HALESOWEN Town boss Russ Penn said his side’s draw with play-off rivals AFC Telford United on Monday was ‘a great advert for the league’.
The Yeltz forced a 1-1 draw after going a goal down inside 20 minutes through Dylan Allen-Hadley.
But Halesowen levelled it up two minutes after the break when Kieren Donnelly’s header went in via the woodwork.
Penn told the club’s official website: “It was a great advert for the league.
”We had two teams going at it for 90 minutes plus stoppage time, and the crowd made it for me.
“I think we deserved to get the win, but we never looked like losing, and have gone 12 unbeaten.
“I thought we started the second half brilliantly, and Telford had an off day. It was a proper game, with tackles flying in, and a lot of duels in the middle of the pitch.
Incredibly proud to of broken the @halesowentownfc all time appearance record for a goalkeeper, 336 games, countless happy memories and a place I can always call home 💙
Thanks to everyone who has supported me over the years, forever grateful ! #UpTheYeltz 💙 pic.twitter.com/aRoayPtMF4
— Daniel Platt (@DanielPlatt_1) April 22, 2025
“The whole team was fantastic. In the first half we were behind, and down in the game which meant we lacked control. We gained it in the second 45, and the centre halves, subs and the boys up top more than deserved a point. We want to finish as high as possible, and go to a Stamford side who need a win next week. We will have a large travelling support, and will look to come back to The Grove a week on Wednesday.”
Redditch United face a tense final game of the season in their bid to avoid relegation.
They lost 4-0 at Banbury United on Monday and are outside the bottom four on goal difference ahead of Barwell.
There is only one goal in it between the teams with Redditch hosting Hitchin Town this Saturday.
Barwell, who lost at Harborough Town on Monday, will be at home to Spalding – knowing that either them or Redditch could go down, although Bishop’s Stortford could still be drawn into it.
Boss Matt Clarke told Redditch’s official YouTube channel: “Probably for the club, it’s the biggest game for a long time on Saturday, certainly for me as a manager. But I’ll always remain positive.
“We’ve hit some incredible heights and punched above our weight for many, many years.
The final game of the season awaits as we host @HitchinTownFC ⏳
All points won and lost, all goals scored and conceded come down to these final 90 minutes… It’ll be nerve-wracking, but keep backing us 🔴
Tickets are discounted if purchased online 🎟️
— Redditch United (@RedditchUtd) April 22, 2025
“But it’s been difficult. But I think we’ll go into the Hitchin game, and there’ll be pressure. And I want the players to have pressure because I want them to respond well to that.
“On Saturday, we were aware of the goal difference and didn’t want it to be any more than it needed to be.”
Stratford Town’s game with Alvechurch will be replayed on Thursday after Monday’s game was abandoned due to serious injuries to Alvechurch’s Isaac Godwin and Bards player Jack Storer.
A social media post on Alvechurch’s X account said: “News on Isaac Godwin. Our 17year old loanee from Shrewsbury Town sustained a broken leg in this afternoon’s game at Stratford Town. He’s been treated in hospital and we wish this brave young man and future star a speedy recovery.”
Stratford’s social media added: “Our thoughts and best wishes go to Bards’ Jack Storer, the Church’s Isaac Godwin and Isaac’s Grandad. Lots of love from everyone at Stratford Town FC.”
News on Isaac Godwin.
Our 17yr old loanee from Shrewsbury Town sustained a broken leg in this afternoon’s game at Stratford Town.He’s been treated in hospital and we wish this brave young man and future star a speedy recovery 💪 pic.twitter.com/hL2BbOfxyh
— Alvechurch FC (@Alvechurch1st) April 21, 2025
Storer later posted and said: “Yesterday was scary man. Thank you to everyone for the messages checking on me, means a lot. I’m okay’ish now just feel proper drained. Probably was just a scare but hopefully nothing too serious! Appreciate it.”
Stourbridge’s 4-2 win over Bromsgrove Sporting was followed by an announcement on Tuesday about their War Memorial Athletic Ground.
𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 🏟️
Following a meeting between the FA & the @SouthernLeague1, we have received dispensation that confirms we will be allowed to play at the WMAG next season!
We hope this will give us the required time to complete the works required to secure the… pic.twitter.com/NXeVYq6GL0
— Stourbridge FC (@StourbridgeFC) April 22, 2025
A post on X said: “Following a meeting between the FA and the Southern League, e have received dispensation that confirms we will be allowed to play at the WMAG next season!
“We hope this will give us the required time to complete the works required to secure the future of the ground.”
On Monday, two goals apiece from Ethan Freemantle and Tyrone Barnett sealed the points.
Sporting responded through Jamie Meddows and Aaron Roberts.
