Bell Nick Ahead in Premier Title Race!

Harper Bell required a late penalty to secure all 3 points in a keenly contested fixture against a battling Oval side. Oval's 'keeper was in terrific form pulling off a number of fine saves to keep the Digbeth-based side at bay. Oval themselves though had the best chance of the first half but a point black save from Bell's shot-stopper kept the sides level. With defences on top in a tight second half, the late penalty, awarded for a trip on Bells' left-winger, decided the outcome after he picked himslef up to slot home.
Oval then had to go again as they faced the division's other title chasers, Brownmead. The first half ended goal-less but 'mead took the lead early on in the second stanza with a well worked goal. Oval then began to put some passes together but as they chased an equaliser, Brownmead broke away and a counter-attacking goal sealed the victory for the Shard-enders.
Over at Stud Lane, Parkfield made it four draws out of four games as they held both Highfield, 2-2, and Audley, 1-1. Parkfield took the lead against their Alum Rock rivals but missed a penalty and then found themselves 2-1 down. They needed an opportunistic, close-range finish, 30 seconds from time, in order to grab themselves a point. Parkfield then frustrated Audley who struggled to penetrate 'field's stubborn rear-guard. The Glebe-siders fell behind but levelled shortly after and the spoils were eventually shared.
Harper Bell sit atop the table, a single point ahead of Brownmead as they jostle for the Premier title and places in June's play-offs night. 'Mead have two games left, Bell, one, so still all to play for and Highfield are up next for Brownmead.