Flying Bell Go Four Clear!

Harper Bell have opened up a four-point gap at the top of the Premier division following a maximum six point trawl at Hollyfields on Thursday evening with one of their victims second-placed, Corpus Christi.

Bell, Corpus and Paget all met at Hollyfields Sports in Erdington and Corpus opened up with resounding 4-1 win over Paget. Paget never really got going and came up against an ‘on song’ Corpus outfit who were ruthless in front of goal; the pick of the bunch was a spectacular volley, thumped from distance, that veered into the net. Harper Bell then entered the fray and were embroiled in a 'romper-stomper' of a game against Corpus Christi – the division’s top two didn’t disappoint. Bell peppered the Corpus goal from the outset but found Corpus’s ‘keeper in imperious form, and when they did beat him, they hit the woodwork instead of the net. Bell were then thankful to their own net-minder as he brilliantly thwarted a Corpus effort before the break. Corpus mounted the pressure in the second half, but Bell were resolute in defence and with the game heading for a goal-less conclusion, a smart, left-footed finish from an impish Bell midfielder decided the outcome a couple of minutes from time leaving Corpus’s troops gutted. Paget then faced Harper Bell and though last season’s Premier champions had the majority of the game they almost blew the two-goal lead they had created. With two minutes left on the clock, plucky Paget pulled a goal back and then almost snatched a point but saw a last-minute strike hit a post. Bell blew a sigh of relief and as they did so, went four points clear at the top.

Over in Shard End, there was a welcome return to the ESPSFA for Heathlands after a three-year absence. First up they faced a Brookfields side looking for a first win since they shocked Harper Bell earlier in the month. Heathlands took a two-goal lead and though they looked comfortable, Brookfields carried a threat up front. Mid-way through the second half they pulled a goal back with a tidy, headed finish and they pushed on for an equaliser. In doing so they left them short at the back and a swift counter-attack led to a Heathlands penalty which was coolly dispatched, and the points secured. Thornton were he other visiting side and were the next opponents for Brookfields. In an entertaining game, Thornton went into the break two goals up – the second a venomously struck free-kick from the edge of the penalty area. Brookfields were not to be deterred though and for their endeavour, grabbed a goal back. Thornton though, saw the game out to win, 2-1 and take themselves to third in the table. The Thorns finished proceedings at Heathlands by taking on the hosts and once again the game provided exciting fayre for those present. Both sides gave their all and the effort they both put in was commendable. However, Heathlands’ sharper finishing was the difference between the two and they ran out 3-1 winners to cap a great start to their campaign.

Switch to the other side of the city and to Kingstanding where Maryvale entertained Parkfield and Erdington Hall. Vale kicked things off against Parkfield and the two shared four goals in an entertaining affair. Parkfield then nabbed themselves three points as they defeated Erdington Hall by a solitary goal to nil. Maryvale compounded a disappointing evening for Erdington Hall, as they beat Hall by two goals to nil.

Meanwhile, in Kitts Green, The Oval were hosting Colebourne and Alston and there was a right old mixed bag of results. In a topsy-turvy evening’s football, Colebourne beat The Oval 3-1, before they drew 1-1 with Alston. Alston were then on the receiving end of a 5-1 defeat to The Oval. Oval’s four points on the night, lifts them up to seventh place.