Down to 14 men, but still manage to come from behind to remain unbeaten

Coalville kept their 100% record intact with a hard fought victory away at West Bridgford at the weekend. With far from ideal conditions, as heavy rain fell throughout the match ladled with the regular lightning flashes, the home side set off at a cracking pace and went ahead after 6 minutes from a penalty for offside. The game then settled as both sides searched for the upper hand and each missed a penalty. But on 20 minutes a harsh red card was given to Coalvilles Matt Chamberlain and almost immediately Bridgford extended their lead with a converted try. The visitors dug deep and on the half hour Danny Freer somehow managed to tap the ball over the try line where Will Keeling was on hand to dot down. The 14 of Coalville held off the home surges well with some massive hits but 5 minutes into stoppage time, the home side created an overlap to score in the corner.
The second half started with Coalville in the ascendancy as they mounted an assault on the Bridgford line. After several carries James Parker crashed over out wide with George Blackburn adding a great conversion. It was all Coalville now, managing to retain possession well as Bridgford were caught offside but the penalty was missed.The pressure exerted by Coalville soon told as a penalty try was awarded to the visitors for a blatant shirt pull as the home side were at sixes and sevens, and the conversion was good to get Coalville the lead of which they never surrendered. Coalville's Head Coach Ben Toft said after the game "we were really tested today with the conditions and playing with 14 men for 60 minutes, but the boys dug deep and showed some serious character to grind out the victory. We made errors and missed opportunities but a win under those circumstances is something the squad should be proud of."