker Drew Canavan from the midfield, the Glassboys were a constant threat on the counter attack.

Aaron Drake nearly gave them the lead in the seventh minute but pushed his shot just wide of the far post following a quick break.

Broadhurst also shot wide, Nathan Bennett was off target with a header while Jamie Oliver also went close.

The home side went closest through Scott Rickards, whose fierce free kick was tipped behind by Stour Lewis Solly.

But Stour were playing the conditions better and got their reward just before the half-time whistle.

Sam Rock found space on the left and crossed for Broadhurst who planted his header into the bottom corner.

Drake could have made it two in the first half of the second half but saw his drive just miss the crossbar.

Four minutes into the second half the Yeltz were level as Connor, a half-time sub, crossed for Edwards who sent a glancing header past Solly.

The goal galvanised the Yeltz who were on top for the next 15 minutes. Though they didn't create a lot in terms of chances, Stour were forced to defend well and Nathan Bennett was twice alert to cut out dangerous crosses.

Heading into the last 15 minutes both sides were searching for the win and it was the Yeltz who found the magic touch.

Rickards sent a brilliant crossfield pass to Edwards on the left whose low cross found Blenkinsopp's run.

Moore had an effort saved by Solly as the Yeltz looked to make the game safe but in reality the Glassboys rarely put the home side under pressure in the closing moments.

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