Relentless Dene Power On!

Thursday evening saw Mapledene stretch their unbeaten record to 19 divisional games in a row and to boot, made it four from four this term after another two victories at the Arena. Both Lea Forest and Brownmead made the journey to Sheldon after agreeing to switch the games from Brownmead due to a Mapledene transport issue.

Dene opened their afternoon against Lea Forest and in a ding-dong battle both sides forced saves from their respective ‘keepers which resulted in a score-less first half. Mapledene flew out of the blocks in the second stanza though and their early pressure paid dividends. Excellent hold-up play by their striker played in an on-rushing midfielder to give Dene the lead. A further goal 5 mins from the end settled the champions
down and they managed the game to its conclusion.
Mapledene, a little tired, still had the majority of the play in their second game of the evening against Brownmead. Despite the possession stat being high, Deme could not find a way through a resolute Brownmead back-line. Mapledene were fortunate in taking the lead when a looped cross rebounded in off a ‘mead defender; 1-0 at half-time. Brownmead were determined though and the second half brought reward as they pushed forward and a midfielder lashed home an equaliser. Mapledene were not to be denied though and four minutes from the end, seconds after a wonder strike had been met with a wonder save onto the bar, a goalmouth scramble ensued and the keeper could not quite stop it from crossing the line for yet another unfortunate own goal. A minute later it was game over as a clinical Dene move saw their right winger burst through to slip under ‘mead’s excellent keeper for a third.
In the afternoon’s other game at the Arena, Lea Forest and Brownmead played out a very entertaining game that Forest edged 2-1. Both sides were fully committed and played some great football, with both willing to play out from the back.

Early league-leaders Rosary opened proceedings at Hollyfields against Erdington Hall. The Rosarians were on the front-foot from the kick-off and though they spurned opportunities, they lead 3-0 at the interval. Three further strikes eased Rosary to a 6-0 win.
Erdington Hall then went again but visibly tired against a strong and impressive Paget side. An early own goal set the tone for Paget who then scored at will and waltzed their way to an 11-0 victory. It was a tough evening for Hall, but they never gave up and under new management they will hopefully improve as the season goes on.
Paget then took on Rosary and in a heavy-weight tussle, came out 2-0 victors. It was a game of chances taken (by Paget) and not (by Rosary). Paget were the better side in the first half and deservedly went in 2 up. Rosary improved in the second half but missed from close range to pull a goal back, and later hit the post. Paget were always a threat on the break and though they didn’t add to their tally, their first half goals were enough to bag the three points.

Across in Shard End, Harper Bell were picking up their first victories of the season with wins over hosts, Heathlands, and fellow visitors, Parkfield. Bell led 1-0 at half-time against the latter and though Parkfield levelled, Bell immediately took the lead and eventually ran out 5-1 winners. The first half of Bell’s clash with Heathlands was very cagey and the first half ended goal-less. Bell boss Mr Hynan then brought his goalkeeper out for the second half and sent him up front. It did the trick as the keeper-cum-striker netted twice to secure a 2-0 win.

In the evening’s remaining game, both Heathlands and Parkfield looked to get the football down and though both passed well, there was little in the way of a goal threat. Heathlands though, started to dominate as the half progressed and opened the scoring after a good passing move. Heath then extended their lead after the break however Parkfield started to fight back and were rewarded with a scrappy goal from a corner. It was end to end for the final few minutes however Heathlands sealed it with an own goal from a dangerous cross.

Finally, across in Kingstanding, The Oval were grabbing their first points of the campaign with 5-2 and 2-0 wins over Highfield and hosts, Maryvale, respectively. Maryvale, however, managed to pick up their first win of the season, defeating Highfield also by two goals to nil.

Mapledene lead the way and have a 100% record after their first four games. Paget rise to second place on 9 points after their impressive evening’s work at Hollyfields and are ahead of Rosary courtesy of their superior goal difference. Harper Bell are a further two points back in fourth and The Oval in fifth have six points from their four games. Only Audley and Thornton have yet to play this season, but they open their campaigns next week at Mapledene and The Oval, respectively.