Forest Hit Top Spot!

Lea Forest took advantage of Harper Bell dropping points at Brownmead and overtook the Digbeth side at the top of the Premier division.
Forest were on home soil for their Kitts Green derby with The Oval. With Oval still having play-off ambitions and Forest having their sights on the title, it was bound to be a decent game of football - and that it was. Both sides played their part but it was the Foresters who came out top by 4 goals to 1.
Heading over to Brownmead, Harper Bell were league leaders as they faced bottom side, Erdington Hall who had yet to register a point. Having to field a team of year 4 and 5s, Bell's youngsters worked tirelessly against a workmanlike Hall side. The first half was an end-to-end affair but neither side to break the deadlock. Bell then hit their straps and were dominant in the second period, they hit the post twice and missed narrowly but could not find the net and the game finished 0-0.
Over in Sheldon, Mapledene were opening proceedings at the Arena against Paget and the game started tentatively. The hosts gradually began to assert their authority and began to fly into challenges, pressing high and this paid dividends. After a header, a close range finish and a goalmouth fumble, 'dene were 3 up at half time. The home side did not let up after the break and added four more goals, including 2 from a Y5 league debutante. Paget continued to battle and earned a deserved consolation. 'Dene still had more goal in them, albeit via a ricochet, and the game finished 8-1.
Paget had to pick themselves up very smartly as they then faced Highfield. Both sides were determined not to concede and an incredible array of last-gasp tackles kept Paget in the game. Paget looked to threaten on the break but Highfield always looked the more likely and so it proved. 'Field worked the ball down the right before a wicked low cross was smashed home from close range, the Paget back line static. However, there was a sting in the tail as a swift counter from Paget gained them an equaliser and Highfield were denied the points, 1-1.
To wrap things up for the evening, Mapledene were ready to deliver another victory, but Highfield, played intelligently and were committed with and without the ball and made it difficult for the hosts. Going forward though was a struggle for 'field as the 'dene's midfield blocked their way. The pressure began to build in the other direction and a hat trick from 'dene's midfield dynamo, secured victory for them and was the icing on the cake for a super set of performances from the home side.
Finally, over in Shard End, Heathlands were taking on Colebourne and both teams set our their stalls out to attack. The game ebbed and flowed but a slick move meant Heathlands led at half-time. With another great move Heathlands increased their lead in the second half. Colebourne though were undeterred and pushed hard for a goal which they eventually achieved, however it was too late to them find an equaliser. A crucial three points then for Heathlands which keeps their play-offs hope alive.
Lea Forest lead the way then, 2 points clear of Harper Bell who have a game in hand. Mapledene were the evening's other significant movers and remain unbeaten in fifth place on 15 points - 'dene have only played 7 games though and will have a say in the the title reckoning. Heathlands have played one game less and are 5 points further back but can still make the top 3.