Coleshill Town 1 v 1 Coventry Copsewood

[Alan Beckett]

MIDLAND COMBINATION PREMEIR DIVISION
TUESDAY 22nd AUGUST 2006
COLESHILL TOWN 1 v 1 COVENTRY COPSEWOOD
Scorer: Josh McPherson.

Despite an unbeaten pre-season and a deserved point against Highgate with several players missing, Coleshill looked unsure of themselves against Copsewood and started the game sluggish, only putting the visitors goal under any real pressure for the last twenty minutes. Mick Beadle was able to call upon last season's leading goalscorer David Brush and solid midfielder Josh McPherson. Carlos McIntosh also made the bench. Coventry Copsewood, as usual, were a much changed side from last season, but they were big and strong and well organised although like Town, they rarely threatened on goal. Beadle chose a 4-4-2 formation but little worked for the Colemen and the visitors took the lead on 37 mins. Coleshill gave the ball away needlessly and when Lee Colvin tried to retrieve the situation the referee awarded a free kick on the edge of the box for a high foot. Copsewood's No7, their best player, stroked the ball over the wall and past the diving Butler in the home goal.
In the second half Town still struggled to put their game together and Copsewood should have increased their lead. Their forward headed the ball over the advancing Butler but managed to find the side netting when it looked easier to score. Coleshill changed to a 3-5-2 formation and slowly started to pin the visitors back. On 70mins Alan Wright found James Dance whose goal bound shot was deflected for a corner. Kevin Wagstaff struck the ball low and hard into the six yard box and somehow the ball missed everyone and went to the far post where Josh McPherson bundled the ball over the line for 1-1. A fine run from Carlos McIntosh took him into the box and his pull back left David Brush with a clear shot and goal. His effort was blocked on the line but the ball fell kindly for Raddy Richards who thundered the ball goalward but the same Copsewood player again blocked on the line and the ball was finally cleared. David Brush shot at the keeper as Coleshill at last became an attacking force and in the final minute James Mace held his head in his hands as his strike from 20 yards whistled inches past the post.
Mick Beadle said "I'm disappointed we do not have six points on the board now but on the bright side we are undefeated in seven games including pre-season and the last twenty minutes showed what we are capable of. I still have players to come back from injury and may have a couple of new signings before too long. The game on Bank Holiday Monday against Bolehall will be a big test for us as they fancy their chances this year but we are due a win there!"

Team;- Chris Butler, Alan Wright, Rob Hipkiss, Lee Colvin, Ryan Gardiner, James Dance, James Mace, Josh McPherson, David Brush, Raddy Richards, Kevin Wagstaff (Carlos McIntosh). Subs not used Carl Smith, Rob Ellis, Ian Bluck, Steve Lees.