Unstoppable Stone March On!

Hillstone cemented their position as La Liga division leaders by winning back-to-back games at Matthew’s and were further buoyed by Abbey’s dropping of points at Hollyfields: the champions were held by Audley and Short Heath.
Hillstone kicked off their evening in Nechells against the hosts and were made to fight all the way in a gripping encounter. However, ‘stone preserved their 100% start to the season and prevailed by two goals to one. In their second game on the night, ‘stone faced debutants, Gossey Lane. Lane were making their ESPSFA bow at St Matthew’s and had a baptism of fire as ‘stone sauntered to an 11-0 victory. In the evening’s final game in Nechells, St Matt’s defeated a tired Gossey Lane side, 3-0.
Hollyfields Sports Club played host to games between Abbey, Audley and Short Heath. Audley and Short Heath began proceedings and Audley finally managed a win at the seventh time of asking this season. The Glebesiders missed several chances and, for the third week running, a penalty, however they stuck to their task and finally got over the line to win 2-1. Audley then produced a resolute performance in holding Abbey – who fielded a team of Year 5s – to a 0-0 draw but missed a golden opportunity to grab a second win on the night as their striker fluffed his lines when through, one-on-one with Abbey’s ‘keeper. Short Heath and Abbey then concluded events at Hollyfields and after 25 belting minutes, the teams had to settle for a point each from a 1-1 draw; Short Heath put in a sterling performance and were unlucky not to have taken all three points.
Castle Vale Stadium saw Rosary, Ward End and SS Peter & Paul do battle on a sunny afternoon at ESPSFA’s newest venue. Rosary were out of the blocks quickly and were a goal up inside the first minute and were three-up by half-time. Two further strikes in the second half secured a 5-0 win. On a tough evening for Ward End, the side from Ingleton Road then came up against SS Peter & Paul, the ESPSFA Cup holders smarting after last week’s 2-1 derby defeat to Abbey. P&P though were back on song and though Ward End had their moments – twice forcing the black’n’whites’ ‘keeper into making agile stops – P&P, whilst missing a hatful of chances, still netted six times without reply. Credit to Ward End though as they never gave up and kept trying to play in the right manner on a difficult evening for the yellows. Rosary and P&P then locked horns in the evening’s’ final game. This was the first time the two had met in ESPSFA league history and the clash did not disappoint. P&P started brightly and had the better of the early exchanges. They deservedly took the lead and would have stretched it further but for Rosary’s resolute defending and a couple of smart stops from their ‘keeper; Rosary thankful for only going in 1 down at the break. The Rosarians re-organised at half-time though and were much improved in the second stanza and two goals within four minutes of each other midway through, turned the game around. P&P pushed hard for an equaliser, but Rosary stood firm and with the aid of a superb goal-line clearance late on, took the points, 2-1. At the end of another fascinating evening in the ESPSFA La Liga, Rosary leap above Abbey into second place whilst SSPP remain in fourth, Ward End drop a spot to twelfth.