Alvechurch Reserves 2 v 2 Coleshill Town - Presidents Cup

[Alan Beckett]

Saturday 28th November 1970
Midland Combination Presidents Cup - Round Three
Alvechurch Reserves 2 v 2 Coleshill Town
Scorers:
Alvechurch: Chandler 2.
Coleshill: Roy Phelps 2.


Team: Peter Garnell GK, Steve Ward, Oscar Deeming, Tim Rawlings, Goeff Statham, Clive Lyons, Marton Curtis, Malcolm Stokes, Colin Davis, Roy Phelps, Eddie Hanlon. Confirmed.


COLESHILL CHRONICLE WROTE
Coleshill Lead But Alvechurch Earn Replay
Midland Combination Second Division champions Coleshill Town, were held to a draw in the Presidents Cup Second Round by Alvechurch Reserves, after leading 2-0. Following their enterprising 3-1 victory over leaders, Mile Oak Rovers, Coleshill looked set to push their way through into yet another Semi Final, when with only 10 minutes remaining, were coasting sweetly along with a 2-0 lead, alas, defensive lapses told their tale to give Alvechurch the priviledge of a replay sometime in the new year. It really goes without saying that Coleshill have only themselves, plus the Alvechurch keeper Smith, to blame for not ridding themselves of a forthcoming replay. They worked themselves perfect openings, but became "bogged down" on a rain laden pitch. Coleshill opened well and their forwards had within the space of a few minutes been rewarded with corners from both flanks. The game was halted for an injury to Alvechurch's Eustace, but after repair it was the last time a trainer was summoned on, such was the sporting nature of play between two sides intent on giving the match a good name. Most of the play was found in, or around, the midfield, with possibly the best chance of a very close first half falling to Roy Phelps, when Martin Curtis steered a corner kick straight into Phelps, who, with Smith at his mercy, shot wau out over the bar. As the first half drew to a close, one could count the shots that Peter Garnell had been forced to save on one hand, while Coleshill began to look much more dangerous, finding good support from their skipper, Tim Rawlings, and thus boost their second half prospects. Coleshill went straight into action on the resumption and Alvechurch recieved a lucky escape when Colin Davis crashed a fine shot that Smith saved in style, the ball ran away to Phelps, whose speed-loaded return shot smashed against the woodwork. Coleshill resumed where they left off, and took the lead when, Davis was brought down,and Hanlon's floated a perfect free kick over to Phelps, who rose high in the air to nod a fine goal. Alvechurch were proving worthy opponents and came close to the equaliser when Lines swept in a fine shot that bounced away off the angle of the visitors woodwork with Garnell powerless to save. Coleshill could have taken a stronger lead when Phelps moved the ball across from the left to Curtis, who, presented with a clear cut chance, failed to out-rival the heavy conditions, and slipped in the process of taking a shot. The Coleshill wingman however soon rescued his mistake when he supplied the ball that allowed Phelps to score his second goal. Curtis disposessed McGuiness for the ball to find Phelps, Town's leading marksman, who fired straight at Smith who allowed the ball to slip by him into the Alvechurch net.This slice of luck found Coleshill striving for greater heights and with Rawlings commanding his powers in midfield they came within a "hairs-breath" of a further goal, Hanlon set in motion a pass to Curtis, who saw his header whistle just past the post. The Alvechurch defence was being given very little respite from the visitors chase for goals and Davis racing through saw his hard drive evade the keeper, only to cannon off the upright. A goal here at this stage would have completely rocked the home side and Coleshill would have been deemed the winners, but Alvechurch soon profited from their let-off and with only 10 minutes left, reduced the Town's lead. A Coleshill attack broke down and the ball was suddenly found back in the visitors goalmouth where Chandler, unmarked, found the net with a neat header. Even this late success appeared of no value, but with only six minute remaining, they shocked Coleshill by netting an equaliser, and thus force themselves a replay back at Memorial Park. Hayden found space to work a through ball to the very dangerous Chandler, who, although only half hitting the ball saw it strike the far post and roll gently over the goal line. With only a few minutes left, Coleshill, who for so much of the game looked superior, were now faced with the danger of defeat, but a last super effort almost paid off, Mal Stokes got possession and swept through the Alvechurch defence and after leaving at least four men stranded, saw his shot move wide of Smith, but cruelly brush past the upright. Thus ended a fine game tat gave credit to both teams and especially bring rise to the fighting qualities of Alvechurch, who, after looking well beaten, found sufficient effort to earn themselves a replay.