Smethwick Highfield Reserves 1 v 3 Coleshill Town

[Alan Beckett]

Saturday 6th March 1971
Midland Combination Division Two
Smethwick Highfield Reserves 1 v 3 Coleshill Town
Scorers:
Smethwick: OG.
Coleshill: Roy Sanders, Roy Phelps, Lyndon "Butch" Bradley.

Team: Peter Garnell GK, Keith Midgley, David Back, Tony Seddon, Geoff Statham, Oscar Deeming, Roy Sanders, Roy Phelps, Lyndon Bradley, Eddie Hanlon, Martin Curtis.


COLESHILL CHRONICLE WROTE
Third Successive Away Win For Coleshill
Coleshill Town gave an improved performance on Saturday when they recorded their third successive away victory by beating Smethwick Highfield Reserves in a Midland Combination Second Division game. Coleshill were minus skipper Tim Rawlings, Clive Lyons and Joe Bridgewater but the men who deputised gave a worthy show and but for some fine goalkeeping by Dutton would have run up a more impressive margin of success. Town's star forward from the previous week, Peter Garnell, found himself back in his usual position between the posts while Tony Seddon moved over to right half to allow for the return of Geoff Statham, Oscar Deeming occupied the opposite wing half position. Smethwick, who are in grave danger of being forced to apply for re-election, started cautiously but after only three minutes found themselves a goal down, it was a long ball put on it's course by Deeming that eluded full back Key and keeper Dutton was quickly "arrested" by Sanders who made no mistake. This was the start Coleshill had hoped for and they immediately settled down to support the game with cool assurance especially at the back where the middle trio of Seddon, Statham and Deeming glinted steel like. Smethwick never lacked determination but this was of little value to them as Coleshill came close to increasing their lead, a cross from Curtis was taken firmly by Dutton who found himself barged heavily by his colleague, centre half Green, the ball being dropped over the line, Coleshill are still mystified why the goal was disallowed. Smethwick's most dangerous front runner Pash often created himself space in which to set up promising moves but Garnell back as the last line never appeared in danger of faltering. Smethwick's shooting being restricted to long range stuff. The home goal was given a let off when Butch Bradley intercepted a back pass but could only slice his shot. The ball however whipped away off defender Phillips to Sanders who hit the back of the net only to be judged offside. Coleshill were swinging into action and Sanders swept across field to fire in a terrific left foot shot that was brilliantly saved by Dutton at the second attempt. Smethwick's hard pressed defence were finally beaten again in the 42nd minute when following some excellent approach work on the right flank Sanders steered the ball through to deliver a speed loaded cross shot that was saved by the smart Dutton, the ball however dropped to Phelps who belted it into the net to provide Coleshill with a 2-0 interval lead. Smethwick resumed still holding determination to pull the game round their way but although McCorry, the former Boldmere player, often showed good intentions his efforts were taken care of by Statham and Co. Coleshill with a satisfactory lead were content to push the ball out of harm's way and await further scoring chances and it was Sanders who changed the pattern when forcing Dutton into making another fine save while Bradley saw a further attack land the ball past the keeper only to be ruled offside.The most dangerous action was seen at the Smethwick end and they were lucky not to concede a further goal when Phelps, with a fine solo run, disposed of four defenders before setting the ball up for Deeming who mis-kicked, the ball ran on to Sanders whose shot was blocked. Coleshill were proving far too strong for a struggling Smethwick side now and Town increased their lead in the 72nd minute after Dutton had saved in great style from Sanders, the latter took the corner where Phelps carried the ball onto Bradley who hooked wide of the helpless Dutton. Smethwick were looking a sad side hereabouts and were lucky to escape further disaster when after Dutton had taken care of yet another Sanders shot, Phelps hammered the ball in, only to be signalled offside, even after being played onside by a home defender. A collision involving home player Waller and Town's full back Dave Black resulted in both players leaving the field, Coleshill finishing with ten men and it was prior to the close that Smethwick were gifted with a consolation goal. Deeming in attempting to clear skied the ball and Garnell awaiting to execute the save was bundled off cue and the ball finally ended up over the line.



P25 W12 D5 L8 F49 A33 Pts29 Pos 4/18