Abbey Stunned by Stone!

Tuesday evening saw another twist in the La Liga title and play-offs race with Abbey suffering a surprise defeat and fellow chasers, Paget and St Bernadette’s having to share the spoils.

Abbey, brimming with confidence after last week’s brilliant double at Yardley, made the trip across to Shard End where Hillstone – yet to record a win this campaign, or score a goal – lay in wait. Hillstone made the brighter start, looking dangerous on the break and only a brilliant save by the Abbey keeper kept the score-line blank at the break. Abbey though were bang at it in the second half and their class began to show as they dominated possession. But some brilliant individual performances, especially from ‘stone’s defenders and goalkeeper kept Abbey at bay and lo and behold, with only a couple of minutes remaining, a rare Hillstone raid led to them netting for the first time this season and to an improbable smash and grab victory.

Over at Holly Lane, Paget and St Bernadette’s locked horns in what, on paper, looked likely to be a tight affair and though it was, the game had no-end of thrills and spills as these two excellent sides produced an entertaining encounter. But ultimately, neither side could quite find a breakthrough and had to settle for a 0-0 draw – Bernie’s will be the happier though and had their inspirational ‘keeper to thank for securing that point.

Tonight’s results have left more questions than answers, but Abbey’s defeat could be a damaging one as though they are still in third place, just a point off Short Heath at the top, they have played two more games than their competitors around them. Paget stay second with that point against St Bernadette’s who for their part remain in fourth place and just a couple of points further back from Abbey.

Simple to say, but all to play for after Easter.