Highgate hit a purple patch - The Solihull Observer

Highgate hit a purple patch

Solihull Editorial 2nd Nov, 2017   0

FOOTBALL: HIGHGATE returned to Midland Football League Premier Division action on Saturday, winning 1-0 against South Normanton Athletic.

Striker Lei Brown bagged the winning goal with seven minutes remaining as Gate moved up eighth having secured 21 points from 13 league games.

Gate dominated throughout the match against a side struggling in the bottom four.

But the visitors – at times – looked to be their own worst enemies. Gate missed a penalty in each half, hit the woodwork twice, and found it difficult to come to terms with Normanton’s work rate – despite them being reduced to ten men.




With Trevor Edwards and Richard Bryan both missing, Gate made a shift in the back four as full back Nathan Pulisciano moved across to accompany Scott Turner at centre back.

Connor Mooney took up defensive duties and George Robbins made a full start on the left hand side of midfield.


Brown saw a couple of early headers off target before a Turner header struck the cross bar, Brown unable to force the rebound home.

An even better opportunity came on the half hour mark when Leighton received a red card for using a raised arm to keep out an in-swinging Scott Rickards’ free kick, captain Josh Hawker took responsibility from the spot. But his shot crashed against keeper Darren Keeling’s right hand upright.

Apart from handling a couple of crosses, Brad Catlow had nothing to do throughout in the Gate goal with not a single shot either on or anywhere near target.

A foul on Rickards in the box led to a second penalty, this time Keeling guessing correctly by diving low to his right to keep out Brown’s failed attempt at opening the scoring.

With a draw on the cards, Gate eventually got the breakthrough they deserved.

Brown swept onto substitute Corey Currithers’ precise 83rd minute pass to guide the ball beyond Keeling and just inside the far post.

Further efforts from Brown, Adaggio and Isaac Jagroop all went close, but Gate had to settle for just the one goal.

Highgate host Bromsgrove Sporting (3pm) on Saturday before travelling to AFC Wulfrunians (7.45pm) on Tuesday night.

Meanwhile in the FA Vase, Highgate have been drawn away to Worcester City.

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