Spiky Thorns Strike Title Note!

As the rain steadily fell on a grey Thursday evening, Thornton and Timberley made a splash as both enhanced their title credentials with wins over SS Peter and Paul and Lea Forest respectively, whilst Heathlands and Highfield also grabbed themselves wins.

Thornton ventured across to Holly Lane for a clash with league leaders SS Peter and Paul and in a game of real quality just nicked it to boost their title hopes and slightly dent SSPP’s. Parkfield’s no show, meant both Thornton and SSPP were awarded 4-0 walkover, wins.

Timberley, however, had a much more comfortable evening as they made the short trip to Kitts Green to take on a Lea Forest side who are very much stuck in mid-table and the Timbers flexed their muscles with a 6-0 win – a victory which takes them third in the table.

Over at the Heathway, Heathlands entertained Colebourne and Highfield, with all three sides looking for first wins and Heathlands kicked off the evening’s fayre against Colebourne. Immediately starting on the front foot, Heath eventually found the net and took that advantage into the break. Soon after the restart, they doubled their lead, but Colebourne pulled a goal back with a powerful effort from just outside the penalty area. Heathlands, however, were not to be denied and sealed their maiden victory of the campaign with a tap in from a corner to run out 3-1 winners.
Colebourne had to pick themselves up as they went again and despite another valiant effort, the Coles succumbed to another 3-1 defeat.
The evening’s final game was one of true attrition as the weather deteriorated. In a cagey first half, Highfield were presented with an ideal opportunity to take the lead when Heathlands gave away a penalty for handball; the spot-kick though was a tame effort that went wide of the target. From there on in, both teams gave their all but with chances few and far between both sides had to settle for a point apiece.

Though SSPP still lead the way, their advantage over the chasing pack is just a point and they have played two more games than second-placed Thornton and one more than Timberley in third. St Thomas More’s and Corpus Christi are both six-points off top spot but both do have two games in hand on the leaders and whilst Featherstone and Lea Forest will harbour hopes of a top three finish, come the end of May those heading for the play-off finals will most likely emanate from the current top five.