The County Files |
||||||
BIRMINGHAM END MIDLAND COUNTIES CAMPAIGN ON A HIGH...
Tuesday 19th February 2002 Thoughts of their forthcoming FA County Youth Cup Semi-Final against Nottinghamshire had to be put on hold as Birmingham FA ended their League season with a 2-0 victory away at Chasetown on Sunday. The Brummies started comfortably but it was not until the 18th minute that they created their first reasonable chance, the home keeper fumbled a right corner from Craig Hancox; Matty O'Rourke pushed the ball wide from 4 yards. Birmingham took the lead seven minutes later when O'Rourke was found in space on the right by Manni Sandhu; the Nuneaton Borough youngster's inch perfect cross from the right was headed home at the far post by Sutton Coldfield Town's Dean Perrow. The home side were prevented from bagging an equaliser in the 37th minute when Andrew Wheeler saved point blank from John Branch. Birmingham started the second half brightly and as early as the 50th minute a Dean Perrow pass found skipper Chris Woodhall who shot wide. Ten minutes later Craig Hancox saw his shot sail over the bar after an impressive run, through the Staffordshire Defence. Highgate's Rob Stanton made his County debut, replacing Matty O'Rourke after 65 minutes and was soon in the action finding Dean Allmark whose shot went across the face of the goal. Jamie Hood forced a save from the home keeper from 8 yards in the 71st minute whilst at the other end, a mistake from Sandhu gave Staffordshire the opportunity to level. The Nuneaton Borough youngster redeemed himself minutes later with a terrific pass to release Perrow who failed to convert the chance. Birmingham sealed the two points in the 84th minute with a superb pass from Hancox finding an unmarked Stanton whose shot was saved - only Perrow was alert enough to fire home the rebound. Birmingham must wait on the result of Hereford's final game against Staffordshire to find out if they will lift the Midland Counties Youth Championships for the fourth time in succession. Focus now switches to the FA County Youth Cup Semi-Final, where Birmingham will be aiming to reach their third final in a row. The tie kicks off at 2pm on Saturday 9th March at Notts County FC's Meadow Lane ground. STAFFS v BIRMINGHAM: |