Men's 1st Team Vs Kings Heath 1sts

YARDLEY     1          KINGS HEATH/PICKWICK     1

scorer: Munib Altaf

Last season’s league campaign saw these two teams playing two divisions apart. For this game Yardley were without skipper Zach Jarvis and things did not bode well when they had to line up with only ten players. But with a clear plan Yardley set about their work confidently and soon created a couple of half chances. Kings Heath too began to settle and create a chance for themselves. However, it was the hosts who shocked their visitors with a well taken goal by Munib Altaf. He received the ball in the D with his back to the goal and somehow managed to sweep the ball round and into goal past a somewhat surprised keeper. Yardley’s plan was working well with everyone remaining well on task especially the back line of Ed, Matt, Gavin and Jeevan, together with Neal in goal, who restricted Kings Heath’s attacks confidently.  However, approaching half time, Kings Heath managed to level the scores with some simple passing in the D giving the scorer the easy task of a tap-in.

At half-time the honours remained even with Yardley’s ten giving a very good account of themselves.

During the early part of the second half it was Kings Heath who dominated most of the approach play but  they were unable to press home their numerical advantage. Kings Heath forced a series of short corners but could not make any of them count. Yardley’s midfield and forward line were beginning to miss the eleventh player and they were not able to create many meaningful chances. Some frantic defending at times towards the end of the game managed to keep out the visitors’ advances.

In the end a draw proved to be the fairest result. Yardley can feel justly proud of their efforts without their skipper and being forced to play throughout with a man down. The superb spirit shown throughout must give the team a great deal of confidence for the campaign ahead.

Next week, the visitors are Stratford, in the last game before the long trek to Newtown in the league.

Report by Peter Brainch