The County Files

FA County Youth Cup 2000-01

FINAL

Birmingham FA 0
Northamptonshire FA 3
At: Wolverhampton Wanderers FC
On: Sunday 29th April, 2001

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FA COUNTY YOUTH CUP FINAL
Sweeney Selects His Final Squad
Monday 9th April 2001

Martin Sweeney has named an unchanged squad as Birmingham County FA aim to defend their FA County Youth Cup title at Molineux on Sunday 29th April.

Included in the line-up is Hednesford's Elliot Richards who has been first choice goalkeeper for every game this season. Richards kept Birmingham in the chase for silverware after making a dramatic last minute penalty save in the second round of the competition.

A strong Nuneaton Borough presence is led by Birmingham County Captain, Adam "Ace" Cooper who has matched Richards' 9 appearances for the side. Despite joining the squad much later in the season, Cooper's Clubmate, Roy Dunkley has made a terrific impact on the side, scoring in each of his 4 County games.

Marconi (Coventry) are also well represented, including the other half of Birmingham's strikeforce, Matty Lewis. The squad was announced after those in contention were put through their paces at Aston Villa's Bodymoor Heath Training Ground.

"The squad is highly talented, and I am confident in their ability," said Team Spokesperson, Steve Poole. "We are determined to prepare the right way and give the lads every chance of earning themselves a prestigious medal."

"We have four weekends of training which is a great way to prepare for such a big game," he added. "Although many of them have played together throughout this season, the sessions provide a great opportunity to form that bond that could mean the difference between the two teams on the day."

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Start	NO	NAME	CLUB
*	1	Elliott RICHARDS	Hednesford Town
*	2	Adam COOPER (Capt)	Nuneaton Borough
*	7	Ronnie Sayer	Hednesford Town FC
*	8	Andrew Morris	Marconi (Coventry) FC/ Christ the King Juniors FC
*	9	Gareth Picknell	Hednesford Town FC
*	10	Roy Dunkley	Nuneaton Borough FC
*	11	Gary White	Nuneaton Borough FC
*	12	Neil Beasley	Nuneaton Borough FC
*	16	Joe Hanney	Nuneaton Borough FC
*	18	Matthew Lewis	Marconi (Coventry) FC
*	19	Paul Marshall	Hereford United FC
Sub	13	Steve Harman	Nuneaton Borough FC
Sub	14	Chris Woodhall	Nuneaton Borough FC
Sub - for 8 (24')	3	Patrick Flaherty	Hednesford Town FC
Sub - for 9 (40')	4	Phil Garner	Bedworth United FC
Sub	20	Andrew Cameron	Sutton Town FC
	COLOURS: Blue shirts, blue shorts, blue socks

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FA COUNTY YOUTH CUP FINAL
Birmingham Fall at Final Hurdle
Monday 30th April 2001

An uncharacteristic performance from Birmingham County FA saw them lose grip on the prestigious FA County Cup yesterday, losing 3-0 to Northamptonshire County FA in the Final at Molineux.

The 1999/00 title-holders provided little opposition to the Northants attack - the usually watertight defence struggling to stem the countless chances on goal throughout the first half.

A double blow to the Birmingham Back Four came when Andy Morris was involved in a clash of heads within the first five minutes of the game. The Christ the King Defender was replaced by Hednesford's Pat Flaherty, despite struggling to continue. Teammate Gareth Picknell - also suffering from concussion - joined him soon after, replaced by Bedworth's Phil Garner.

The Northants pressure paid off in the 24th minute when Elliott Richards was once again left exposed in the Birmingham goal. The Hednesford 'Keeper was penalised for his tackle on Liam Morris - Northants Captain, John Dempster converted the resulting spot kick.

James Storrey doubled the lead on 40 minutes when Birmingham failed to clear their area once more, with Liam Morris hitting Northants' third during the first half injury time.

With a mountain to climb in the second period, Birmingham continued to struggle to find chances. Adam Cooper's lunge hit the side netting whilst Gary White's free kicks intermittently troubled Danny Bircham in the Northants' Goal.

A determined and well organised Northamptonshire side refused to relinquish the lead, with their celebrations in stark contrast to the disappointment shown by Birmingham when the final whistle blew.

"Many of the lads were inconsolable," said Team Spokesman, Steve Poole. "After producing solid performances throughout the competition we just didn't perform today - and such was the feeling in the camp, the players felt that more than anyone else."

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