WE'RE OFF
Friendly Yeltz 2 Causeway 1
14 July 2001
First friendly out of the way - a 2-1 win against tenants Causeway United with a team of young triallists, the goals being scored by Alfie Carter an ex-Walsall striker due to train up at Rochdale this week.
The week's other main story is the bizarre news of a Halesowen player starring in the Champions League. Tim Clarke has been loaned out to Barry Town for their European campaign, and played a major part in their 2-0 first leg win. If they get through, I believe they play Porto in the next round.
Next game is on Saturday with a friendly against Stourbridge Town that I'm sure they'll make a lot more of than we will.
Match Report from DJ
Halesowen Town: Garvey; Colwell, Gavillet, R. Gallagher, Shaw, Bradley, Asher-Powell, Martin, Thomas, Parnell, Carter Subs: Beckford, Slater, Weston
Causeway United: Vaughan; N. Skidmore, Jones, Hall, Saunders, R. Shilvock, Baker, Young, Dixon, Richards, Kirkham Subs: Parker, Eveson, Siddaway, M. Gallagher, M. Shilvock, Woods
Referee: B. Priest (Hayley Green)
Halesowen manager Brendan Phillips used the first outing of the season to run the rule over a number of on-trial youngsters. And it was ex-Walsall striker Alfie Carter who impressed most, notching two goals in a narrow victory over ground-share outfit Causeway United of the Banks's Premier.
Carter struck the post from a free-kick in the 13th minute before giving Halesowen an 18th minute lead by calmly slotting home a cross from Ryan Asher-Powell in a move started by Clinton Thomas.
Causeway produced a sweeping attack on the half-hour when Ian Kirkham broke down the left but Simon Dixon side-footed his cross just wide. Matt Richards then headed Anthony Baker's cross into the arms of Halesowen goalkeeper Mark Garvey's just on half-time.
Causeway's line-up had a familiar feel from last season, although substitute strike pair Paul Parker and Adan Eveson, both signed from Lye Town, caught the eye in the second period. Eveson equalised in the 67th minute with clever chip over goalkeeper Garvey. But the Yeltz youngsters restored their lead three minutes later when Thomas put Carter clear on goal to finish superbly to cries of "Get Carter!" from the terraces. A late lob from Parker fell just wide and Carter almost completed a hat-trick in the last minute but he hit straight at substitute goalkeeper Siddaway from close range.