New South Staffs Leagues Kicks Off

The new South Staffs League kicked off this week with the Clarets in action against a Rushall Nomads team and the Golds facing a tough game againsts MSA Burntwood.

The Clarets started well and retained possession thanks to some good movement. The lads took the lead early on and looked assured only to give away a penalty for 4 'non-running' offences and when we left the Nomads centre-forward unmarked shortly afterwards we somehow found ourselves 2-1 down. The equaliser came quickly though and by half-time we were winning 4-2. The only surprise in the second half was that we only added one further goal as they were very much in control. The game ended 5-2 with Andy Partington scoring 3 and Mike Stevenson 2.

Both teams tried to adapt to prevent giving away penalties as a result of the new 'non-walking' rule. Nevertheless, there were numerous non-walking offences - something we'll have to guard against this season. A quick note to thanks and compliment our own Steve Rushbury who had an excellent game as referee.

The Golds started well and passed the ball around in confident fashion, however Burntwood were in no mood to let Golds have it their own way and soon found a rythm and Golds found themselves three down to a combination of misfortune and their old nemesis giving the ball away in critical areas. Heads dropped follwong the three early goals and more mistakes led to two further goals and us eventually losing 5-0