Despite last minute complications, Birmingham County FA sealed their second win in the Midland Youth Championships, beating Shropshire FA 2-0, but were helped by their fair share of luck to make sure of the three points. Having to compensate for late player withdrawals, a nervous looking Birmingham side emerged - and were almost a goal down within the first three minutes. However, a decisive tackle from Bedworth's Ashley Pringle on Simon Shenton set the tone for the afternoon and kept the scoresheet clean. Kidderminster's Richard Langford broke the deadlock with a thundering shot into the top left hand corner of Tony Prince's goal which the Shropshire 'Keeper could do nothing about. A dangerous looping cross was almost converted by Marvin Joseph, but Birmingham stood firm - Nuneaton's Matthew Lamb making the vital challenge this time. Oldbury's Dean Allgood was perhaps unlucky to concede a penalty three minutes before half time, but fortunately for him - and unfortunately for Shropshire - Andrew Webb fired his spot kick against the crossbar. Determined to capitalise on their lucky break, Birmingham started the second half more brightly. Rushall's Solomon Griffiths replaced Allgood in the 57th minute, adding fresh legs to the home-team's attack. Nick Heath's header lacked the power to beat Prince as he connected with a long throw in from Sutton Coldfield's Exodus Geoghaghan in the 69th minute. Griffiths made his mark with 20 minutes left on the clock after Birmingham mounted a series of attacks on the Shropshire goal and were then able to focus on keeping their advantage - Geohaghan conducting his defensive duties with relish. "The Management team have had a very difficult week and the team had to cope with some of our regular players missing today," said Spokesman, Steve Poole. "The lads who stepped into their shoes did a good job though - they worked tremendously hard in the second half to make sure the points were in the bag." Birmingham now must prepare for the 3rd Round of the FA County Youth Cup on December 14th when the team they beat in last season's final of the prestigious competition, Durham pay a visit to County HQ. |