In a pulsating Boxing Day clash between two playoff hopefuls, Coleshill Town delivered a statement performance to see off Lichfield City 2–0 on the road. With both sides sitting neck-and-neck in the Midland Football League Premier Division table—Lichfield one place above in fifth—the stakes couldn’t have been higher.
Coleshill started brightly, carving out early chances and asserting themselves in midfield. But it was Lichfield who nearly stole the lead when they were awarded a controversial penalty—cheap from a Coleshill perspective. Kieran Francis stepped up, but Cameron Belford was equal to the task, diving early to make a superb double save and keep the scoreline intact.
The second half mirrored the first, with Coleshill pressing and creating opportunities. Dan Brookes came close with a towering header that skimmed just over the bar. Then, in the 53rd minute, Theo Rowe was brought down on the edge of the box and Coleshill were awarded a penalty of their own. Ben Usher-Shipway made no mistake, sending the keeper the wrong way and slotting home to give The Colemen a deserved lead.
With momentum firmly in their favour, Coleshill continued to dominate. In the 72nd minute, Harry Sweeney broke up a Lichfield attack and launched a counter. Usher-Shipway took over, producing a moment of magic—rolling the ball away from Jimmy Elkes, cutting back inside with his left foot, and calmly finishing past the advancing keeper.
The win marks a four-game unbeaten run for Coleshill, with three wins and a draw to close out the year. More importantly, it propels The Colemen into the playoff places, leapfrogging Lichfield in the process.The festive football continues on New Year’s Day, as Boldmere visit Pack Meadow. Can Coleshill make it four wins on the bounce and solidify their playoff credentials?
Pack Meadow is the place to be this Thursday. Come and support Coleshill Town as they look to start 2026 with a bang and keep the playoff dream alive.