This Saturday I was able to get back to some real grassroots football as the West Midlands (Regional) season got under way. There was no better place to start than at The Coronation Ground, home of Leafield Athletic. The club was making its first appearance at Step 8, so it was a big day for everyone concerned. Their opponents on this historic occasion were Dudley Kingswinford, who were only in their second season in the West Midland League. It's less than a year since I visited DK, who play just 5 minutes from my mum's house, when they took on Punjab United last November (Goals Guaranteed). That 5-4 win was one of only five victories in a season that saw DK finish third from bottom with 18 points from 24 games. Leafield, for me, were an unknown quantity. They've most recently been members of the Birmingham and District League but, I'm sorry to say, I know very little of their history.
DK clear their lines The game couldn't have started much better for the home team. Taking the game to their opponents from the start, they took the lead as early as the 5th minute. Tom Roberts in the DK goal parried an initial attempt at goal but the ball fell invitingly for Jayden Bevan, making his league debut, who made no mistake from close range. 1-0
An early setback for the team in blue who had been caught napping in the opening minutes. However, to their credit, they almost immediately began to get their act together, looking especially threatening down each flank through the pace of Zach Lamb and Oli Noble. The first hint of what was to come came in the 12th minute. A Lamb cross was fumbled by home keeper Christian Harris. However, the stopper reacted well to get a hand to the ball on the ground, pushing just out of reach of Shane Farrington, who was looking to pounce. A few minutes later, Lamb was again causing problems on the left, this time driving past his marker before cutting the ball back across the box. Noble met it on the run, but hammered his drive over from 18 yards. The visitors were picking up the pace and, when the equaliser arrived midway through the half, it came as no surprise. Again it was Lamb showing good footwork to disrupt the home defence. He then slipped the ball to Josh Parker who slotted past Harris to make it 1-1.
Leafield were struggling to retain possession at this point, constantly putting themselves under pressure against a DK side that were beginning to look more and more confident. Shane Farrington almost made it two for the Blues on 25 minutes, running onto a lovely through ball before chipping over the advancing Harris, only for Kyle Furness, who had tracked back well, to head off the line. Lamb then shrugged off another challenge on the left before putting in a low cross toward the front post where Shay Batham managed to get a toe in but saw his effort go wide of the mark.
Maybe the threat of Lamb on the left took the Leafield eye off potential for damage coming from the other side because, on the half-hour, Noble drove up the right before cutting a ball back into the path of Parker on the edge of the box. His mishit shot fell perfectly into the path of Shay Batham, who ignored the calls for offside (he definitely wasn't off) and calmly slotted past Harris. 1-2
Almost immediately Leafield brought on Mitchell Reynolds in an attempt to get to grips with the midfield battle. However, they soon found themselves further behind when Corrigan overran the ball trying to play out from defence. Parker was on it in a flash, feeding Shane Farrington who drilled the ball low into the corner. 1-3
Parker than called Harris into action again, the Leafield stopper making a good stop to prevent a fourth before the break. Farrington also came close after out-battling his marker but not getting enough power behind his shot, allowing Harris to make a fairly comfortable stop.
However, maybe giving themselves a bit of a lift for the half-time talk, Leafield did have the final opportunity of the half. Captain Jack Smith was the first to react to a loose ball inside the DK penalty area. However, Tom Roberts had remained alert and was off his line quickly and bravely to make a block from point-blank range.
HT Leafield Athletic 1 Dudley Kingswinford 3. A great start from Leafield but credit to DK who weathered the initial storm and got themselves back into the game, pressuring Leafield into a series of mistakes that were ultimately punished by some good finishing from the visitors.
An early setback for the team in blue who had been caught napping in the opening minutes. However, to their credit, they almost immediately began to get their act together, looking especially threatening down each flank through the pace of Zach Lamb and Oli Noble. The first hint of what was to come came in the 12th minute. A Lamb cross was fumbled by home keeper Christian Harris. However, the stopper reacted well to get a hand to the ball on the ground, pushing just out of reach of Shane Farrington, who was looking to pounce. A few minutes later, Lamb was again causing problems on the left, this time driving past his marker before cutting the ball back across the box. Noble met it on the run, but hammered his drive over from 18 yards. The visitors were picking up the pace and, when the equaliser arrived midway through the half, it came as no surprise. Again it was Lamb showing good footwork to disrupt the home defence. He then slipped the ball to Josh Parker who slotted past Harris to make it 1-1.
Leafield were struggling to retain possession at this point, constantly putting themselves under pressure against a DK side that were beginning to look more and more confident. Shane Farrington almost made it two for the Blues on 25 minutes, running onto a lovely through ball before chipping over the advancing Harris, only for Kyle Furness, who had tracked back well, to head off the line. Lamb then shrugged off another challenge on the left before putting in a low cross toward the front post where Shay Batham managed to get a toe in but saw his effort go wide of the mark.
