Rosary and Dene off to Flyers!

The Premier division kicked off on Thursday afternoon with reigning champions, Mapledene, and Rosary, both starting with maximum points from their two opening games.

Mapledene were the hosts for the visits of The Oval and Paget. The champions were slow off the mark and as the home side struggled to gel, Oval's bright midfielder picked up the ball in his own half, dribbled down the centre, around both defenders and then smashed low past the new Dene 'keeper for a 1-0 lead at half time - this despite it being their only shot on target all half. A tactical reshuffle brought instant reward for Dene and the substitute marched through midfield to fire high into Oval's net. This was followed by another quick strike and Dene led 2-1. The Oval were not done and more good play brought it to 2-2 with only 2 minutes left. Nevertheless, Dene's midfield maestro carried the ball forward in the final minute and squared it perfectly a winger to pass it under the keeper and into the net for a 3-2 lead. And only an incredible last-gasp save from Dene's debutante 'keeper ensured the victory.
A tired Oval then faced a much fresher Paget. Paget, playing their first football of the season strolled to a 7-0 win. Superb play from their right-footed left winger and captain saw both score and assist in abundance. Credit to Oval who never gave up and who played as fairly as their opponents.
The final match of the evening saw the two winners clash and it was an extraordinary first half in which Paget's 'keeper make four stunning saves that thwarted the home team. Dene continued to press hard and only on the stroke of half time did they get a goal and that seemed to settle the team down. The second half saw the goal-scorer turn provider for a tap in on the line and then smash a low drive. The 3-0 win was comfortable, and they could also afford to miss a penalty which was blazed over; Dene were more than happy with their start though.

Over at Maryvale, Rosary were making decent strides themselves. In a tight affair with Harper Bell both sides cancelled each other out in the early stages. Rosary though, took the lead with a header from a corner and led at the interval. A close-range tap-in sealed the points for the Saltleysiders.
Rosary then took on a spritely Maryvale side and it was the home team who started brightest. Vale should have taken the lead in the opening moments and they were left to rue that chance as from then on, Rosary took control. Their pacey right winger smashed in five goals in a seven-minute spell and though 'vale pulled a goal back with a penalty on half-time, the game was effectively over. The second half saw both sides make a raft of changes but Rosary's star man did get to complete his double hat-trick and they eventually won 7-3. Hats off to Maryvale for keeping on going and their two late goals were just reward for their efforts.
The evening’s other game at Maryvale saw the hosts draw 1-1 with Harper Bell. In a fast-paced game chances were created at both ends. Vale took the lead early on but Bell replied before half-time and with goalkeepers and defences on top in the second half, the game ended with both sides having to settle for a point apiece.

Across in Shard End, Brownmead were locking horns with Erdington Hall in a stand-alone fixture. In an excellent, end-to-end encounter, the home team emerged, narrowly but victoriously, 1-0.

The games scheduled at Lea Forest were postponed due to water-logging.

Rosary lead the way then on goal difference from Mapledene, Paget sit third courtesy of their win over The Oval, who will hope for better luck next time out.