Cups 2002-03

MIDWEEK YOUTH CUP RESULTS

MIDWEEK YOUTH CUP FINAL

Halesowen Town Colts 1-3 Sutton Coldfield Town

Sutton Coldfield Town lifted the Midweek Youth Cup despite resistance from a plucky Halesowen Town Colts at Birmingham FA Headquarters.

Sutton struggled during the opening period, Ryan Dams volleying a shot from 25 yards after turning on a ball from Andre Whyte. Dams again missed putting his side up again in the 19th minute; his low shot fired the wrong side of the upright.

The opening goal came against the run of play, when Ben Porter slotted home a low strike in the 27th minute. The remainder of the half saw disaster strike for both teams; Rob Bolas substituted by Terrance Carpenter after a nasty head injury then Halesowen’s Roscoe Hale forced to leave the field following a collision with Porter.

With no replacement ‘keeper available, Richard Oakley braved the goalkeeper’s gloves, Danny Williams coming on to replace him in midfield.

Oakley’s first important save came one minute after the restart, tipping the ball far enough away from Porter’s feet to prevent him from increasing the lead. The second goal needed its fair share of luck too – Matthew Gardner’s shot hit one upright, then the other before crossing the line in the 51st minute.

Sutton continued to turn up the heat, Lee Wilkinson with a vital deflection keeping Adam Robinson’s shot out, then Carpenter hitting the bar after attempting to lob Oakley.

Carpenter got another chance in the 67th minute and this time made no mistake; his shot so powerful that despite getting his hands on the ball, Oakley could only watch as it trickled into his net.

Halesowen’s deserved consolation goal was scored on the 77th minute mark by Danny Williams – a bending left footed shot left Dave Rimmer stranded.

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