English Schools’ Trophy – Rd 4  - 17 February 2009

Brierley Hill & Dudley   0     Swansea 1

After the poor weather the long awaited game v Swansea was finally played. After Swansea’s previous 11 – 0 win in tan earlier round v Hereford, a team that Brierley Hill & Dudley had lost to in their first league game it would appear that they were in for a difficult afternoon. Holidays and injuries enforced a number of changes to the starting line up.

The home side started well with a slight wind behind them, the two wide players were causing the Swansea full backs problems and as a result Swansea found it difficult to get out of their own half.

As the first half progressed Shepherd and  Robinson started to win the midfield battle and Paskin in goal was almost a spectator. The back four were breaking down the Swansea attack as they started to get more into the game. Brierley Hill & Dudley still held the upper hand and should have taken a 1^st half lead with two / three half chances.

After half time Swansea came more into the game and started to look more like the team going to snatch the winner. Brierley Hill & Dudley players were starting to look weary but there attitude and commitment could not be faulted.

The deciding goal came 20 min into the second half when a defensive header was won in the midfield by Swansea and with a good through ball the centre forward left Paskin with no chance as it went into the far corner from 18 yards.

The home side players gave their all for the last 15min and thought that they might have a chance to equalise as the linesman put his flag across his chest to indicate a penalty but to the amazement of both benches and spectators the referee played on.

Brierley Hill & Dudley should be pleased with their performance and on another day could have progressed into the next round. They now look forward to playing West Brom in the next round of the ESFA Divisional Cup.