Tony Clarke

Lichfield City FC suffered their second frustrating derby day in a week as Pelsall Villa held them to a 1-1 draw.

Gary Birch’s men had been hoping to bounce back after a 4-0 midweek thumping at Bolehall Swifts.

And they will be scratching their heads after failing to make their domination count against Pelsall.

Lichfield started brightly with Joe Haines heading over with five minutes on the clock.

Tony Clarke
Tony Clarke

The breakthrough came on 22 minutes when Tony Clarke found the net.

But Pelsall levelled just after the half-hour when Spencer Blackham struck with the help of the blustery conditions.

The second half saw Lichfield have the better of the play and they should have been level shortly after the restart, seeing three good chances spurned.

Martin Crawford and Clarke had yet more chances to restore the lead midway through the half.

City goalscorer Clarke should have secured the win five minutes from time but saw his effort go wide of the target.

Lichfield will have a third bite of the local derby cherry on Bank Holiday Monday when they entertain Heath Hayes, kick-off 3pm.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.