A RICHARD Ward hat-trick condemned Chaddesley Corbett to a 3-1 defeat at well-organised Cradley Town Reserves in West Midlands League Division One South.

Chaddesley took the lead through Ian Vogel's blistering 20-yard strike but Ward ensured they stay in the bottom half of the table.

The visitors created the first real chance on 10 minutes as Vogel forced a finger-tip save with his header from Gavin Knight's free-kick.

Skillful Cradley then took over but were denied by fine defending from Steve Lowe and Lee Strain as well as Brian Burton who claimed his sixth man-of-the-match award this season.

Vogel's drive put Chaddesley ahead on 22 minutes, firing home the loose ball after Ian Middleton challenged for a header from Jamie Williams' throw-in.

But Cradley equalised within two minutes when a long throw caused mayhem and Ward got the slightest of touches with his head.

Craig Pratt shot over before Cradley went ahead on 32 minutes with Ward again scoring, despite claims of offside from a left-wing move.

Chaddesley were brighter in the second period and Middleton was inches away on 55 minutes after latching onto Pratt's through-ball and lofting it over the on-rushing keeper only to see it brush past the post.

Vogel's low effort was well saved following Williams' nod-back from a Burton cross with an hour gone.

Three attacking substitutes nearly paid off when Ted Bayliss struck the post but Cradley counter-attacked and keeper Ian Harvey was left isolated as Ward dispossessed him and slotted in from a tight angle.

Chaddesley's players are asked to meet at Brintons by 1.15pm for Saturday's clash with Bustleholme Reserves.