Lichfield pick up three points at Bodmere

A closely contested game saw moments of quality from both sides, with Lichfield edging the result 2–1 thanks to a late winner from Dan Lomas.

The match started with a clear opportunity for Jordan Gough, who found himself through on goal early, only to be denied by a strong save from Brendon Bunn. Jack Edwards looked lively down the flank and cut inside well, but his shot curled just wide of the target. Joe Haines then tried his luck from distance, though his effort flew harmlessly over the bar.

The breakthrough came soon after. Haines picked out Edwards with a perfectly weighted ball over the top. Edwards took it in stride, cut inside the box, and calmly finished low into the bottom left corner to give his side a deserved 1–0 lead.

James Wilcock maintained the pressure, getting on the end of a ball over the top, but his cut-back cross was comfortably gathered by the keeper. 

Gough then lofted a ball into the path of Harry Wakefield, who controlled well on his chest, but Leighton McMenemy did enough to force him wide and out for a corner.

Just before the break, Edwards capitalised on a loose clearance from the goalkeeper, drove directly at the defence, and forced a solid save from Jonathan Brown. 

Haines continued to pose a threat down the wing and picked out Jude Taylor at the back post, but his header was safely held.

The second half opened with more pressure from the visitors. Haines delivered a teasing ball to the near post, which Tom Brown flicked narrowly over the bar. 

Daniel O’Callaghan had a golden chance just five yards out, but Bunn once again came to the rescue with a fine save.

Brown continued to be involved, finding Taylor with a smart pass out wide, though Taylor’s curling effort was well saved. 

Wilcock was active in and around the box, first latching onto a deflection only to see his shot blocked, then testing the defence again from the edge of the area – but with the same result.

The hosts eventually found their equaliser. Kaireice Cunningham picked up the ball on the edge of the box and sent a looping effort over Bunn to level the score at 1–1.

But Lichfield weren’t done. Taylor’s shot from inside the area was saved, but Dan Lomas reacted quickest to the rebound and smashed it into the net to restore the lead at 2–1.

There was still time for one more chance, as Taylor flicked a pass into the path of Daniel Bradley, whose low effort was well saved by Jonathan Brown, preventing a third.