Birmingham FA 1-0 Worcestershire FA Birmingham FA sealed top spot in Group B of the Midland Youth Championships this afternoon, setting up a deciding fixture with the winners of Group A. Martin Sweeney's side had to wait until the 76th minute for the only goal of the game, but when it came, Ryan Murphy's strike was spectacular. Until then, the game had provided little opportunity for the home side, with the visitors on top at half time. Their chances came early, with Aaron O'Malley called into action in the Birmingham goal when Michael Xiourouppa capitalised on a poor pass from Pringle to Geohaghan in the 3rd minute and later beat the offside trap for two one-on-one chances which realistically should have been converted. Early second half substitutions saw Richard Langford and David Blenkinsopp replace Robbie Scott and Daniel Lennon for Birmingham, in the hope of creating more impetus in their attacking half. The pressure told with just under 15 minutes remaining when Murphy took the ball sweetly in the corner of the 6 yard box, firing home a volley which despite crossing the face of the goal on its way into the back of the net, could not be stopped by Worcester's 'Keeper, Stephen Thomas. Birmingham's final group game in the MYC takes place at County HQ on March 8th when Northamptonshire are the opponents. The date of the Championship Game against the winners of Group A - which at present look set to be East Riding FA - is still to be confirmed. |