Bell Nick Points at Vale!

By Joe Perkins

Champs begin with win; 'dene and Corpus in unbeaten starts; Forest and Thorns both win.

Just as La Liga did on Tuesday, the Premier division kicked-off in bright September sunshine and last season’s ‘Thursday’ champions, Harper Bell opened their campaign with three points as they travelled across to Kingstanding to take on Maryvale. Fielding a team consisting of year 4 and 5s and only one from year 6, Bell were put under pressure from the off by an impressive Vale side. Dominating the opening stanza, Vale led by 2 goals to nil at the break. However, a tactical change from coach Hynan rejuvenated Bell and they began to dictate terms and they turned the game on its head, fighting back to win a thriller, 3-2.
At the other extremity of the ESPSFA league, over in Sheldon, a sun-drenched Mapledene Arena saw the hosts welcome Corpus Christi and Alston. The ‘dene commenced proceedings against Corpus Christi and started brightly pressurising the visitors’ goal, but they were undone by a sucker-punch and Corpus went in 1 up at the interval. A ding-dong of a second half saw action at both ends but ‘dene grabbed an equaliser with corner straight off then training ground. Corpus then took on Alston and raced into a 4-0 lead. Alston’s heads failed to drop, and they began to claw their way back netting twice in dogged fashion. However, Corpus always carried a threat and nicked one more to wrap things up 5-2. The final game of the evening pitched Alston against the ‘dene. Despite attacking with gusto, Mapledene could not find a way through a determined Alston rear-guard until just before half-time when they scored twice in quick succession. As Alston tired, ‘dene found gaps and were ruthless in running out 6-0 victors; full credit to Alston though as they never gave up and kept on battling.
Lea Forest welcomed Thornton and Erdington Hall to Kitts Green and Forest with a new coach at the helm began in style, defeating a hard-working Thornton side, 6-2. The Thorns picked themselves up though and won a roller-coaster-of-a-game, 3-2, against Erdington Hall to at least take three points back down the Alum Rock Road.

Where next?

Silky Stone Set Title Pace! Hillstone rampant; Rosary keep tabs; Abbey suffer first defeat; P&P stumble; Yardley take max points; Bernie's off to flyer; Timbers edge Ward End.
Champs Lay Down Marker! Abbey take max points; Hillstone match champs haul; Hale and P&P in unbeaten starts.

Erdington and Saltley Primary Schools Football League newsletter

Keep up-to-date with our exclusive email newsletters.

Subscribe