SQUAD
Lee Parry (Moor Green), Adam Huges (Sutton Coldfield), Solomon Griffiths (Rushall Olympic), Michael Xiourouppa (Kidderminster Harriers), Josh Tolley (Leamington), Tim Gould (Boldmere St Michaels), Paul Bonar (Moor Green), Simon Fitter (Kidderminster Harriers), Dave Hartley (Great Barr HN), Liam Teraud (Kidderminster Harriers), Tom Keen (Great Barr HN), Richard Mallon (Rugby United), Luke Woakes (Rushall Olympic), Paul Sanders (Rugby United), Darren Bushell (Great Barr HN), Michael Salmon (Great Barr HN), Tom Kendall (Tamworth), Rob Bolus (SUtton Coldfield), Adam Robinson (Sutton Coldfield), Eugene Dixon (Tamworth), Tyrone Barnett (Rushall Olympic), Steve Noon (Tamworth)
Birmingham were left to rue a catalogue of missed chances throughout the Midland Youth Tournament, in the end settle for fifth place only missing out on qualifying for the final by one point.
Match 1
Birmingham FA 0-0 Northamptonshire FA
Simon Fitter rescued Birmingham in the opening minute with a tremendous interception as the Northants striker was through on goal - with both sides knowing that to lose the first game almost ended their chances of winning the tournament. Josh Tolley's 12th minute corner was headed over from 8 yards, with both sides failed to create any realistic chances apart from a 20 yard effort from Josh Tolley nine minutes into the second half. A game that neither team wanted to lose reflected the stalemate throughout the match.
Match 2
Leicestershire & Rutland FA 2-0 Birmingham FA
Effectively this was the game, which cost Birmingham any realistic chance of winning the trophy. As early as the second minute Nick Kyriacou had a superb chance to score but the keeper foiled him in his attempt to round him. Paul Sanders excellent run and cross was scrambled away with no Birmingham forward prepared to gamble in the penalty box, two minutes later Kyriacou was presented with another 1 on 1 but he failed to find the net. Just on the stroke of half time Leicester scored with the Birmingham defence found wanting. Right after half time Paul Bonar free kick was pushed onto the bar and over by the Leicestershire keeper. Bonar missed Mikey Salmon's cross from 6 yards. To compound Birmingham's misery another defensive lapse allowed Leicestershire to take a two nil lead. Birmingham continued to press and in a game they could have won 5-2 they ended up losing 2-0.
Match 3
Birmingham FA 2-1 Shropshire FA 1
Once again poor finishing saw Birmingham fall behind when Shropshire took a ninth minute lead, however Rob Bolus broke through three minutes later and leveled the score. Paul Sanders scored from the spot in the second half to give Birmingham their first victory.
Match 4
Birmingham 1-0 Derbyshire
In a game of Birmingham domination the solitary goal came from a Mikey Salmon run and cross which Nick Kyriacou smashed home.