Wolverhampton Casuals booked their place in the next round of the FA Vase with a convincing 3–1 victory over Studley Town, although the scoreline perhaps flatters the visitors after a first half in which the Casuals dominated but somehow failed to find the breakthrough.

Following last Saturday’s big derby draw against Bilston Town, Cassies were forced to make changes to the matchday squad due to availability and new signings being cup tied, out went Zak Poskitt, Jake Pearson, Cian McIntosh and Nathan Scott, they were replaced by James Rowland, Richard David, Leo Gill and Lewis Gill following his suspension.

Casuals started brightly and controlled the early exchanges, but clear-cut opportunities proved hard to come by.

After 15 minutes, David found himself 12 yards out, but his effort was blocked and cleared before it could trouble the Studley defence. Six minutes later, Cook went close from the left, seeing his shot parried by Studley goalkeeper Williams, although there was nobody on hand to turn the rebound home.

The best move of the opening half came in the 28th minute. David picked the ball up on the left, burst into the box and brilliantly went past two defenders before smashing his effort against the near upright.

Just three minutes later, Williams produced an extraordinary save to keep the scores level. Cook’s 22-yard strike appeared to swerve at the last moment, leaving the goalkeeper with little time to adjust. Williams somehow managed to get an arm to the ball, which bounced off the ground and looked destined to cross the line, only to somehow bounce over the bar from around five yards.

David was again denied in the 37th minute when Williams pulled off another full-stretch save to keep the game goalless.

Casuals went into the interval wondering just how they weren’t ahead.

The hosts continued where they left off after the restart and immediately applied pressure. Cook’s 18-yard strike in the 48th minute was blocked and cleared as Casuals searched for the goal their dominance deserved.

David thought he had finally broken the deadlock in the 58th minute when he found the net, but the flag was raised for an earlier offside.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 68th minute, just moments after substitute McNevin had replaced David. A Lewis Gill corner caused havoc in the Studley six-yard box and, following a goalmouth scramble, McNevin rose to head home from six yards.

The goal appeared to lift a weight from Casuals’ shoulders and, just five minutes later, McNevin struck again.

Hazel’s clever lob was tipped onto the crossbar by Williams, but the ball fell invitingly into the path of McNevin, who reacted quickest to bundle the loose ball home from just two yards and complete a superb impact from the bench.

Casuals were now firmly in control and added a third in the 77th minute. Another dangerous Lewis Gill corner caused problems inside the Studley box and, when the ball broke loose, Casuals defender Kirk was on hand to head home and make it 3–0.

With the job seemingly complete, Casuals took their foot off the pedal in the closing stages and Studley managed to pull a goal back in the 91st minute. Vince’s lapse in concentration allowed Coffey the opportunity to slot calmly home from 18 yards.

It was little more than a consolation, however, as Wolverhampton Casuals comfortably saw out the remaining moments to secure a deserved 3-1 victory.

After a frustrating first half in which Williams and the woodwork repeatedly denied them, the Casuals finally found their reward after the break. McNevin’s two-goal cameo proved decisive, while further strikes from Kirk and the pressure created by Lewis Gill’s set pieces ensured the hosts progressed safely into the First Round of the FA Vase.

Button Oak Photography were at Brinsford Stadium to record the action, their images are available on the clubs website by clicking Studley - FA Vase

Next Saturday Casuals return to league action with a trip into Shropshire to play Shawbury United, further details will follow in the week.