Football
Earls are defeated by stunning strike

Earlswood Town 2 Southam United 3

Midland Combination Premier Division

A STUNNING 30-yard strike condemned Earlswood to defeat against title-chasing Southam on Saturday.

An enthralling contest turned in Southam's favour when home team skipper Steve Darlington was dismissed in the 66th minute for two yellow cards.

The game had been very even until that point with both sides playing some good football and creating plenty of chances.

Earlswood keeper Mark Sheils was first into action, saving at full length near the far post before the home side had to twice clear off the line.

A better spell from Earls saw them put Southam under pressure for the first time but they were reliant on Sheils again in the 32nd minute when he tipped over a powerful drive superbly.

Southam were ahead four minutes later though when former Birmingham City man Howard Forinton took advantage of a mix-up in Earls' defence to slot home.

Reece Hewitt tried to reply instantly as the hosts went straight on the attack but the Southam keeper saved well.

Darren Green then beat the keeper but a defender managed to somehow acrobatically head off the line.

The equaliser arrived on the stroke of half time when Richard Prosser hit the ball home from near the penalty spot.

Earls were first to attack in the second half and forced two quick corners as well as having a shot cleared off the line by a defender.

Southam had their own chances in what was proving an exciting battle before Darlington's second yellow of the afternoon and the visitors took advantage of the extra man in the 73rd minute when Jack Taylor scored from the spot.

The ten men of Earlswood hit back in style though and made it 2-2 thanks to Junior Hewitt but Southam claimed all three points with five minutes remaining when Mark Briggs fired home from distance.

The defeat leaves Earls 12th in the table ahead of Saturday's trip to 15th placed Castle Vale JKS (3pm).

TWO second half goals saw the Reserves fight back from 1-0 down to overcome bottom of the table Northfield Town Reserves 2-1 on Saturday.

Starting the second half, Earls drew level in the 65th minute when Jack McGinn scored from the spot after Kyle Turner had been fouled.

Once level Earls took control of proceedings and they got their noses in front when Kyle Turner finished off Jack Banks' free kick for his 15th of the season.

The Reserves visit Coton Green Reserves on Saturday (2pm) whilst the Youth Team travel to Causeway and Withymore United on Monday (7.45pm).