A last-gasp goal from Adam Worthington returned Paradise Lounge to winning ways at the expense of Division 2 basement boys Freemans.
The Lichfield side, looking to bounce back after being dumped out of the Sam Kimberley Cup by FC Marina last Sunday, conceded within minutes of the kick-off when Freemans’ forward burst through and drilled a low shot past Paul Webb.
Paradise responded positively to the early setback – Steve Spencer’s fierce drive slipped out of the goalkeeper’s gloves and hit the crossbar, while James Coombes and James Wilkinson both had efforts cleared off the line.
It seemed only a matter of time before the visitors would score a deserved equaliser, which arrived midway through the second-half when Wilkinson’s whipped right-wing cross flew into the top corner.
Paradise pressed for a winner and on 90 minutes Stuart Gauntlett’s corner was met in the box by Worthington who claimed his first goal for the club as his new team departed a misty Aldridge Airfield with maximum points.
Player-manager Graham Welsh was full of praise for the Lounge following last week’s disappointing 4-1 defeat:
“It was a spirited fightback from us and we deserved to take the three points because of our never-say-die attitude. It’s our third victory in as many league games so we’ve made a decent start.”
James Wilkinson’s first goal of the season means he will be shaving off his Joey Barton-inspired moustache, which he vowed to grow until he got his name on the scoresheet:
“It’s a shame to shave it off – it’s a great look for me! Scoring for the team was great though and it’s an important win after going 1-0 down so early on.”
Paradise: Paul Webb, James Warburton, Paul Hill, Ben Lowe, James Wilkinson, Graham Welsh, Sam Owen, Adam Worthington, Jack Lowe (Stuart Gauntlett), James Coombes, Steve Spencer. Subs not used: Jay Tomkins, Mark Morris.
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