Added Nov 5th 2007 -

Sutton Coldfield 2 - 1 Rothwell Town

Ian Jackson admitted that Sutton Coldfield were too strong for his Rothwell Town side.

The Bones manager said: "They're a good side and fourth in the league for a reason. We almost equalised at the end. But if we'd got a point it probably wouldn't have been a fair reflection of the game as a whole."

"We battled hard, though, and there were some good individual performances. Their manager said we are the best footballing side they have played all season and he's the third manager to say that to me.

"That doesn't always win you games. But I think our luck has got to change eventually."

The game started at a fast and furious pace with the Bones putting together some nice footballing moves. Overall it was the Loyalists who dominated the half. They took the lead in the 40th minute when a corner was knocked out to Ed Booth.

He hit an unstoppable volley from 25 yardswhich gave keeper Ian Baker no chance.

The second half started much like the first with Matt Dodd and Craig Thomas leading the Rothwell defence a merry dance. Thomas went on to score Sutton's second goal on 70 minutes when he was put through in front of unprotected Baker.

Rothwell did manage to pull a goal back nine minutes later when new signing Ghokan Ulkan was tripped in the box by Phil Male. Pete Snedddon made no mistake by firing home the resulting penalty.

The Bones came more into the game after this and should have equalised when Ulkan received the ball in front of an open goal. But he fired over and a point was not to be.

Rothwell have now faced the top three clubs in the last three games, all away from home. They now look forward to returning to Cecil Street next Saturday where they will host Evesham.

Thanks to the Evening Telegraph.

Sutton Coldfield: Gemmill, Dodd, Wilson, Watkins, Booth, Male, Quiggin (sub Owen, 74 mins), Thomas, Rowe, Beckley, Doughty. Subs not used: Moran, Murrell, Matt, Fuller.

Rothwell: Baker, Tolton, Collis, Rice, Sturgess, Flannigan, Purton, Cooper (sub Ulkan, 73 mins), Stead (sub Sneddon, 73 mins), Bewers (sub Boyle-Chong, 60 mins), Koriya. Subs not used: Bridgeford, Boath.

Referee: Mr L Blackwood

Goals: Booth (40 mins, 1-0), Thomas (70 mins, 2-0), Sneddon pen (79 mins, 2-1)

Bookings: Dodd, Rice, Purton (all fouls), Tolton (dissent)

Attendance: 125

Chairman's man of the match: Ian Baker

Match rating: 6