Pole Position Abbey!

The La Liga division woke from its winter slumber on Tuesday evening with matches across four venues and champions Abbey finding themselves in pole position as we begin to enter the business end of the season.
Fourth-placed St Bernadette's, still eyeing a play-off spot, ventured over to Hollyfields Sports for a meeting with the champions - and the game did not disappoint. A superb encounter saw both sides playing some sumptuous football with chances created at either end. However, Abbey's clinical finishing opposed Bernie's profligacy and the Sutton Road outfit emerged 2-0 victors. Both managers applauded both sets of players for their efforts. Nansen's concession of their games with Abbey and St Bernadette's, handed them both 4-0 wins.
Across in Shard End, hosts Timberley were entertaining Rosary and Short Heath. The opening game saw Short Heath take a deserved first half lead following a stooping header from a well taken corner. Try as they may to add to their tally, the Heathens were unable to stretch their advantage and late on they were cruelly punished. A stunning strike high into the roof of the net levelled the count for Timberley and then, with time virtually up, the Timbers snatched a dramatic winner.
Short Heath had to dust themselves down and go again this time against a Rosary side still harbouring thoughts of a play-off berth. A terrific battle ensued with both sides giving no quarter and the Heathens were left scratching their heads as Rosary nicked a 1-0 win after a Heathens defender inadvertently deflected the ball passed his own 'keeper as he tried to clear a low-hit corner. At the final whistle, Short Heath left the field wondering just how they were trooping off having lost both of their games and having given so much in them. "That's football!" mused dejected boss, Mr James.
Rosary were then involved in a raucous battle with Timberley with tackles flying and both sides straining every sinew in an effort to forge themselves a win. The game was decided when a drilled in Rosary free-kick bypassed several players and was in turn dummied by a forward which bamboozled the Timberley 'keeper. This was not a game for the footballing purists but was a classic for those who enjoy meaty challenges and full-bloodied effort.
Meanwhile, over at Waverley, Yardley and Audley were the visitors and and enjoyed 5-0 and 4-0 wins respectively, over their hospitable hosts. Credit to Waverley though as gaffer, Mr Millward fielded a side made up of mainly year 4 and 5 children. Audley and Yardley were both so well organised in their game that neither side could breakthrough each other's solid ranks and the game ended goalless.
Finally, in Garretts Green, Blakenhale were taking on Ward End and the home-side certainly had their shooting boots on as they ran out 6-2 victors. Gunter were also due at the 'hale but an injury crisis meant they had to forfeit their games 4-0.
Abbey lead the way then with 26 points from 11 games, 2 points clear of Hillstone who have 3 games in hand. Rosary's six-point haul sees them up to third, a further point back and like Abbey, have now played 11 times. With 18 points from their 8 games, St Bernadette's can still make the play-offs and they currently sit in fourth with Yardley fifth on 17 points from their 8 fixtures.