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Leaders Huddersfield travelled to Molineux to take on an inexperienced Wolves side, with only Keith Andrews, returning after five months out through injury, having any first-team appearances. The Terriers were full of confidence after four wins and a draw, but were soon cut down to size after conceding two penalties in the first quarter of an hour and seeing defender Nat Brown sent off. Jimmi Lee Jones converted both, and although Chris Senior pulled one back the Wanderers held out for a welcome 2-1 win.
Only 280 fans turned up, again reflecting the general air of gloom surrounding the club. This was Wolves’ last reserve game at Molineux for a while as they now go into a period of hibernation at Telford’s Bucks Head ground.
At Saltergate on Wednesday afternoon Sheffield United beat Bury 4-2 in an entertaining game. Three goals in the space of five first half minutes for the Blades effectively won them the game, although Bury did make a fight of it with two more goals for the Hapton Harrier, Gareth Seddon. Dutchman Laurens Ten Heuvel scored twice, with Lee Featherstone (now on loan to Scunthorpe) and Nick Montgomery getting the others.
Ten Heuvel’s second, and the Blades’ fourth, not only sealed their third victory in a row but also took them to the top of the league. Although Huddersfield have the same goal difference, the Blades have scored one more goal.
Having already mentioned defections to Telford and Chesterfield, it is with a heavy heart that we report on the latest club to hammer home another nail in the coffin of professional football’s rapidly-dwindling integrity: Tranmere Rovers are to play reserve games at the Rivacre Park Stadium in Ellesmere Port, home of Vauxhall Motors. So as well as the aforementioned, we have Rotherham playing in Sheffield, Preston soon to be in Lancaster, and Bury in Radcliffe.
Consider also that Sheffield United, Bury and Walsall kick off at 2pm.
Is it any wonder reserve attendances are declining?
Leading scorers (league):
6 Gareth Seddon (Bury)
5 Paul Macari (Huddersfield Town)
4 Laurens Ten Heuvel (Sheffield United)
3 Kevin Gallacher (Huddersfield Town)
3 Junior (Walsall)
Top reported attendances:
720 Walsall v Wolves (21.08.02)
594 Huddersfield v Preston (28.08.02)
496 Burnley v Huddersfield (21.08.02)
402 Burnley v Sheffield United (04.09.02)
349 Huddersfield v Walsall (18.09.02)
Avon Insurance Premier Division League Table
Burnley's Fixtures and Results