On a windy morning Avonmouth again met new & unknown opposition this time in the shape of Coalpit Heath (A). After a very even opening the first real chance fell to Avonmouth on 12 minutes when after a good break from midfield Mitch Harris rounded the goalkeeper but from a narrow angle saw his shot hit only the side netting. A couple of minutes later only a great last ditch tackle from Ollie Lewis prevented the Coalpit Heath striker from having the opportunity to score the first goal. The home side were working hard & pressing the opposition players giving them no time on the ball. However just as Avonmouth were beginning to get on top Coalpit took the lead on 26 minutes. Smith collected the ball on the left wing and from outside the box his shot curled into the top of the net via the post, giving Davis no chance – a great goal. Avonmouth responded quickly and within 3 minutes were level. A delicate pass from Charlie Parker gave Harris the chance & he placed his shot past the advancing keeper into the net. Just before the break there was a great save by the home keeper who managed to stop a close range effort from Harris with his legs.
Half time: Coalpit Heath (A) 1 Avonmouth 1
From the restart Avonmouth were quickly on the front foot & after 37 minutes took the lead. A Coalpit goalkick went via Lucas Tsiopani to Parker who found Josh Beecham whose cross came off a defender to Harris, who close to the penalty spot drilled the ball past the keeper. Over the next 10 minutes Avonmouth had 2 golden chances to make the game safe. After another Parker pass Harris shrugged off his marker but could only see his shot go wide of both the keeper & post. Then Beecham from a Parker pass put over a tantalising cross only for Harris to put the ball over the bar. Play was becoming more untidy as the game wore on and with only a 1 goal lead Avonmouth began to get nervous and edgy. Coalpit had a few half chances but their shots were not on target. Eventually on 65 minutes Avonmouth got the goal to calm their nerves. This time Harris was the provider as his pass found Jeriel Riches whose shot ricocheted off a defender over the goalkeeper into the net.
In the windy conditions Avonmouth were not at their best today & the defence marshalled by Jack Hewlett had to work harder then in previous matches. However the team stuck to their task and did enough to earn the win against a competitive and determined Coalpit team who never gave up - good luck to them for the rest of the season. Meanwhile Avonmouth remain unbeaten & top of the table.
Full Time: Coalpit Heath 1 Avonmouth 3
