Ellesmere went behind on 12 minutes when a quick break saw the AFC Wulfrunians full back score from the edge of the box. Ellesmere's Ben Houlston had a 25 yard shot brilliantly tipped over the bar by the home 'keeper on the stroke of half time, Ben Houlston just failed to connect with a cross from three yards out.

AFC Wulfrunians increased their lead on 62 minutes when a free kick was headed home by an unmarked AFC Wulfrunians centre half. Ellesmere had their chances with Danny Barton hitting the post with a header and the same player making the home 'keeper make another excellent save, tipping to shoot over the bar.

Ellesmere's Scott Graham had an excellent debut performance and was influential in Ellesmere's attacking play.

West Midlands League
Premier Division
Pelsall Villa 2
Ellesmere Rangers 1

ELLESMERE still find themselves in the hunt for runners up spot.
Rangers started brightly with Jamie Evans forcing a corner in the first minute.

This was followed by some early pressure by Ellesmere with the home 'keeper saving a long range effort from Ben Houlston, which was to be Ben's last contribution when he pulled up with a hamstring injury.

This seemed to unsettle Ellesmere and on 12 minutes a corner was crossed into the box where poor marking let the Pelsall centre half head home unchallenged.

This seemed to wake Ellesmere up with first Dan Graham hitting the bar, and then on 39 minutes a good move involving a flick on by Graham again who found Danny Barton whose shot hit the post.

After some strong words by the management at half-time Ellesmere came out and completely dominated the second half, with Jamie Evans on the left wing supplying numerous crosses for first Danny Barton who shot wide and then again on 54 minutes supplying a cross for Danny Barton to head home from 12 yards out.

This spurred Ellesmere on with Andy Ford forcing the home 'keeper to push his shot around the post.

Then, with five minutes to go, a long ball caused a mix up in the Ellesmere defence with the ball kindly falling to a Pelsall player who tapped in from five yards out.

Ellesmere can take heart out of this second half performance being one of their best of the season and with the other sides above them all losing there's still everything to play for.

• Rangers next game away is tonight, Tuesday, against Tividale, with a 7.45pm kick off. Bus leaving Oswestry Leisure Centre 5.15pm.