The County Files |
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Birmingham's FA County Youth Cup campaign began with a 3-0 win over cup favourites Sheffield & Hallamshire - setting up a 3rd Round tie away at Wiltshire FA. Birmingham threatened in as early on as the 10th minute. A corner from the right delivered by Kidderminster Harriers', Michael Glynn was headed back by club-mate Indy Khela into the path of Matty Tully whose fierce shot was saved acrobatically Sam Moxon. The Bloxwich United striker thought he had put Birmingham ahead after 14 minutes, only to see Referee Jones give a decision against Tully after a fumble from the Sheffield 'Keeper afforded him an empty net. Matty O'Rourke made sure Birmingham were 1 goal to the good just 7 minutes later after a neat short corner by Glynn and Craig Hancox reached the Coventry Marconi player who found himself free at the far post. Birmingham were the happier at half time thanks to another quality cross from Glynn on the 40th minute mark was met by Khela, giving the Midlanders a 2-0 lead at the break. Ben Walker was the main threat for Sheffield but the back line of Marshall, Hall, Fletcher, Khela and Woodhall ensured that Birmingham keeper Matty Harris was rarely troubled. A mix up between Hall, Fletcher and Harris gave Sheffield their only real chance - fortunately for the visitors, Tom Murphy shot wide. An early substitution forced upon Birmingham after Pat Flaherty was involved in a clash of heads with Sheffield's Matt Slater, saw Tom Guiney enter as a replacement. The Tamworth player repaid Manager Martin Sweeney for the opportunity by putting his side 3-0 up just 6 minutes into the second half. Guiney's looping header from Hancox's cross went over the stranded Moxon. Attention now switches back to the Midland Counties Youth Championships, with an away trip to Worcester on November 18th. Despite the focus on the FA County Youth Cup, Team Spokesman Steve Poole is stressing the importance of the game: "Our Cup performance was an improvement on the Shropshire game and once again a clean sheet," he said. "We now look forward to our next match against Worcester, which is a fixture we have never won since we took control of the team. As holders of the Midland Counties Youth Championship title, our first aim must be a victory at Worcester - then we can start preparing for Wiltshire." |