ASSISTANT coach Dave Smith made an early inspection of the pitch deeming it playable although slippy.

With one player short, the Newtown boys knew it would take a real team effort to overturn Oldbury’s numerical advantage and book their place in the semi-final of the George Goode Memorial Shield. Newtown were first out of the blocks, quickly taking control of the play, with Rodway and Bains on defensive duty cancelling out any early threats the visitors might pose.

Midfield powerhouse Bray was first to respond to the coach’s desire for an early goal, meandering his way into the heart of the visitors’ defence before unleashing a thunderous goal-bound shot, lighting the touch paper for what was to come.

A now inspired team were creating chances thick and fast with every attempt finding the target, a further goal from Bray extended the lead before goal-sniper Smith opened his account for the day.

Hill added to the home teams’s tally with an incredible curving corner before Bains picked up a long pass, turned on the spot and played Wickett in from close range to make it 5-0 going into half-time.

Rodway pounced on a loose ball in the box in the second-half and slotted the ball home whilst the ever dangerous Smith drove home two more deadly strikes to secure a well-deserved hat-trick and a semi-final place for the Malvern team.