The County Files |
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The Birmingham County FA U18 Representative squad suffered only their second defeat of what has been a terrific season in the Midland Counties Youth Cup. Nottinghamshire were out for revenge after Birmingham ended the East Midlanders FA County Cup Campaign at the semi-final stage earlier this season - winning 3-0 and eventually lifting the prestigious trophy. Just 2 minutes into the game, Great Barr's Dean Allmark was called into action making a vital clearance off the line. Birmingham had their own opportunity to score in the 13th minute but unluckily for Dean Perrow, his shot went wide. North Birmingham College's Craig Hancox was more fortunate 7 minutes later after his free kick found the back of the net. The equaliser came from a throw in which was controled and converted by Carl Westcarr after leaving Ashley Pringle standing. Westcarr gave his side the halftime advantage on the stroke of halftime after a scramble in the box. Paul Marshall and Phil Garner replaced Scott Lower and Steve Chatterley during the break, giving Birmingham the energy to draw level - a sweet volley from Dean Perrow after Hancox crossed into the area in the 55th minute. However, a season which has seen Birmingham bring home 3 trophies appeared to have taken it's toll... whilst Nottinghamshire's thoughts were of their only defeat! Two impressive goals in the last 20 minutes from Scott Pickard and Carl Vickers gave Nottinghamshire the win they were so hungry for - the first from a direct free kick and the second a terrific left foot drive. |