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7th October 2006

Thirds open their account

Coalville Town 3rd XI  2  North Notts 3rd XI  2

DTZ 3rd XI East Midlands Division One

Coalville's third string picked up a hard earned point at King Edward VII College on Saturday against a tough North Notts side.

The visitors, who had finished above Town in third place the previous season, started the game strongly and were soon pressurising Greg Tongue's goal. But the Coalville defence stood firm, until around the 15 minute mark when North Notts finally managed to take the lead with a well worked goal.

But back came Coalville, and it was long before they'd managed to level things up. Town won a penalty corner, and from this Carl Clay played the ball to Liam McArthur. McArthur's shot was goal bound until a defender's foot got in the way, resulting in the award of a penalty stroke. Clay stepped up and converted it into the roof of the goal.

The game remained level until the break, but the second half saw Coalville as much the stronger side, with McArthur and Mark Webster in the centre of the park running the show.

Skipper Darren Conway soon went on a good run down the right flank and crossed the ball and Webster saw an effort go inches wide. Coalville were now passing the ball around well, so it was a surprise when the visitors regained the lead with a breakaway goal.

But Coalville continued to play in good style, and with around 15 minutes remaining got the equaliser they richly deserved. Clay picked the ball up in the centre of the park and passed for McArthur, who slipped it into the path of Chris Pearson on the right. Pearson took the ball into the dee before unleashing a fierce strike into the top corner of the goal to make it 2-2.

Coalville dominated the final few minutes, but the North Notts defence managed to stand firm to hang on for a point. But it was much improved display from Town, who will hope to continue to play as well when they entertain local rivals Melton on Saturday.