Highgate United Reserves 1 v 0 Coleshill Town

[Alan Beckett]

Tuesday 17th August 1971
Midland Combination Division Two
Highgate United Reserves 1 v 0 Coleshill Town
Scorer: Scorer: Terry Cooper.
Team: John Comley GK, Keith Midgley, Steve Ward, Les Owen, Geoff Statham, Clive Lyons, Oscar Deeming, Mick Hanlon, Roy Phelps, Dave O’Riordan (Roger Masters), Eddie Hanlon.

CASTLE BROMWICH NEWS WROTE
Coleshill Fade After Missing Chances
Coleshill suffered their first defeat of the season, but had they taken their chances which came to them in the first half, they might have won comfortably. As it was, they gradually faded and Highgate were fortunate to claim both points. The first scoring opportunity of the match fell to Coleshill’s Oscar Deeming early on but from close range he fired the ball wide. Enjoying territorial advantage, Town often fell into United’s off-side trap and at times, in the opening exchanges, lacked numbers up front. Although a series of defensive errors led to Highgate’s Deehan hammering a shot, which was well saved by goalkeeper John Comley. Coleshill were well on top, thanks to the efforts of midfield man Roy Phelps and left winger Eddie Hanlon. After 18 minutes, however, United scored the goal which was to prove the winner. Roy Taylor crossed the ball and centre forward Terry Cooper rose to head home. Highgate’s keeper Peter King was brought into action many times as Coleshill surged forward. United’s goal was threatened on many occasions but in the 30th minute King made a fine save from Phelps and shortly afterwards Clive Lyons saw a header go just over the bar. Only a good effort from Barry Masters troubled Comley, who pushed the ball over the crossbar. With half time approaching, Eddie Hanlon’s good pass put Phelps clear. Seeming to be in an ideal scoring position, Phelps instead of shooting, opted to square the ball across goal where centre forward Dave O’Riordan was robbed by Bryan. Immediately after the interval Lyons paved the way for Phelps to have a good effort well stopped by King. Then, following a corner by Eddie Hanlon, three shots were blocked with King helpless to save. Coleshill became less threatening as the game wore on and on 79minutes Roger Masters was brought on for O’Riordan, in an effort to put life into the visitors attack. All was to no avail and Highgate finished the stronger side. Without the services of injured striker Colin Davis, Coleshill lacked power up front. Their defence, apart from a couple of lapses, was sound with Les Owen giving a promising display in the middle of the back four.



P2 W0 D1 L1 F2 A3 Pts 1 Pos?