UNDER 21 (NORTH WEST) DIVISION
Central Ground, Coles Lane, Sutton Coldfield, B72 1NL
5th February, 2022 10:30 Kick Off
Well I had originally planned to make a longer trip than usual this Saturday, Telford in Shropshire, to see Dawley Town play Newport Town in the Salop Leisure League, a competition I had never seen before.
My change in plan came about at approximately 10 pm on Friday after checking the weather forecast and found out that there was more chance of showers in the afternoon. An early kick off was required and the top of the table clash between Sutton Coldfield (2nd) and Rushall Olympic (3rd) Under 21 sides seems like a good contest.
So I take the train from New Street to Sutton and it gives me just enough time to walk to Coles Lane, buy a cup of tea and take my place at the far end of the ground, where there is shelter from any showers which are threatening but sun is forecast too.
It's my first trip to an Under 21 match this season and I have seen a few in the past. The standard is usually pretty good and they tend to be clean games too!
The home team come out in their all royal blue strip with white trimmings and Rushall are in their usual colours of gold and black.
It's Rushall who are the team in charge of proceedings at first and they go close when their No.10 hits a shot in to the side netting after 14 minutes. The Sutton Coldfield keeper comes to his sides rescue when he smothers another shot from close range.
30 minutes have gone when 'The Pics' see another effort on goal, this time their No.4 getting in a good position in front of the Sutton goal following a corner but hits his shot disappointingly high over the bar.
Rushall are made to pay dearly for their misses when after 40 minutes Sutton Coldfield break away and open the scoring. Unfortunately yours truly misses it as I had been checking my camera's settings to make sure the shutter speed was still fast enough. Damn!! I did get a shot of the players celebrating though. I think the scorer's name might be Morgan Russell.
So although Rushall Olympic have been on top for long periods of the first-half they have not delivered the goods in front of goal and will need to improve to keep their unbeaten league record intact. Sutton Coldfield are now in the driving seat and if they improve in the next 45 minutes, have a good chance of winning this game.
During the game I get speaking to a man and a woman from Nottingham who turn out to be the mother and grand-father of Sutton's No.10, Benni Wilson. He happens to be at university in the Birmingham area and is taking the chance to play for Sutton Coldfield now. Later I tell them that I will send them some photos of Benni, which they are pleased about.
When play resumes, Sutton Coldfield are upping their game and start this half more brightly.
The Pics though show they are still dangerous, when in the 57th minute their No.14 goes close with an effort from the left.
Sutton double their lead though 10 minutes later when their No.12 slides in a shot in to the left hand side of the Rushall goal. I think his name is Tyrese Cromwell.
The visitors respond with a shot that goes close from the right and just 3 minutes later, do get on the score sheet, when they are awarded a penalty although again I miss why it was given. It's duly slotted home by Dylan Harris and Rushall Olympic have a chance of salvaging their record.
Sutton are the team that go closest to scoring again when they break down the middle through Benni Wilson, who is sent flying from a challenge from the Sutton keeper (shown below) who has rushed out of his area (and get's booked), the ball goes to the Sutton No.7 who was running alongside Wilson but sees his effort cleared by the Rushall No.10 who throws himself in front of the unguarded net.
A great piece of last ditch defending but his team can't get the equaliser they seek.
Sutton Coldfield have rode their luck a bit in the first half and taken their chances and although Rushall have surrendered their unbeaten record, they have games in hand over both Sutton, leaders Lichfield City and remain favourites to take the title.
I have enjoyed this game, as there was plenty of good football from both sides and the referee had a good game too, allowing the play to flow whenever he could and ignoring several calls for penalties.
Match Attendance: Approx 30-40
Entrance Fee: Free
Match Programme: None available
Match Entertainment: 7.5/10
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