Football
Earls are edged out at Brocton

Brocton 1 Earlswood Town 0

Midland Combination Premier Division

A FIRST half goal proved enough to condemn Earlswood to defeat on New Year's Eve as 2011 ended on a disappointing note.

Ultimately they were unlucky not to come away with a share of the spoils but the defeat sees them head into 2012 in 11th place in the table.

A bright start from the visitors saw Reece Hewitt hit the bar as Earls dominated the first 20 minutes.

Brocton gradually settled and came into the game more, taking the lead five minutes before the interval when Sam Bell took his opportunity well.

The hosts were proving a well organised outfit and were on top for a lot of the second half with Mark Sheils having to make three good saves.

Earls had chances of their own though but were unable to find an equaliser and a disappointing afternoon was completed in the 90th minute when Steve Darlington was sent off for foul and abusive language.

Title hopefuls Southam United are the visitors on Saturday (3pm) whilst the Reserves entertain Northfield Town Reserves at Malt House Lane (2pm).

The Youth Team are in action on Monday night when they travel to Cheltenham Town Youth (7.45pm).