COLESHILL TOWN 0 TIPTON TOWN 2

TIPTON Town inflicted a first defeat of the season on a Coleshill Town side uncharacteristically lacking in creativity in front of goal on Bank Holiday Monday.

It was a poor performance all round from Coleshill, who seemed tired after a draining FA Cup tie just two days previously.

A slow start was punished by the visitors when a penalty was awarded on 17 minutes, due to an infringement by skipper Luke Edwards. Danny Campbell stepped up and converted into the bottom right hand corner, sending Chris Jay the wrong way.

In truth, the home side never recovered from the early setback, as play became scrappy, with Ben Porter going into the referee's book for a late challenge.

Coleshill hearts were in mouths soon after as Danny Bragoli connected with a fierce shot that rebounded back off the underside of the crossbar, with Ricky Baker's tame header directly into Jay's grateful hands as the ball came back into play.

Tipton's brand of long ball football and in-your-face style unsettled Coleshill, who were very much on the ropes.

As much as Carl Adams and Jason Lanns encouraged their side from the touchlines, there would be no response as Tipton continued to press and work the fatigued back line.

Their reward would come four minutes before the interval, as poor defending meant an unmarked Steve Palmer was allowed to pick up the ball in the area from an uncleared cross, taking a touch to control the ball before curling superbly past the dive of Jay to double the advantage, which was cruel but ultimately deserved.

Warren Miller and Mark Lowe's introductions in the second half failed to contribute to the cause as still Tipton remained unthreatened by a Coleshill attack missing Matty Robinson.

Bragoli's second effort of the day curled dangerously close to the crossbar as the table-topping Tipton searched for the goal that would end the game, as Luke Edwards worked the 'keeper for the first time with a headed attempt from a corner which was comfortably saved.

Chris Gumery had the best chance of the game for Coleshill following another industrious performance on his part. But he couldn't reap the rewards as his headed attempt from a few yards out ended up over the bar, due to pressure from the defence, when Steven Hakner set up the chance with a flick on from Lowe's corner.

Liam Givans had a decent 20 yard strike saved but overall it was a disappointing performance.