RESULT: Nottinghamshire CFA 0 – 3 Birmingham CFA Birmingham became the first side since the late 70’s to reach three successive FA County Youth Cup Finals when they easily defeated Nottinghamshire 3-0 at Meadow Lane on Saturday. Both teams were hungry for a place in the final, and this showed as the game got off to a hectic start. Birmingham’s appeals for a penalty in the 4th minute were turned down when Chris Wright appeared to push Dean Perrow in the back. Three minutes later, a tackle from behind by Birmingham’s Manni Sandhu earned the Nuneaton Borough player a yellow card. Kidderminster’s Michael Glynn replaced Great Barr’s Aaron Bishop after a clumsy tackle from Nottinghamshire’s Michael Evans after players from both sides struggled to create early chances. Birmingham eventually broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute after Chris Woodhall found the impressive Perrow in the box who was fouled by ‘keeper Kirk. This time, Referee Canadine pointed to the spot and Glynn put Birmingham 1-0 up. Great Barr Celtic’s Paul Holden troubled Nottinghamshire with his pace, hitting the post on the stroke of half time and forcing a scrambled clearance within a minute of the restart. Soon after, a precise free kick from Michael Glynn found the head of Anthony Hall, delivering the ball into the path of Dean Perrow who made no mistake from 8 yards. Birmingham sealed their place in their third successive final, which this year is set to take place at Walsall’s Bescot Stadium on Saturday 27th April with a deserved strike from Holden who slid the ball under the advancing Kirk. “For us to achieve this record is amazing,” said team Spokesperson, Steve Poole. “Three years, three different teams just shows the calibre of the players in our area and the ability of the coaching staff to pick and guide the lads to such a high standard of play. “Last year we loaned the cup to Northants – this year we want it back!” |