Maybe the threat of Lamb on the left took the Leafield eye off potential for damage coming from the other side because, on the half-hour, Noble drove up the right before cutting a ball back into the path of Parker on the edge of the box. His mishit shot fell perfectly into the path of Shay Batham, who ignored the calls for offside (he definitely wasn't off) and calmly slotted past Harris. 1-2
Almost immediately Leafield brought on Mitchell Reynolds in an attempt to get to grips with the midfield battle. However, they soon found themselves further behind when Corrigan overran the ball trying to play out from defence. Parker was on it in a flash, feeding Shane Farrington who drilled the ball low into the corner. 1-3
Parker than called Harris into action again, the Leafield stopper making a good stop to prevent a fourth before the break. Farrington also came close after out-battling his marker but not getting enough power behind his shot, allowing Harris to make a fairly comfortable stop.
However, maybe giving themselves a bit of a lift for the half-time talk, Leafield did have the final opportunity of the half. Captain Jack Smith was the first to react to a loose ball inside the DK penalty area. However, Tom Roberts had remained alert and was off his line quickly and bravely to make a block from point-blank range.
HT Leafield Athletic 1 Dudley Kingswinford 3. A great start from Leafield but credit to DK who weathered the initial storm and got themselves back into the game, pressuring Leafield into a series of mistakes that were ultimately punished by some good finishing from the visitors.
Christian Harris was the busier 'keeper The first few minutes of the second half looked to be going in exactly the same manner as the majority of the first period, with DK setting the pace. Farrington again stung the palms of Harris with Gwilliam blasting the rebound over. Farrington was then put clean through but, as Harris came out to narrow the angle, the striker slid his effort just wide of the far post.
However, despite DK's early chances, Leafield visibly upped their game at this point and for the next ten minutes, began to push their opponents back. Their big chance came on the hour mark. A free-kick from 35 yards out was floated into the penalty area where the unmarked Jack Smith met it with a glancing header that was inches past Roberts' right-hand post. It maybe wasn't the easiest of chances but, having under the cosh for much of the match, that needed to be taken. A goal back whilst Athletic were on the front foot could have changed the direction of the game. As it turned out, that was as close as they got.
A few minutes later DK were back up the other end. First of all Oli Noble picked up a booking for simulation, much to the amusement of Tom Roberts, who made a quip about being at the Olympics. Then Jim Hiscox decided to give us a demonstration of his passing abilities. On 67 minutes Hiscox sent through a delightful pass to set Parker on his way, forcing Harris to make an excellent block with his feet. A few minutes later Hiscox upped his game further with a pinpoint 60 yard cross-field ball to find Zach Lamb bursting clear on the left. Sadly the winger couldn't find a suitable finish, putting his shot well over the bar.
The game was now all but up. Leafield's Kevin Bird did fire over a cross that required Roberts to get his knees dirty but they knew they were beaten. This fact was then rammed home further when, a minute into added time, Athletic gave the ball away again, this time inside their own penalty area. Josh Parker didn't wait to thank them for their gift, stroking the ball low past Harris to make it 1-4.
FT Leafield Athletic 1 Dudley Kingswinford 4. Leafield gave it a go early in the second half but, when they failed to get a goal back, they lost their way again. Ultimately, they were undone by a bit of naivety. Giving the ball away in crucial areas and being punished. It was something of a harsh lesson for them, but one they will learn from as they make the transition to Step 8. DK look to have a lot of attacking power, down both flanks and from Farrington up top, backed by Parker and Batham. Last season they conceded way too many. If they can stem that flow, they could well be a force to be reckoned with this term.
DK have two games in two days next week, both at home. On Thursday evening they face local rivals Enville Athletic before welcoming Oldbury United on Saturday. Leafield will have to wait a while to get back on the horse, so to speak. Their planned game at home to PS Olympic on Tuesday has been postponed. Their next league game will be at home to Norton Canes on Saturday August 17th.
Leafield Athletic: 1.Harris, 16.Beattie, 4.Furness, 3.Dunne, 11.Pittaway, 6.Corrigan, 14.Smith(c), 12.Fox, 9.Bevan, 19.Parker, 15.Bird. Subs: 7.Akinkunle, 8.Reynolds, 2.Livingstone, 5.Cox, 17.Hardy, 18.McGeever, 31.Butler
Dudley Kingswinford: 1.Roberts, 2.Hiscox, 3.Craddock, 4.Gwilliam(c), 14.Edney, 6.Humphries, 7.Noble, 8.Batham, 9.Farrington, 10.Parker, 11.Lamb. Subs: 12.Taylor, 5.Crampton, 17.Mason, 15.Waterhouse, 16.Broome, 19.Tshiangala
However, despite DK's early chances, Leafield visibly upped their game at this point and for the next ten minutes, began to push their opponents back. Their big chance came on the hour mark. A free-kick from 35 yards out was floated into the penalty area where the unmarked Jack Smith met it with a glancing header that was inches past Roberts' right-hand post. It maybe wasn't the easiest of chances but, having under the cosh for much of the match, that needed to be taken. A goal back whilst Athletic were on the front foot could have changed the direction of the game. As it turned out, that was as close as they got.
