RED LIONS IN SEVENTH HEAVEN

BLOXWICH United AFC breezed into the quarter-finals of the JW Hunt Cup with a 7-2 victory over Wyrley Juniors.

The Red Lions made their intentions clear early on as a neat move ended with Craig Bannister firing inches wide.

Carl Morris was denied by a good save in the next attack, whilst at the other end, Gary Woodcock had to be alert to fingertip a powerful drive wide as Wyrley Juniors cut through the heart of the Bloxwich rear-guard.

The opening goal came on 17 minutes when Darren Leonard fed Bannister who applied an expert finish to give the 'keeper no chance.

A lapse in concentration almost let Wyrley Juniors back into it straight away, but United were able to double their advantage on 20 minutes as a long ball from Woodcock found its way to Leonard who fired home.

There was a real let-off for Wyrley Juniors when a speculative ball in from the left by Morris was missed by the 'keeper but cleared off the line.

With United well on top, Nick Smith let fly from distance but was just off target before the third goal duly arrived as Richard Bakewell's high hanging cross was headed home by Leonard.

The second period started with John Freeman setting Bannister away and he did well to lift the ball over the 'keeper, but he was inches off target.

An unfortunate own goal from Smith reduced the arrears as he deflected a cross from the right beyond Woodcock.

At the other end, an intelligent header from Leonard found Bannister who was denied by a timely challenge as he pulled the trigger.

The fourth goal came when a deflection landed at the feet of substitute, Alan Wilkes who announced his introduction into the proceedings by lashing home.

It was 5-1 four minutes later in the 69th minute as a quality ball into the danger zone by Wilkes was headed home by Bannister.

Wyrley Juniors pulled another one back through Stuart Foster before Bannister completed his hat-trick as he poached from close range following an inviting low ball played into the danger zone.

With time running out, Leonard went close as Craig Welsh completed the scoring by firing home after receiving a pass from Leonard to make the final score 7-2.