Stone Keep Rolling On!

On another glorious sunny Tuesday afternoon, it was business as usual in Shard End for league leaders Hillstone who bagged another six points to retain their top of the table status and remain three points clear of champions, Abbey.
Hillstone began proceedings against hitherto unbeaten Rosary and they took an early lead. As they capitalised on a loose ball in midfield and stone’s year 5 starlet waltzed the ball home in some style. Some slack Rosary defending led to a second ‘stone goal but Rosary dug in and pulled a goal back just before the break. The pattern of the game remained the same in the second half with ‘stone mostly in possession but Rosary standing firm. It took a deflected free-kick mid-way through the half to settle the issue and ‘stone ran out 3-1 winners. Rosary then took on an Audley side who, surprisingly, had lost all four of their outings so far this season. In an even first half, there was a moment of high controversy following an effort from an Audley striker which was saved by Rosary’s ‘keeper. However, the ‘keeper spilled the ball and it squirmed underneath him. As he clawed it back a debate ensued as to whether the ball had crossed the line. With goal-line technology not yet available in the ESPSFA league, no definitive outcome was possible. An agreement between both coaches led to the awarding of a penalty to Audley. Though struck well, it was hit straight at the Rosary ‘keeper who repelled the kick and the teams went in goalless at the interval. A header from an early second-half corner, along with a well taken left-footed strike later in the half, secured a 2-0 win for Rosary and left Audley rueing missed chances yet again. Hillstone then returned to the fold to take on the Glebesiders and an early hat-trick, including a twenty-five-yard chip over the ‘keeper, propelled ‘stone into a 3-0 lead. Hillstone continued to make chances and though they managed to miss an open goal and hit the cross-bar, they did manage two further goals. Audley though continued to create chances of their own and were rewarded with a couple of late strikes themselves as they went to a 5-2 reverse.
Hollyfields Sports Club was the scene for the auld enemy clash between champions, Abbey and ESPSFA Cup holders, SS Peter & Paul. The quality of football was, as it always is when these two meet, of a high standard but it was the Abbey who came out on top in an enthralling encounter, 2-1. Abbey also defeated a battling, gallant Gunter side, 4-0, and the six-point haul consolidated their position in second spot. Peter & Paul also beat Gunter 4-0 - again much credit to Gunter for keeping heads up on a tough evening for the Pype Hayes side.
The sun was also shining in Nechells and it was particularly glowing for Short Heath. The Heathens’ promising early season form hadn’t quite yielded the results that boss, Mr James, felt they deserved but they put that right as they bagged a full six points. They began with a 2-0 win over a Ward End team who always give value for money and battle hard throughout every game. Heath then took on St Matthew’s whose tenacious charges also ensure a difficult 25 minutes for their opponents. In a tight game but with chances at either end, the Heathens forced their way to a 2-1 victory and their victory double sees them rise to fourth in the table on 9 points. In the evening’s other game, St Matthew’s finishing was sublime as they defeated a determined Ward End outfit, 4-1, and for their part, St Matt’s are now up to fifth, a point behind the Heathens; Ward End remain in eleventh place.