A few minutes later DK were back up the other end. First of all Oli Noble picked up a booking for simulation, much to the amusement of Tom Roberts, who made a quip about being at the Olympics. Then Jim Hiscox decided to give us a demonstration of his passing abilities. On 67 minutes Hiscox sent through a delightful pass to set Parker on his way, forcing Harris to make an excellent block with his feet. A few minutes later Hiscox upped his game further with a pinpoint 60 yard cross-field ball to find Zach Lamb bursting clear on the left. Sadly the winger couldn't find a suitable finish, putting his shot well over the bar.
The game was now all but up. Leafield's Kevin Bird did fire over a cross that required Roberts to get his knees dirty but they knew they were beaten. This fact was then rammed home further when, a minute into added time, Athletic gave the ball away again, this time inside their own penalty area. Josh Parker didn't wait to thank them for their gift, stroking the ball low past Harris to make it 1-4.
FT Leafield Athletic 1 Dudley Kingswinford 4. Leafield gave it a go early in the second half but, when they failed to get a goal back, they lost their way again. Ultimately, they were undone by a bit of naivety. Giving the ball away in crucial areas and being punished. It was something of a harsh lesson for them, but one they will learn from as they make the transition to Step 8. DK look to have a lot of attacking power, down both flanks and from Farrington up top, backed by Parker and Batham. Last season they conceded way too many. If they can stem that flow, they could well be a force to be reckoned with this term.
DK have two games in two days next week, both at home. On Thursday evening they face local rivals Enville Athletic before welcoming Oldbury United on Saturday. Leafield will have to wait a while to get back on the horse, so to speak. Their planned game at home to PS Olympic on Tuesday has been postponed. Their next league game will be at home to Norton Canes on Saturday August 17th.
Leafield Athletic: 1.Harris, 16.Beattie, 4.Furness, 3.Dunne, 11.Pittaway, 6.Corrigan, 14.Smith(c), 12.Fox, 9.Bevan, 19.Parker, 15.Bird. Subs: 7.Akinkunle, 8.Reynolds, 2.Livingstone, 5.Cox, 17.Hardy, 18.McGeever, 31.Butler
Dudley Kingswinford: 1.Roberts, 2.Hiscox, 3.Craddock, 4.Gwilliam(c), 14.Edney, 6.Humphries, 7.Noble, 8.Batham, 9.Farrington, 10.Parker, 11.Lamb. Subs: 12.Taylor, 5.Crampton, 17.Mason, 15.Waterhouse, 16.Broome, 19.Tshiangala
Leafield Athletic
The Ground
The Coronation Ground is situated on Rumbush Lane, Earlswood, a few miles South of Birmingham city centre. Despite its proximity to the second city, it has a very rural feel to it. Effectively, there are two grounds side-by-side. Leafield Athletic also have a thriving women's team, who play on the pitch next door, separated by a low white fence. This may soon be replaced the gleaming new wooden fence that surrounds half of the men's playing surface (although I sensed the committee were unhappy with some parts of the construction).
There is a clubhouse block situated alongside the pitch, which also houses the payers and official changing rooms. A patio area, complete with bench tables sits between the club and the pitch, providing seating for spectators. There's no other spectator cover. Parking is available on both sides of the clubhouse as well as behind the goal at the Rumbush Lane end (no net, so you park at your own risk). The dugouts are also on the clubhouse side of the ground and are currently being rebuilt (no roof yet). The pitch looked to be in reasonable condition if not a bit hard and bumpy in places, which is not surprising given the recent dry spell.
I like this ground. Yes, it's step 8, so it is basic but it has a good feel to it. It won't be my last visit, I'm sure.
Ground Number: 411
Att:
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A
The Coronation Ground is situated on Rumbush Lane, Earlswood, a few miles South of Birmingham city centre. Despite its proximity to the second city, it has a very rural feel to it. Effectively, there are two grounds side-by-side. Leafield Athletic also have a thriving women's team, who play on the pitch next door, separated by a low white fence. This may soon be replaced the gleaming new wooden fence that surrounds half of the men's playing surface (although I sensed the committee were unhappy with some parts of the construction).
There is a clubhouse block situated alongside the pitch, which also houses the payers and official changing rooms. A patio area, complete with bench tables sits between the club and the pitch, providing seating for spectators. There's no other spectator cover. Parking is available on both sides of the clubhouse as well as behind the goal at the Rumbush Lane end (no net, so you park at your own risk). The dugouts are also on the clubhouse side of the ground and are currently being rebuilt (no roof yet). The pitch looked to be in reasonable condition if not a bit hard and bumpy in places, which is not surprising given the recent dry spell.
I like this ground. Yes, it's step 8, so it is basic but it has a good feel to it. It won't be my last visit, I'm sure.
Ground Number: 411
Att:
Entrance: N/A
Programme: N/A
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