Abbey get the Winning Habit!

Thursday evening saw a flurry of action in the Premier division and after the dust had settled, Abbey had moved to within three points of leaders St Thomas More whilst Timberley maintained their 100% start to the season to go third.
Holly Lane played host to the top-of-the-table clash between Abbey and St Thomas More’s with the latter knowing a win would have taken them nine points clear. However, with STM slightly depleted (due to another footballing commitment) the Amber & Blacks took full advantage, storming to a 4-1 win. Those vital three points were in addition to the same amount gained via Abbey’s 2-0 victory over Court Farm. And in the evening’s other game at Holly Lane, STM saw off a spirited Court Farm side, 3-0,
Over in Shard End, Timberley were making it three wins from three games so far this season as they defeated Heathlands, 3-1 and Highfield, 3-0. Timberley are sitting nicely in third place and though six points behind pace-setters St Thomas More’s, the Timbers have three games in hand. In the other fixture at Bradley Road, Highfield won their maiden three points of the season as they beat Heathlands, 2-0.

There were three games in La Liga played on Thursday evening as well, as Mapledene hosted Lyndon Green and Colebourne. Reporting from the Dene Arena, Mr Collett -

La Liga football returned to Mapledene without the deluge of rain this week as two local rivals locked horns for the first time in a few years. Lyndon Green and Mapledene, both in green, tussled in the first game and it was an excellent battle between two good sides. Early probing by both sides yielded little but the visitors took the lead during a first half that they grew into then dominated. A rousing team talk from rhe home side led to a spirited second half and Mapledene scored early in the second half after some high pressing put pressure on the Green’s defence. Neither side gave away much after that and a draw was a fair result for both sides who should be there or thereabouts come the season end.

LG then beat Colebourne 4-1 but I’m afraid I missed much of this. From what I saw, some silky play from the LG forward created an abundance of chance. Some were taken and some resolute defending denied LG a bigger score line.

In the final game, Mapledene despatched Colebourne 12-0. It was 8-0 at half time with two hat tricks and some piercing play down the wings. The pick of the goals a flier from range that hit the top corner. Ricochets fell our way and we were first to the loose balls in the box. The second half kicked off with continued intense pressure from the home side but some resilient defending kept us from adding too many more; Colebourne were better than the scoreline suggests.

Those results take Mapledene to the top of the table, two points clear of Short Heath but ‘dene have played three games more. Lyndon Green also advanced, with their four points leap-frogging Rosary into third place, one point behind Heath who have two games in hand on LG.