Coleshill Town 3 v 0 Brocton

[Alan Beckett]

SATURDAY 21ST AUGUST
Midland Combination Premier Division
COLESHILL TOWN 3 V 0 BROCTON
Scorers: Craig Davies 2, Kevin Wagstaff.

Coleshill gained maximum points on the opening day of the season with a flattering 3-0 success but this was far from being a walkover. The main difference between the sides was Town made the most of their chances with clinical finishing, particularly by Craig Davies who must already be setting his sights on at least 20 goals this campaign.

Mike Beadle's team didn't appear to be too much different from last year but the few new changes have given Coleshill a more determined and solid look. Matt Ward (Racing Club Warwick) looks a class act and Josh McPhearson (Continental) works extremely hard in midfield and will get better as he gets fitter. Danny Carter has stepped up from the youth team and although he is full of talent, is finding it difficult to come to terms with the physical side of the game, which showed when he had to be withdrawn after only 30 minutes due to injury.

Brocton, who on the last visit were 2-1 down after 88 minutes but left with all three points, started the brighter and played the ball around very effectively. Coleshill struggled to find any rhythm but they sparked to life on 18 minutes with their first real attack and already a candidate for goal of the season. Stuart Howard raced down the right and whipped in a dangerous cross, which Craig Davies flung himself at, full length, to head down and between the static Brocton keeper's legs. The visitors continued to impress with their style of play but failed to test Jones in the Coleshill goal. On 39 minutes Coleshill forced a corner and as Howard swing in the kick the Referee pointed to the spot as the keeper pushed Pete Hall in the back. There were few claims by the home team, and very little decent from the away side, but Hall afterwards said he was clearly shoved to the ground. Davies stepped up to make no mistake for his and Coleshill's second.

With a two-goal cushion, Town dominated the second half but neither side created many chances. Brocton never gave up, still played neat football, but Jones will have few easier afternoons as the season progresses. The highlight of the half was when Davies chased down a pass that the keeper was well favourite to reach. His hard work paid off as a hurried clearance found Kevin Wagstaff who, with the keeper out of position, volleyed right footed, through a forest of legs into the net, duplicating a training ground session not two days before.



Team;- Craig Jones, Matt Ward, Gary Falconbridge (James Lloyd), Des Wilkes, Steve Lees, Dean Farrington, Stuart Howard, Josh McPhearson (Carl Smith), Craig Davies, Danny Carter (Pete Hall), Kevin Wagstaff.