Match Reports 14^th March 2009

U 13’s  Brierley Hill & Dudley  3 -  1 Solihull
West Midlands League & ESFA Divisional Cup

After their win over Wolverhampton, the BH&D U13 carried on their impressive form, by defeating a more than capable Solihull team. The weather conditions assisted both teams during each half with the wind gusting directly down the pitch. Dudley lost the toss so played with the wind 1^st half. The team maintained there impressive passing game keeping the ball low, with neat interchanges, using both flanks too the fullest.

Some exchanges of chances saw the game moving from end too end, with the Dudley players harassing and chasing every chance, putting Solihull under pressure at all times. Tom Garratt playing out of position at right back made numerous pushes forward and tested the Solihull defence at every opportunity. Following a move down the right, Dudley gained a throw which was thrown too Oliver Bragg who took the ball under control wrong footed the defender, turned and volleyed the ball across the keeper into the far corner of the net. An excellent piece of skill and a fantastic goal (1 v 0). Further chances came available to both sides until a Solihull crossed into the Dudley Box. A lack in concentration or communication found a defender and the Dudley keeper heading for the same ball. The ball was cleared straight to a Solihull forward who side footed the ball into the corner of the net (1v 1). Undeterred Dudley pressed forward keeping the Solihull defence under pressure creating numerous chances and corners. Following a quick break and excellent throw from Oliver Bragg the ball fell too Steve Mullaney who calmly lobbed the keeper as he came out to collect the ball (2v 1) Halftime.

The second half followed in much the same way but with Solihull’s wind advantage they were doing a lot of pressing. Dudley maintained there composure and carried on in the same way as the 1^st Half, there chance finally coming with a through ball from Joel Caines to Steve Mullaney who rifled the ball into the net (3v1) Final Score.

All the players played extremely well with determination and an excellent team spirit. Well done.

ESFA Divisional Cup
Under 12 Inter-Association Challenge Cup Semi Final
Erdington & Saltley 0-1 Brierley Hill & Dudley
BH & D U12s progressed to the final of the Under 12 Inter-Association Challenge Cup with a well deserved 1-0 victory over E&S at Washwood Heath Technology College.

In the early stages, the BH & D centre backs were tested by several balls over the top but weathered the storm with Kieran Price making a couple of excellent recovery tackles. The home team continued to bombard the BH & D back four with long balls but after 10 minutes the away team found their feet and started to take the game to the opposition with some quality passing on a difficult surface in windy conditions. Alex Fletcher and Callum McFarlane tried to provide some width on a very narrow pitch and found the feet of outstanding strikers Sam Austin and Kyle Bates on several occasions. Daniel Durman went close to opening the scoring before Bates found a yard in the box but was denied by the keeper’s feet. At half time, with the score at 0-0, the game was in the balance.

In the second half, BH & D started brightly with full backs Jack Kelly and Jake Cartwright getting forward whenever possible. Bates was unlucky not to score again when he shot straight at the keeper but made no mistake with his 3^rd chance, latching onto Sam Austin’s superb pass before beating a defender and finishing into the corner. The home side then pushed hard for an equaliser and Josh Clift and Kieran Price had to be in superb form to stop the E&S forwards from having any chances. James Whittingham however, was the hero, saving an injury time penalty to prevent extra time and send his team into the final.

After beating many sides convincingly, this was a real test for the U12s and they displayed not only some excellent football, but also plenty of heart and real character to come through such a tough game.