United finish on top after tight encounter

HIGH FLYING : Barnstoneworth striker Wes Miller goes high in Sunday’s clash with Galddyatahs.

Three weeks out from the over 35s semis, an arm-wrestle between reigning premiers Gladdyatahs and competition leaders Barnstoneworth United has gone down to the wire with a goal in the closing minutes deciding the clash.

Both teams started well. United had a few early chances with Nigel Hobden and Andy Holmes both unlucky to score early. For Gladdies, Tony Slingsby fired at the United goal but missed just high and right. After a nil-all scoreline at the break, Gladdies came out looking to gain the upper hand. Adam Gersbach was unlucky not to put Gladdies ahead after hitting the cross bar and soon after Matthew Duffy fired a screamer from twenty metres out and found the back of the net but was judged to be offside. With time running out for both teams, United attacker Wes Miller sent in a cross that found Andrew Holmes on the 6 metre line. A powerful header soared past keeper Troy Campbell and handed the 1-0 win to United. A win or a draw in next week’s club local derby against Denley Moor will seal the minor premiership for United.

Denley struggled in Sunday morning’s match against Millthorpe Tigers, going down 3-0 to reverse the Tigers’ patchy form of late.

After starting the match with only seven men, Denley’s defense held on until the final minutes of the first half when Millthorpe striker David Wells turned on a pin to fire a goal past keeper Pat Driver.

With eleven on the field but no subs after the break, the Denley legs started to tire. Millthorpe made the most of a goal-mouth scramble to add to the tally before winger Dave Coles made it three for the Tigers.

With only two more competition rounds left to play Millthorpe look to be finding form ahead of next week’s clash with Gladdyatahs.

The two teams at the top of the B/C grade table met on Saturday, with the pressure on Barnstoneworth United to keep hold of their season-long undefeated record.

The side rose to the challenge, beating Ex-Services 5-1 at Brabham on Saturday. Two goals from Nathan Blandford, and one each to Jacob Boulton, Jeremy Boulton and Brendon Manning sealed the win. Players' player on the day was keeper Hugh Farley after a fantastic performance in the nets.