CRADLEY Town had to take the field with just eight players against Ellesmere Rangers last Saturday after half the squad got delayed on the way to the game.

A brake down and traffic trouble resulted in the Hammers losing 8-1 to fifth placed Ellesmere.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Town took the lead when Chris Bladen fired in the opening goal.

However, five goals from Scott Ryan, a brace from Ryan Jones and a Paddy Townsend strike made sure the hosts took the points as Cradley tired.

Chairman Trevor Thomas said: "One of the cars bringing the players broke down on the way to the game. Another stopped to help and got caught up in traffic.

"We can laugh about it now, especially because we took the lead and held out for half an hour before conceding.

"It is one of those things. We will put it behind us and move on. The result in no way reflects our current form."

Town take on Wolves Casuals away this Saturday.

Boss Duane Darby has a fully fit squad to pick from.