Short Heath’s 100% winning league record this season, was halted by Yardley, but the Heathens remain top the top of the table and they look certain now for at least a play-off spot after they took four points from their trip to Harvey Road on Tuesday evening.
The Heathens had to settle for a point against a determined Yardley side who went 2-0 up in the second half but frustratingly for the Youths, they surrendered that lead following a couple of lapses of concentration in their defence. Yardley contained the Heathens and limited them to few chances. Both bosses, Walmsley, and James, cut frustrated and annoyed figures at the end as both felt they should have won it but had to settle for a point apiece. Heath were back firing on all cylinders as they then took outgunned Colebourne, 5-1. The Coles stunned the league leaders by taking the lead, but Heath’s relentless attacking play ensured a comfortable three points for the division’s pacesetters. Yardley’s Youths concluded the evening’s affairs and in only their fourth outing of the season, put six goals without reply, past a spirited but tired Colebourne side. The Coles’ ‘keeper produced some inspired stops, but the Youth’s firepower was just a bit too much for the Coles as Yardley’s striker found his shooting boots along with four other goal-scorers, including one from a centre-back. All credit to Colebourne though as they kept pushing right until the end despite their aching limbs.
Across in Shard End, Paget were maintaining their own title charge and are now within just four points of Short Heath (and they have a game in hand on the Heathens) as they narrowly defeated Hillstone, 1-0, before easing past St Bernadette’s, 5-0. Hillstone were then held to a goal-less draw by Bernie’s in a game dominated by the home side but their profligacy in front of goal let them down. And Bernie’s themselves could have grabbed all three points themselves but missed a sitter in the dying embers of what was, an entertaining encounter.
There was also a game in the league’s Premier division with Mapledene welcoming Lea Forest in a top of the table clash. In a superb game which had all the hallmarks of a game between two unbeaten teams vying for the top spots, both sides probed and prodded but chances were at a premium. Both defences stood firm and let very little in behind so shots had to come from distance, and in the first half a Forest rocket seemed destined for the top corner but the home ‘keeper produced a wonder save – applause rang out on both sides of the pitch in admiration. After a goalless first half, the two heavyweights went at it again and for the opening eight minutes, it was the home side who pressured forcing the visiting ‘keeper into a magnificent save of his own. Despite late pressure and some dangerous Forest free kicks, nothing could separate the two teams and they remain unbeaten...both remaining in the hunt. The gaffers on either side were pleased with a point with the line, 'neither deserved to lose', echoing around the dugouts; well played both sides.
And that blank score-line keeps ‘dene’s advantage at the summit to three points but Forest have a game in hand on the Sheldon-based outfit.
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