Bell Back on Song!

Last season’s Premier champions, Harper Bell, leapt to the top of the table after taking all six-points from their games at St Matthew’s on Thursday afternoon. Bell produced their best performance of the season so far as they dominated in a 3-0 win over Thornton. Then, against Firs, Bell netted three times in two minutes midway through the second half – a hat-trick from their attacking midfielder no less – as they then defeated Firs, 3-1; Firs did however, get the best goal of the game to provide some consolation. In the evening’s other game in Nechells, Firs and Thornton battled away and earned a point each from a 1-1 draw.

Over in Sheldon, Mapledene’s Arena saw visitors Lea Forest and Brookfields open proceedings. In a game of cracking goals and fine long-range strikes, Forest downed ‘fields by 5 goals to 2. Despite the defeat, Brookfields stayed in the game throughout, but second half goals, one a mazy dribble and the other a ‘worldy’, were not enough to trouble Forest. Next up was Mapledene against Lea Forest – and what a battle this was. Lea Forest picked up where they left off in the previous game and were rewarded with an early strike. The ‘dene dugout didn’t panic and though they knew they were up against a talented side the Maples began to edge back into the game and were rewarded with a poacher’s finish just before half time to level. However, 'dene still went in one down as Lea Forest re-established their lead straight away. The second half produced more quality football and thunderous challenges from both sides, as well as some last ditch defending. Mapledene snatched an equaliser following a goalmouth scramble, the ball unfortunately creeping through the ‘keeper’s legs and over the line. As both sides went in search of the winner the game became stretched and it was Mapledene whose pressure told as a saved effort rebounded to the penalty spot and was lashed home first time by a substitute - 3-2 to the 'dene.
Brookfields scored a superb counterattacking goal in the evening’s final game to take the lead against Mapledene. ‘Dene maintained the pressure and though chances came and went in some abundance, ‘dene’s relentless hunger for an equaliser was rewarded in the last minute with a low shot from the edge of the box to break Brookfields' hearts and send them back to the Jewellery Quarter without a win that their performances, attitude and spirit would have deserved. ‘Dene boss, Mr Collett, commented after the games, “Cracking evening's entertainment here today. It's what we do it for.” Amen to that Sir!

Across in Kitts Green, the then league leaders, Corpus Christi, were given a tough time by a tenacious Parkfield side. Two quick goals in succession saw Corpus take control of the game but Parkfield pulled a goal back. However, Corpus never looked like relinquishing their lead and ran out deserved, 2-1 winners. Corpus were then involved in a titanic struggle with The Oval. Both teams gave their all and The Oval more than matched their high-flying visitors. Matching Corpus Christi's determination, The Oval were well worth a point from a contest which was high in endeavour but lacking in goals - the game ended scoreless.
Parkfield and The Oval were involved in an end-to-end encounter in the evening’s other game. Both sides had chances in the first half, but neither could breakthrough. The second half followed a similar pattern and it was Parkfield who snatched the points with a stunning free-kick from their outstanding No 9.

And finally, two 'stand-alone' fixtures: at Brownmead, Paget were making their first appearance of the season and in another typically tight ESPSFA fixture, it was the side from B24 who left with the spoils, and their a 2-1 win continued ‘mead’s miserable start to the campaign. The other fixture was at Maryvale where SS Margaret Mary made it two wins from two so far this season as they comfortably won 3-0.