Dan Edwards
Dan Edwards

Goalkeeper Dan Edwards produced two penalty saves as Lichfield City FC sent out an early warning to the rest of their rivals after beating Worcester side Perrywood.

The visitors had been tipped as one of the Midland Combination Division Two promotion favourites, but Dean Gilbert’s men shone from the off.

It should have been Perrywood who went in a goal up at half time after Matt Clay gave away a needless penalty with a reckless challenge in the area, but keeper Edwards produced a superb double save to keep out the spot kick and the rebound.

And manager Gilbert admits the save gave his team the boost they needed. He explained:

“Dan’s penalty save was the turning point for us. Matt’s inexperience in defence showed after his lunge gifted Perrywood with a great chance. But Dan’s agility showed he’s one of the best keepers at this level in the area.”

The second half saw Lichfield push from the off and they were rewarded when a superb run and cross from Tom Evans landed at the feet of City striker Jon Rob Dutton who made no mistake from five yards out.

The game could have been levelled on the hour mark when Perrywood were awarded another penalty after substitute Deeley was deemed to have handled on the line. The defender was sent off but once again Edwards was the hero with another superb save from the spot kick.

Although the City keeper took the plaudits, Gilbert was delighted with his side’s all round effort. He said:

“I’m pleased with the performance of the lads and the result – Perrywood are one of the favorites this season and I can see why. They are a close knit side who work hard for each other and I don’t think many sides will take points off them this season.

“I’m pleased with the current squad that I have. We are a young side but the lads are soaking up everything that is being drilled into them. It’s still the time of the season where we have players away with holidays and may not be able to field the same side for another few weeks yet, but as long as the players chosen keep putting in performances like that then I’ll be happy.

“We have a massive game bank next against Bromsgrove – a side that have a big playing budget and a lot of experience in there ranks but as far as I’m concerned they are there to be taken down and we will do our very best to take the three points from them.”

Lichfield will be looking to cause another upset today (Bank Holiday Monday) when they tackle Bromsgrove.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.