Bell and Forest in Battle Royal!

After a long winter break, the Premier division season re-commenced in earnest on Thursday evening and it saw the top two -Harper Bell and Lea Forest - locking horns; both also facing hosts, Heathlands. Brownmead, Highfield and, under new management, Firs, met at Pencroft Road.

Both Harper Bell and Lea Forest scored impressive 4-2 and 4-1 victories over a previously unbeaten, Heathlands side with Bell, on top in the opening stanza, pegged back before flying out of the blocks in the second half to race into a 4-1 lead. Heathlands however did not give up and snatched a goal back with a great move and went close to adding another late on, however, Harper Bell ran out deserved winners. Against Lea Forest, Heathlands started the game well and from a Forest mistake took an early lead. Unphased, Lea Forest hit back and a few minutes later they were rewarded with a well taken equaliser. The Foresters continued to put pressure on Heathlands in the second stanza and forced the hosts' 'keeper into some smart stops. The pressure, though eventually took its toll with Lea Forest scoring 3 quick goals and running out comfortable winners.
Harper Bell and Lea Forest’s clash was a real belter and befitting of their status as the top two in the division. An end-to-end first half, in which both sides had chances, somehow ended goal-less. Bell then took a second-half lead only for Forest to level two minutes later. Even more chances came and went as the pair attacked in numbers but try as they may, neither could find the net and both had to be content with a point apiece. Bell gaffer, Mr Hynan, said “It was a cracking game and a fair result.”

Not far from the Heathway, Firs and Highfield were being entertained by Brownmead at Pencroft Road. Highfield enjoyed their trip to Shard End as the Alum Rockers left with maximum points as they defeated the hosts 1-0 and Firs 2-1. Field’s second goal in that Firs victory was one for boss, Mr Jay, to eulogise over: a jaw-dropping 20-yard half-volley into the top corner, a real screamer!
In the evening’s other game, Brownmead and Firs battled out a competitive 1-1 draw.

Harper Bell then remain on top on 25 points, 3 points clear of Lea Forest with both having played ten games. Brownmead jump up to fifth place while Firs stay in twelfth. Highfield are one place further back on 6 points but have only played 4 games. Should they complete their fixtures they could have areal say in the destiny of the divisional title and play-off spots.