Lee Parry (Solihull College / Moor Green), Michael Xiourouppa (Kidderminster Harriers), Josh Tolley (Leamington), Simon Fitter (Kidderminster Harriers), Dave Hartley (Rushall Olympic), Liam Teraud (Kidderminster Harriers), Luke Woakes (Rushall Olympic), Paul Sanders (Rugby United), Tom Kendall (Tamworth), Rob Bolus (Sutton Coldfield), Paul Sanders (Rugby United), Tobias McIntosh (Bedworth United), Paul Bonar (Kidderminster Harriers), Kyle Storer (Bedworth United), Carl Farquharson (Bedworth United), Michael McGrath (Kidderminster Harriers), Andrew McKinley (Leamington), Martin Groves (Leamington), Luke Fuller (Sutton Coldfield) Birmingham FA 0-3 Darlington FC Despite the best efforts of the new-look BCFA side, Darlington ran out 3-0 winners in the last friendly prior to the season starting in earnest. With 50% of the Birmingham squad new to the rigors of high quality youth football, they fell behind in the 6th minute when James Earl misjudged a cross from John Wenn, which ended up in the back of the net. The home side had a chance to level 6 minutes later when a Liam Teruad free kick eventually found Michael Xiouruppa in the box but Darlington 'keeper Paul Nisbett smothered his shot. Three minutes later a 22 yard free kick from Paul Bonar came back off the bar with Nisbett beaten. Xiouruppa later turned provider, his right wing cross found Carl Farquarhson but his shot was scrambled away. Darlington's Wenn went close two minutes later, beating Rob Bolas - but his shot rebounded of the Birmingham post. The sweet passing football of Darlington nearly paid of in the 31st minute when Gareth Bainbridge turn and shot beat Earl but came back of the bar. Birmingham were denied an eqauliser 6 minutes later when Carl Farquarhson's 35 yard lob beat keeper Nisbett but finished just wide of the post. Darlington increased their lead 10 minutes into the 2nd half. Paul Bonar lost possession in midfield, a neat interchange of passes allowed Darlington to double their advantage. Tobias McIntosh beat 2 defenders in the 75th minute but once again shot wide, with the squad paying for their error 4 mins later when a mistake by sub keeper Tom Kendall allowed Wenn to score his second. BIRMINGHAM (FIRST HALF): James Earl, Rob Bolas, Josh Tolley, Liam Teraud, Andy McKinley, Martin Groves, Paul Bonar, Paul Sanders, Michael Xiouruppa, Carl Farquarhson, Tobias McIntosh BIRMINGHAM (SECOND HALF): Tom Kendall , Dave Hartley, Andy McKinley, Michael McGrath, Luke Fuller, Michael Xiouruppa, Carl Farquarhson, Paul Bonar, Marin Groves, Luke Woakes, Simon Fitter "Today showed how much benefit can be gained from full time training," said Team Spokesman, Steve Poole. |