Lee Parry - Solihull College/Moor Green,Tom Kendall, Rob Bolas - Sutton Town, Simon Fitter – Kidderminster, Liam Teraud - Kidderminster, Andrew McKinley - Leamington, Carl Farquarharson - Bedworth United, Dave Hartley - Rushall, Scott Hornsby - Atherstone, Kyle Storer - Bedworth United, Michael Xiourouppa - Kidderminster, Michael McGrath - Kidderminster, Adam Hughes - Sutton Coldfield, Luke Fuller - Sutton Coldfield, Matthew Dodd - Sutton Coldfield, Aaron Farrell - Kidderminster, Josh Tolley - Leamington, Adam Whitehead - Boldmere For the first time in five years Birmingham went out in the Second Round of the FA County Youth Cup. Manchester FA were causing problems to their opposition as early as the first minute. Birmingham's Liam Teruad was called upon to make a last ditch tackle on Manchester's Rourke and nine minutes later the same player turned Simon Fitter and crossed for the unmarked Smith to volley past a helpless Lee Parry. Michael McGrath's powerful shot was well saved by Manchester's 'keeper, Blower, then Matthew Dodd tested the home defence in the 21st minute. Birmingham should have leveled when he beat three defenders but his cross was scrambled away. Six minutes later Birmingham's misery doubled. Manchester's Parsonagg launched a free kick which Dickinson headed on for Rourke who easily lobbed the ball over Parry. With the need for a more direct approach on the home defence, Birmingham Manager Martin Sweeney brought off Aaron Farrell and replaced him with Carl Farquharson. Four minutes later Hughes crossed across the face of the home goal but no Birmingham forward was alert enough to capitalize. Two minutes into the second half Birmingham had a excellent opportunity to reduce the arrears. Farquharson broke clear on the left hand side and when Manchester's McMahon pulled his shirt, Referee Metcalfe immediately pointed to the spot and gave the Manchester player a red card. Sadly for Birmingham Adam Hughes had his penalty saved and the home keeper superbly beat away Farquharson's follow up shot. In the 54th minute Luke Fuller replaced Adam Whitehead and Josh Tolley came on for Sutton Town's Kyle Brady who was making his County debut. At this stage of the game Birmingham were in complete control and should have been at least level but chance after chance went begging. Birmingham dreams were ended in the 74th minute when a Manchester free kick was cleared but Sidle humped the ball back and Dickinson slid the ball past Parry. In the last minute chaos reigned a Brady corner was headed goalwards by Teruad and the ball was handled on the line. The referee penalized Manchester substitute Hodkin by issuing a second red card and awarding Birmingham their second penalty of the game, which was converted but offered little consolation. Birmingham FA Team Spokesman, Steve Poole said: "We still have the League to aim for, but even if we win the League it will not mask the disappointment and hurt such an early exit inflicts. Hopefully we can bounce back in style against Shropshire on the 22nd." |