Sutton Remain At Summit - Sutton Coldfield Town vs. Stafford Rangers

The main stand at Coles Lane

For my last weekend before the dreaded return to work, I had planned a trip out to Norfolk for Downham Town's match with Great Yarmouth but I changed my mind once I saw the weather forecast. I of course should have stuck to my guns as the match was one of only four to survive in the two divisions of The Eastern Counties League. As the weather forecast looked grim all over the place, I decided to go for a team who I knew had a plastic pitch and went to watch Sutton Coldfield Town host Stafford Rangers in The Northern Premier League Southern Division. It promised to be a good match as Sutton Coldfield were top of the table and the visitors were in the final play off place. Sutton Coldfield need a win as Mickleover in second were only one point behind and had four games in hand. I had seen Sutton Coldfield a couple of years ago at Lincoln United in the same competition. Having gone to Keele University I had to give Stafford Rangers a bit of support. Although they didn't really need it as there was a sizeable contingent had made the trip to Warwickshire.

Kick off at Coles Park

Stafford begin the game on the front foot and they force a succession of corners which ultimately fail to trouble the home defence. Sutton Coldfield's first chance comes from a set piece when a header in the area goes just wide of the post. Their next chance comes when a shot from distance is defected just wide of the post. They come even closer as a free kick in to the area isn't dealt with and from the resulting shot the home side hit the post. Then following a midfield scrap, Stafford are able to break and the Sutton Coldfield keeper pulls off a decent save to prevent the visitors going ahead. The Sutton Coldfield goalie almost gifts Stafford a gift when he drops a free kick in the area but he is able to gather the ball at the second attempt. Stafford are finishing the half strongly and after a spot of head tennis in the area, a looping header is sent just over the bar. The final chance of the half is a Sutton Coldfield effort in the area which is put over the bar after a free kick in to the area.

Stafford attack in front of their travelling fans

Sutton Coldfield create a great chance early in the second when the forward is found by a precise ball in the box and the Stafford defender makes a great tackle to prevent him getting the shot away. The Stafford defence is breached shortly afterwards as the ball is pulled back to the forward and he powers the ball into the top corner to make it one nil to Sutton Coldfield. Sutton Coldfield have a good chance to get the ball into the area again straight away as the winger is played into a good position by a back heel but the Stafford keeper easily collects the cross. Stafford have a great chance to equalise as the forward is allowed to turn after a throw but his weak shot is comfortably dealt with. The game is now really opening up and Stafford have a lucky escape when a Sutton Coldfield free kick thunders against the bar. Stafford then have a good chance which sadly for them is dragged wide of the target. As Stafford flood forward looking for the equaliser, the home side are able to break and it takes a smart save at his near post by the Stafford keeper to keep his side in the game. In the closing stages, the Stafford winger puts a brilliant cross across the edge of the six yard box but no one can get the vital touch. Sutton Coldfield have a few chances in injury time but the final score is one nil to the hosts. 

Sutton Coldfield attack the clubhouse end in the first half.

To get to Sutton Coldfield from London, you have to get a train from Euston to Birmingham New Street and change there for a local train to Sutton Coldfield. The journey takes just over two hours. I was lucky get a return for twenty pounds the day before and I would recommend trying to get tickets in advance as I would imagine they would be fairly expensive on the day. Coles Lane is then a steady twenty minute walk from the train station. About half way in between the station and the ground is The Duke which was very friendly and had several ales on. The clubhouse is well worth a visit before a game. They also had a couple of ales on tap including the club's own ale and a larger. While I was waiting for the train back in to Birmingham, I popped in to The Station which is perfectly situated for a beer while you are waiting for your train.

Covered standing next to the clubhouse