Rosary Battle Back to Summit!

Thursday afternoon saw six games take place in the Premier Division and as the dust settled, Rosary returned to the number one spot after taking four points from their two games at Brownmead. Thornton enjoyed a more fruitful evening points-wise, with a maximum 6 points from their trip to Heathlands.

Rosary ventured to Pencroft Road along with Audley to take on a Brownmead side still smarting after their narrow 3-2 defeat against Paget at the same venue last week.
Rosary began with Audley and quickly raced into a 3-0 lead but a swift Audley counter-attack reduced their deficit to two. Rosary though added a fourth before half-time to restore their three-goal cushion. Early on in the second half the Rosarians made it 5-1 and the game was all but over. Audley though never gave up and were rewarded with a second goal, though it was somewhat of a consolation.
Rosary's second outing was to prove a riveting tussle with the home-side in what turned out to be a rip-roaring and pulsating 2-2 draw. Brownmead started the stronger and forged ahead following a free-kick from just outside the box. Mead's low-struck kick deflected off a Rosary defender and flew into the net. The game picked up a pace and only the bravery and quick-thinking of Brownmead's outstanding goalkeeper kept them ahead as Rosary were thwarted on three separate occasions. Inevitably, 'mead scored again shortly before the interval after a cross-cum-shot nestled in the top corner of the visitors' goal. The second stanza was played at a fierce pace and chances came and went a both ends but the game swung mid-way through the half when Rosary were awarded a penalty for hand-ball and the spot-kick was duly converted. Rosary sensed an equaliser and after a corner was failed to be cleared by 'mead, one of their defenders found their arm blocking the ball and the referees once again pointed to the spot. Once again the Rosary penalty taker kept his nerve and though 'mead's 'keeper got a hand on it, it was too powerful to stop and Rosary were level. There were still chances for either side to win it, but both had to settle for a point each.
In the afternoon's opening game at Brownmead the home team found themselves a goal down at half-time against Audley. In an evenly contested first half, the lads from Glebe nudged themselves in front after a flowing move. Mead rallied in the second period though and their pressure told when an Audley hand led to a penalty award. The kick was straight at the Audley 'keeper and he batted it out but 'mead's taker was quickest to react and he slotted home from close range. Both sides went in search of a winner but neither could find one and honours were even at the final whistle.

Also in Shard End, on the Heath Way, Heathlands were welcoming Thornton and a hitherto winless, Erdington Hall. It was the side from Thornton Road who went home the happiest after they completed and impressive win double, defeating their hosts, 4-2 and fellow guests, Erdington Hall, 3-1. In the evening's final game, Erdington Hall recorded their first win of the season as they won a tight affair with Heathlands, 2-1.

Rosary lead the way then on 16 points, 4 clear of Paget, The Oval and Mapledene. Rosary have played three, two and four games more than the others, respectively. Thornton's double lifts them into fifth place ahead of Lea Forest, on goal difference. Brownmead lie in eighth spot on five points from their six games played and will feel slightly bemused at their tally as performances should have warranted more.

One final note: the Audley goal-keeper epitomised what the ESPSFA is all about. During his side's game with Brownmead, he shouted across to the side-line with his face beaming, "I'm enjoying this!" He received a smile and a thumbs-up from his teacher in return - happy days.