HALESOWEN Town's promotion drive from The Evo-Stik First Division South suffered a crashing blow when beaten at home 3-0 by fellow contenders Coalville Town - writes NICK PULLEN

Nearly 400 Yeltz supporters braved torrential rain to watch their side get outplayed at times by an impressive Leicestershire side who looked a real threat from the word go.

Halesowen had entered this game with a healthy five point lead on top of the table - but it was Coalville who carved out all the chances.

Full back Stuart Cameron twice tested Yeltz goalkeeper Matt Sargeant with a couple of well drilled free kick shots before Coalville claimed the lead on 26 minutes.

Sargeant came rushing off his line in an attempt to snap up possession but only succeeded in bringing down Coalville striker Anthony Carney and dead ball specialist Cameron converted the resulting penalty.

Halesowen had to live off little more than half chances from which they failed to capitalise, the best of which arrived on 34 minutes when Coalville 'keeper Sean Bowles  carelessly dropped a Tom Tonks free kick but striker Ben Haseley failed to punish the error.

Coalville claimed a second goal on 58 minutes, again from the penalty spot with Cameron cracking home after Yeltz defender Curtis Tilt was judged to have clipped Carney's heels.

The Yeltz rarely looked like repairing the damage, especially after they spurned an excellent chance to get back in the game on 65 minutes after Coalville central defender McAteer mis-judged a high ball, letting in Haseley who could only fire meekly at Bowles.

Coalville wrapped up victory on 80 minutes when McAteer was allowed to breeze into the penalty area and head home at close range from Cameron's right wing corner.

With maximum points in the bag, Coalville could have increased their lead in the final minute when Carney smashed a powerful shot from close range which Sargeant did well to turn around the post.

Yeltz boss John Hill had no complaints about the outcome and claimed: "The best side won

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