Meteoric Dene Reach Zenith!

The Premier division returned after the Easter break on Thursday afternoon and Mapledene’s incredible run of results continued and they find themselves top of the pile. Erdington Hall made the long journey over to Sheldon and if the table was to be believed, a dead-cert home win looked on the cards. However, ‘dene have always had tough games against Hall and this one was to prove no different. A tough first half (not helped by the long grass untouched by Birmingham City Council) saw mostly Mapledene possession but the visitors limited the them to any clear-cut chances. With half-time looming and team talks being prepared, ‘dene bundled home after a goalmouth scramble and with that cushion going into the second period, the home boys began to exert more pressure. Hall were a threat on the counter attack but struggled to pierce the home back-line. It was Mapledene though who did strike again thanks to a close-range finish and a wrong foot roller into the bottom corner soon followed to ease ‘dene to a 3-0 victory; the title chasers sumptuous passing football a joy to watch.

Meanwhile over at Hollyfields, Paget were taking on another title chasing side in Lea Forest and the Kitts Green outfit were quick about their work and dismantled their opponents, 8-0; a big statement made by the kids from Ridpool Road.

Across in Shard End, Brownmead were entertaining Parkfield and Heathlands. Mead opened up with a tight 1-0 victory over Parkfield and the Alum Rock side then suffered a lack-lustre 2-0 defeat to play-off hopefuls, Heathlands. Big changes ahead for ‘field for their remaining games as coach Mr Latham vows to bring in the Year 5s as they look to next season. Heathlands then backed up their Parkfield win with a 3-1 victory over Brownmead. In a very entertaining game, Heathlands raced into a 2 nil lead however Brownmead were a threat going forward and pressed in search of a goal that would bring them back into the game and with just a few minutes left, they were duly rewarded after a fine move. Mead went in search of an equaliser but it was Heathlands who scored again with only seconds remaining to clinch the three points.

Mapledene remain unbeaten then and lead the way, a point clear of Lea Forest - the Sheldon boys also have a game in hand on Forest and it looks like a direct duel between the two for the divisional title. Heathlands are very much in the play-off mix and a top three finish is well within their grasp and among their final fixtures, is a clash with the current league leaders.