IN WHAT was the fourth attempt to get the game played, Earlswood slipped out of the Birmingham County Vase at the third round stage after losing 2-0 away at Kenilworth Wardens.
Earlswood are undergoing a metamorphosis under the new management team of Keith Green and Gerry Corrigan and there were quite a few new faces on show and they made a bright start.
Wardens themselves looked very potent going forward and soon had the Earlswood defence on their back feet.
The first goal for the home side came after a sustained period of pressure from Earlswood but on 18 minutes they hit Earlswood with a counter attack and found the back of the net.
It looked as though Earlswood would score an equaliser just before the break when Zac Cogger made himself space and slotted the ball past the Kenilworth keeper for what looked like a certain goal, but the goalkeeper made a fine stop and a defender was able to clear.
Kenilworth immediately went straight down their right wing and the attack ended with Richard Powell finding the net for Kenilworth’s second goal and the half ended with Earlswood two goals down in what had been a very even half of football.
Daniel Lawrence replaced Zac Cogger at half time and Earlswood dominated the play without being able to break down a resolute Kenilworth back four.
They did manage many shots on goal but they were unable to beat Harry Dipper in the Wardens goal.
The visitors continued to apply pressure but at the other end Earlswood gave away a direct free kick on the edge of the penalty area. Daniel Rushe went down to his right hand side to make a fine save and then a second to secure the ball.
Mathew Green was guilty of a harsh challenge and, with the ball dead, Ryan Corrigan hit it at the prostrate Kenilworth player and was given a red card for his actions, although he did it without intent.
Late in the game Ryan Faulkner replaced Kamran Chaundary at left back but the game was played out without further addition to the score.
