For the second time in two weeks Erdington came up against Brierley Hill and Dudley. After a heart breaking semi final defeat last week Erdington were looking for a positive response.
The game could not have got off to a worse start, when Brierley Hill took the lead from a set piece. Erdington responded well and the switch of Peter Davie into the middle of the park seemed to give Erdington a lift. Connor Ceasar and Declan Sullivan  again were outstanding up front with their pace and skill against  a very strong defensive unit. Declan kept the excellent centre half busy which gave Connor plenty of space to get beyond the defence, something that he did on numerous occassions. It was Connor's pace that earned a penalty for the home side. Connor broke free of the defence only to be brought down in the box.  Declan Sullivan scored the subsequent equaliser when he  calmley slotted the ball into the corner of the net. Although the score remained 1 - 1 by half time,  perhaps Erdington could consider themselves unlucky not to be ahead.

 

Ali Brauns

The second half was more of the same, with the effort and commitment from the home side  impressive throughout and it was only two smart saves from the away sides' keeper that stopped Erdington from getting the result their performance deserved.
Matt Watson Ali Brauns, Remi Bell  and Ben Hurdman were outstanding in defence, whilst the tireless running from Declan Sullivan kept the away side under pressure all game. Kane Donald marshalled the midfield well all game and made some excellent challenges in the second half. Erdington continued to press untill the last kick of the game,

This was the  final league game of the season between the top two sides in the league and whilst the result meant Brierley Hill dropped their first points of the season it was not enough to stop them winning the league. Well done to them, but Erdington have sent out a massive message to the rest of the league for next season. The side are beginning to gel nicely and all should all be very proud of their performances in the league and cup this year.

 

Steve

The U14s travelled to Coventry and after last weks disappointing performance , things did not get off to the best of starts with only eleven fit players available. However this team seems to thrive when the going gets tough and thety put in a great first half performance with Erdington's  back four of Darren Tierney, Jamie Eagles, Jordan Lengthorn iand Steve Hayles in commanding form. It came as a shock when Erdington  conceded a goal just before half time.

Chances continued to be created in the second half and it was no surprise when Erdington equalised through Kieran Caulfield with a great free kick. Shaquille MacDonald was a constant threat to the Coventry defence and went close to scoring on a number of occasions. Unfortunately, totally against the run of play, Coventry hit the winner in the dying seconds of the game.

This was a most creditable performance and much can be taken from the game

Erdington U15s met Stoke in the league  and put in another gritty, hard working and spirited performance. Erdington's back four were strong throughout  with Jack Austin in commanding form . Sam Elgar again had another great tireless performance in midfield along with good performances from Eliot and Jack Bradford. In an end to end first half, Erdington had the edge but the score remained 0 - 0 by half time.

 

Luke

In the second half,  Stoke took the lead and went two up as Erdington pressed forward in search of the equaliser. Luke Humperston pulled a goal back but Stoke held out to win 2 - 1

Forthcoming Fixtures

Saturday 28th March

• U12s v Nuneaton(h) in the Warks.league @ Washwood Heath Technology College, B8 2AS. k.o.10:00 Players to confirm availability with Phil Higby and meet by 9:10

  Squad: Sean Flanaghan, John Stevens,Ali Brauns,Ali Kenewa, Ben Hurdman, Matt Watson, Remi Bell
  Peter Davie, Kane Donald, Adam Shaylor, Remel Cockett, Connor Ceasar, Declan Sullivan,
  James Price, Kwazie Tuffour, Harry Atkins, Yousef ,
  Standby:
   Andrei Benjamin, Kamari Edmede

• U13s v Nuneaton(h) in the Warks. league @ Washwood Heath Technology College, B8 2AS. k.o.10:00.  Players to confirm availability with Scott Saunders and meet by 9:15

• U14s v Hereford  (a) @  St Mary's HR1 4DR  in the West Mids league k.o. 10:00. Players to confirm availability with Liam Burke and meet at the Fox & Goose by 8:15 (at the latest!)

Erdington & Saltley Cup Finals @ Hollyfields Sports & Social Club, Woodacre Road, Erdington, B24 0JT  (all 4:00 k.o.)
 

Tuesday 24th March : U12 Bishop Walsh v College High, U13 Arthur Terry v Bishop Walsh

Wednesday 25th March : U14 Kingsbury v John Willmott, U15 Arthur Terry v Plantsbrook

Thursday 26th March: U16 Washwood Heath v Stockland Green

Tuesday 31st March: U19 Arthur Terry v Sutton College / Fairfax