Forest Oust Yardley in Play-off Eliminator!

Thursday afternoon saw the first of the league's two 'Play-off Eliminators' as second in the Premier division took on third in La Liga. At a sunny Kitts Green it was the home side from the Premier division who emerged victorious as a narrow 1-0 win was enough for Lea Forest to book their place in the play-off semi-finals next week.

A large crowd turned out at Ridpool Road to watch a tense game and in an even first half, with chances at a premium, the teams went in goalless at the break.

Cheered on by a vocal support, the pace of the game and in particular that of Lea Forest, went up a notch. Forest rained in shots on Yardley's goal, hitting the bar and the post. Just when it seemed it wouldn't be their day, the home side broke through - a smart finish after another good move with only a few minutes left on the clock. The Youths responded but despite a goal-mouth scramble in which the ball wouldn't fall for them, they were kept at arm's length by Forest who saw the game out to its winning conclusion. Credit to both schools who played with pride, passion and courage throughout.

So Lea Forest will turn out next week in the semi-finals along with the divisional champions, Hillstone and Mapledene who qualify automatically. The quartet will be concluded on Tuesday afternoon at Hollyfields as Abbey and Harper Bell battle it out for that remaining semi-final berth.