County Make FA Final Birmingham County FA are just one step away from retaining the FA County Youth Cup after beating Sheffield and Hallamshire in a nail-biting 2-3 extra time victory on Saturday. Their opposition are still to be confirmed, with Northamptonshire taking on Middlesex in the second semi final on 10th March. Nuneaton's Roy Dunkley and Hednesford's Ronnie Sayer made it 2-0 to Birmingham within the first half - Dunkley scoring his fourth goal in just three County Call-Ups. However, Sheffield and Hallamshire staged a late, late comeback, forcing the game into extra time. The two evenly matched sides continued to cancel each other out, until Nuneaton's Joe Hanney struck the winning goal in the 113th minute. The win came in a week that saw last season's squad nominated in the Junior Team category at the Birmingham Sports Council Awards - recognition for winning 3 out of 4 available trophies. With so many new faces this time around, the side are aiming to emulate the same success. Birmingham will be looking for plenty of home support after being drawn as hosts for the prestigious final on Saturday 28th April. Last season's victory took place at Birmingham City's St Andrews ground with another major venue set to host this season's decider. "We don't want to be looking back all the time, but the success of last season was phenomenal," said Team Spokesman, Steve Poole. "We are proud that it has been recognised - to repeat it would be amazing! "Whoever we meet in the final will be tough opponents - the fact they have both made it this far shows just what they are made of. "We certainly won't underestimate the challenge," added Poole "But I know the whole team will relish the chance of bringing the trophy back to Birmingham." |