Youths Take Final Play-off Spot!

A sunny Tuesday afternoon saw Yardley and Rosary vying for third spot in La Liga and a coveted play-off place in June. Yardley headed over to Nechells for a potentially tricky fixture with St Matthew’s, whilst Rosary trooped over to Hollyfields for a game against plucky Gossey Lane with a simple scenario: Youths take at least a point and third was theirs, should they lose, a Rosary win could put them in the play-offs but they would need a 14 goal swing as Yardley’s goal difference was that much better.

Gossey had already played before they took on Rosary and were beaten 10-0 by already-confirmed-second-place, Abbey – a cruise for the ESPSFA champions. Rosary were on the front foot straight away and by half-time were 5-0 up. Over in Nechells, as expected, the Youths were involved in a much tighter affair and though they trailed 1-0 early on, they quickly reversed that and lead 2-1 at the break. Rosary knew they would have to plunder at least 13 goals if Yardley were to go down by one goal and though they missed two great chances in the opening stages of the second half, they finally amassed a 12-0 victory albeit against a, now, very tired Gossey Lane side – full and sincere credit to Gossey Lane for never giving up and playing with heads held high and smiles on faces. Back to Nechells where a cagy second stanza saw St Matt’s equalize to set up a nervy final few minutes, but undeterred, Yardley had the final hurrah and snatched a late winner; the 3-2 win secured that final play-off place.

There was a shock over at Waverley though as the newly-crowned La Liga champions, Hillstone took to the field for the first time since their crown. Stone made changes for the game to give squad members a run out and what an entertaining game it turned out to be. Waverley went toe-to-toe with ‘stone and were great value for their point after sharing six goals in a 3-3 draw. Waverley also became the first team to take points off Hillstone, and although win-less this season, the point achieved against the league’s top dogs was mightily impressive.

In La Liga's other fixture on Tuesday, Timberley entertained St Bernadette’s at their Shard End home. Bernie’s knew that their play-off chances had gone and though they put a spirited display, they went down 2-1. The Timbers have one more game to play, against Gossey Lane, and should they net the three points from that fixture, they will jump above Bernie’s to finish the season in sixth place and will have ended up just five points shy of Yardley in third.

Finally, there were a couple of re-arranged games at Brownmead on Tuesday afternoon (due to voting on Thursday). A mixed set of results for the hosts who were beaten 3-0 by Colebourne but picked themselves up to turn The Oval over, also by 3 goals to nil. Mid-table finishes for all three sides who will look to fare better next term.