Stone's Play-Off Hopes Alive!

As the sun shone down on Tuesday afternoon, Hillstone and St Bernadette’s drew swords in a La Liga battle in which defeat for either would end their hopes of a play-off spot. And the game lived up to its pre-match billing.

In a game in which attack was clearly the best form of defence, the first half was played at a frenetic pace. Hillstone took an early lead only for St Bernadette’s to level almost immediately. Goals aplenty then came aided by some lack-lustre defending, and by half-time the sides were locked at three apiece. There was little or no let up in the action in the second stanza, but two stunning counter-attacking goals stole victory for ‘stone; the game ending 5-3.

Though Audley and Timberley’s chances of the play-offs having disappeared, the two sides trooped across to Nechells for matches against St Matthew’s. Matt’s put up spirited displays in both games and were unlucky to be beaten 2-1 by Audley before tiring in a 3-0 loss to the Timbers.

Short Heath’s recent impressive run of results and performances continued at Hollyfields as they defeated Ward End 5-0. Heath played some lovely football and had to be at their best against a gallant, hard-working Ward End side who once again, never gave up.

A look at the La Liga table then sees Hillstone still in sixth place and though they are ten points behind SS Peter & Paul, they, significantly, have three games in hand and four left in total. Stone’s victory of St Bernadette’s means that Bernie’s are out of contention for a top-two finish. Audley’s win keeps them in fifth place with just the one game left, while Short Heath’s win maintains their seventh place standing. Timberley’s win at St Matthew’s takes them above Ward End and into eighth.