A foggy trip to Lichfield was always going to present a challenging afternoon for Market Drayton. Having faced Lichfield last season, Drayton knew they would be up against an experienced side looking to control possession and dictate the game.
The match started as expected, with both sides looking to assert themselves early. Market Drayton had the better of the opportunities in the opening 15 minutes but were unable to convert, with a couple of excellent saves from the Lichfield goalkeeper keeping the scores level.
Against the run of play, Lichfield took the lead in the 24th minute. A forward broke through the Market Drayton defence and somehow managed to execute a reverse scoop into the MD goal to make it 1–0. Drayton continued to play their game and created several further opportunities but couldn’t find the equaliser before half-time.
The message at the break was clear: continue playing as we had been, but show greater composure and clinical finishing in front of goal.
Lichfield proved difficult to break down, and as frustrations began to show, a flurry of green cards for both sides added to the intensity. On 41 minutes, Market Drayton found themselves with a numerical advantage, and Jordan Chevins made it count. Finding himself one-on-one with the Lichfield goalkeeper, Chevins calmly rounded the keeper as he committed to a sliding challenge before finding the backboard to level the scores at 1–1.
Drayton now knew they were firmly back in the game.
Despite subsequently finding themselves down to ten men, Market Drayton maintained their high press and continued to put Lichfield under pressure. Their persistence paid off in the 57th minute when Dillan Weller found the back of the net to put Drayton ahead at 2–1.
The goal lifted the visitors, who began to control possession, move the ball cleanly and dominate the closing stages. Although a third goal wouldn’t come, Market Drayton managed the game superbly to see out another important victory.
Eight wins from eight, keeping Market Drayton at the top of the league.
Their biggest test of the season so far could well come next weekend, as they welcome second-placed Stafford, who have also enjoyed an impressive campaign, winning seven of their opening eight fixtures.
