The County Files |
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Birmingham County FA has named their squad for this Saturday's 3rd Round FA County Youth Cup tie in a rematch of the 2001-02 final. Despite playing the majority of the game with 10 men, Birmingham sealed a dramatic 2-1 victory against the Northerners; regaining the prestigious trophy with a last minute winner. The competition was launched by The FA in 1944 to provide representative football for the best young players who had not signed up with professional clubs. Players under 18 who are still at school or who play in affiliated leagues are eligible for the County sides. Not only are some spotted and offered pro-contracts as a result of representing their County, but they also get to benefit from playing alongside and against others of similar ability. The age restriction means that the squad has a very different look from one season to another, but the Management Team of Martin Sweeney, Barry Evans, Carlo Rossi, Steve Howlings and Steve Poole have provided continuation to the outfit. "There are two players in the squad this time around who were part of the team who beat Durham - Richard Langford and Ashley Pringle," said Poole. "They have already told the players just how much it means to get to such a prestigious final, and how much they want to be there again this year. "Playing football your County is a real honour - I know that the players will do themselves proud on Saturday," he added. "I hope we see support from the clubs they represent at County HQ as they should be proud of them too." In a thrilling game which saw two evenly matched and talented sides go head to head, Birmingham progressed to the Quarter Final stage of the FA County Youth Cup by beating Durham FA 4-2 at County HQ today. The win puts Birmingham one step closer to regaining the silverware they won last year. Chris Laws capitalised on a mistake in the Birmingham defence in the 23rd minute to put the visitors 1-0 up. Tobias McIntosh had the chance to level the score straight away, but the Nuneaton Borough Striker scuffed his shot, making Phillip Waddleton's collection relatively easy. Sutton Coldfield's Adam Hughes drew the two sides level in the 34th minute with a powerful header that Waddleton could not reach. Birmingham missed the chance to go into the half a goal up when Richard Langford poked his shot just wide. A frenetic 5 minutes early in the second period saw the game step up another gear. Birmingham took the lead thanks to Captain Exdodus Geohaghan's persistence - lofting the ball back into the penalty area for Langford to deflect over the Durham 'Keeper's head. Durham responded immediately with a low free kick through the Birmingham wall and out of reach of Aaron O'Malley. Advantage was regained by the home side when Nuneaton's Andy Crabtree rose highest to meet a Nick Heath free kick from outside the area. Crabtree fell awkwardly on his knee as a result of his effort and was replaced by Kidderminster's Matthew White soon after. A niggling final 20 minutes saw one more goal from each side - Birmingham increasing their lead from substitute White's low shot, and Durham pulling one back in the final seconds of time added on from Karl Haggon. "This was a massive game to win," said Team Spokesman Steve Poole. "Every player on the pitch gave 100 percent - as did Durham who really put us to the test. "We now await news of who our Quarter Final opponents will be from the game against Suffolk and Northumberland - the great thing is we know we have the home advantage again. This win will have given the lads a terrific boost and I know they will be looking forward to seeing if we can make it back to the final." |