The County Files |
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Birmingham notched up a less than convincing 2-0 win in the first game of the Midland Counties Youth Championships at Ray Hall Lane on Saturday. Goals from Bloxwich United's Matthew Tully late in the first half and Kidderminster's Michael Glynn midway through the second half sealed maximum points for Birmingham as they launched their bid to make it three titles in three years in the competition. The home side found it hard to settle in the opening period, and almost paid the price in the 7th minute. Shropshire's Dean Lowery delivered a perfectly weighted cross to Dan Stephens who saw his header skim the Birmingham post. As Birmingham settled, the two teams cancelled each other's chances out with both 'keepers kept busy. A vital interception from North Birmingham College's Anthony Hall prevented Gary Byrne from capitalising on a break in the penalty area. Matthew Tully's effort in the 44th minute sent Birmingham into the dressing room 1-0 up at halftime, placing the ball out of Alex Richards' reach into the top left hand corner of the Shropshire net after a beautifully timed run. A more confident period of play in the second half proved fruitful for Birmingham. A terrific run down the left wing by North Birmingham College's Craig Hancox found Tully in the penalty area who knocked the ball into the path of Michael Glynn. Richards could do nothing about Glynn's powerful finish low and to his left in the 69th minute. The second goal did nothing to dampen Shropshire's spirits, who came back stronger and could have found the net on more than one occasion. Dan Stephens had the ball stolen off his head by Birmingham 'keeper Matty Harris in the 72nd minute, just before the Paget Ranger saved a powerful shot from Ian Ashton. Birmingham Spokesman, Steve Poole was pleased with the win, but warned that next week's 2nd Round tie in the FA County Youth Cup away to Sheffield & Hallamshire may have come too early for the side: "We didn't look confident - which I suppose is understandable seeing as the team are still getting to know one another. However, we won't be able to afford that type of attitude next week if we want to make it three FA County Finals in three years."
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