This ultimateley turned out to be a good win for Lichfield City FC – but as with their other early season fixtures they seemed to be making it difficult for themselves.
Coton started brightly for the first ten minutes, while City struggled to get into the game. But once Russell Dodd’s men did find their feet they controlled much of the first half.
However, it was another story of missed chances until the eventually break the deadlock midway through the half when a great left foot curling pass from Dan Mason found Sean Williams in the box. He turned inside the defender and lashed the ball into the roof of the net.
The second half was spoilt by numerous free kicks, one of which lead to Coton drawing level. The referee gave an indirect free kick to the hosts just inside the area for dangerous play. The Coton player tapped it back to his team mate who then smashed the ball into the net underneath the wall.
Almost from the kick off Lichfield regained the advantage when a great header from Williams was brilliantly saved by the keeper but Liam Holt blasted the rebound home, despite the best efforts of a defender on the line.
Coton were desperate to draw level and again this lead to a number of free kicks being given away by Lichfiled. When one was given, Stuart Hamilton squared up to an opponent in a clash that saw both players see red.
But it was to get worse for Coton when Holt was tugged back while through on goal, leaving the hosts down to nine-men.
And City finally made the points safe when a Holt’s lay-off allowed Adam Edmunds to volley the ball into the corner of the net.
Lichfield host Northfield Town on Saturday (August 27) at Brownsfield Park, kick-off 3pm, before travelling to play top of the table Shirley Town on Bank Holiday Monday.
