Coleshill Town 0 v 0 West Midlands Police

[Alan Beckett]

Saturday 12th March 1977
Midland Combination Division One
Coleshill Town 0 v 0 West Midlands Police

Team: Alan Dulleston GK, Chris Dight, Bert Brayley, John Newey, Alan Wykes, Roy Phelps, Barrie Canning, Colin Holder, Mick Patrick, Ray Nabbs, Eddie Hanlon. Sub ? McIntosh. Confirmed.


CASTLE BROMWICH NEWS WROTE
After losing 5-0 to West Midlands Police at the end of January, Coleshill proved that their recent improvement is no fluke, when they held Midland Combination First Division leaders to a goalless draw at Pack Meadow. With goalkeeper Peter King still injured and striker John Allcock absent, Manager Pat Foley brought in keeper Alan Dulleston, on loan from Dudley Town, and welcomed back Eddie Hanlon, free from suspension, up front. In their first attack Coleshill almost scored when a first time shot from Nabbs, following a cross from Canning, sailed inches over the bar. Police settled down for Ellis to shoot over and exchanges became fairly even as Nabbs tested Weir with a hard, rising shot, after running onto a fine pass by Holder. Back at the other end Delderfield took a free kick for Police and as the ball ran loose off the wall, Brown chipped in a cross, which Ellis headed wide. Dulleston held a corner taken by Hart and from his clearance Canning put Nabbs clear, who expertly played the ball back to Roy Phelps, whose fierce shot shaved the wrong side of the post. Delderfield should have put Police ahead in the 27th minute, but he was foiled by a daring save from Dulleston and near the interval, Ellis "muffed" an open goal, completely mis-kicking. Brayley, who had an outstanding game for Coleshill, tried hard in the second half to get the midfield working and he set up a chance for Nabbs, which was wasted. Another cross from Brayley brought Weir into action, taking the ball off the head of Phelps. Delderfield continued to be the biggest threat to Coleshill as Police enjored a period of domination, but poor finishing let them down, with Andrews and Ellis way off target, although Delderfield was foiled in a magnificent save from Dulleston. Coleshill will be looking to maintain their recent unbeaten run when they visit high riding second placed Sutton Town on Saturday. It will be recalled that Coleshill, despite their poor start to the season, beat Sutton 3-0 in the second week of the campaign. Can they complete the "Double"?

P24 W9 D5 L10 F34 A41 Pts23 Pos9/18