Heartbreak at the Summit: Colemen Score Four But Leave Empty-Handed

Wellingborough Town 5-4 Coleshill Town

There was a real sense of anticipation as Coleshill Town, sponsored by Tanks Nationwide, made the trip to league leaders Wellingborough Town, and for 45 minutes the travelling Colemen faithful witnessed a performance that suggested a famous result could be on the cards. Unfortunately, defensive frailties once again proved costly as Coleshill left Northamptonshire empty-handed despite scoring four times in a pulsating 5-4 defeat.

The perfect start arrived inside the opening minute when Ben Usher-Shipway gave the Colemen the lead. Wellingborough responded with an equaliser after seven minutes, but Coleshill refused to let their heads drop and quickly regained control of the contest.

Will Marshall restored the advantage on 12 minutes before Charlie Manners extended the lead to 3-1 on 28 minutes. Against the league leaders, Coleshill were playing with confidence and purpose, taking the game to a side that has set the pace at the top of the table all season.

George Bell's goal just before half-time reduced the deficit, but there was little doubt which side had been the better team in the opening period. As one home supporter later admitted: "We outplayed them in the first half to a point they've never experienced yet this season."

At 3-2 up, the challenge for Coleshill was to tighten up defensively and see the game through. Sadly, the issues that have haunted the side this season resurfaced once again. Wellingborough struck on 55 and 65 minutes, capitalising on soft goals to swing the momentum firmly in their favour.

To the Colemen's credit, they continued to battle and Charlie Manners brought the sides level at 4-4 from the penalty spot on 80 minutes, raising hopes that a well-earned point could still be taken home.

But once again defensive control proved elusive. Wellingborough found the decisive goal late on to complete their comeback and condemn Coleshill to another frustrating afternoon.

It was a mixed bag of emotions for the travelling support. Scoring four goals away at the league leaders is an achievement that deserves credit and shows the attacking quality within the squad. Conceding five goals and coming away with nothing, however, is a bitter disappointment and a reminder of where improvements are still needed. Full match highlights can be found here.

Attention now turns to the Walsall Senior Cup clash at Chasetown in midweek. A positive result there could provide the perfect lift ahead of next Saturday's league trip to Barford.