SATURDAY 3rd AUGUST

Midland Football League Division 1

Smethwick Rangers 0 v 0 Coton Green

Coton were forced to settle for a share of the spoils as they came away from Church Road frustrated after an opening day stalemate against Smethwick Rangers.

Despite several notable absentees, Coton lined up with a strong XI and nearly had the perfect start to the game when Jay Henry went close after 15 seconds. A cross come shot from the forward saw the hosts ‘keeper drop the ball backwards but he reacted quickly to stop it from crossing the line.
The Green Army continued on the front foot with Henry continuing to be a menace to the Rangers backline, but despite long periods of pressure there were no further clear chances at goal.

At the other end, Smethwick went close to breaking the deadlock from an inswinging corner, which saw a glancing header flash just past Conal Dowlings far post. Midway through the half a long stoppage in play was forced after Cotons midfield engine Daisy Morris clashed with a Smethwick player and suffered a broken nose.

The visitors continued with the pressure and possession when play resumed and saw their best chance of the half fall to Matty Gardner in the 40th minute. The forward latched onto a through ball and saw his audacious lobbed effort beat the ‘keeper but nestle on the roof of the net.
With the half time whistle pending, a minute of madness from one of the Smethwick centre halves saw him pick up 2 yellow cards and given his marching orders .

Looking forward to a second half against 10 men, Coton saw the hosts sit in and become hard to break down with frustration quickly settling in. An early chance for Corey Powell saw him strike an effort across the face of goal but to no avail. Green continued to push and saw another effort of note by Charlie Noakes go just wide.

Despite all of their efforts, Coton couldn’t get the crucial goal to seal an opening day victory, settling for a point and a clean sheet against dogged opposition.

#GreenArmy