West Midlands 4 -    Worcestershire 1

ESFA / Premier League Inter-County

Midland Counties Competition

The West Midlands kicked off their league campaign on a crisp evening at Birmingham University. The West Midlands team had been enforced to make a few changes from the Aston Villa friendly match but the players settled well apart from conceding an early goal. A weak back pass was intercepted by a Worcestershire player and despite an attempted clearance from Jasbir Singh (Kings Norton & South Birmingham), the ball ended up in the net.

The West Midlands kept their composure and still passed the ball well and played with confidence. They got a deserved equaliser in the 15th minute. Good work down the left was completed by a good cross from Aaron Brown (Wolverhampton) that was finished well by Ben Clougher (Walsall) from 8 yards.

From then on, the West Midlands team dominated the game throughout. All players played with confidence and it was not long before Andy Bentley (Walsall) doubled the lead after 20 minutes with a shot from 25 yards which the keeper couldn't keep out.

The first half was completed by Sam Brookes (Solihull) who had stayed up from a set piece and was at the back post to poke home a 3rd goal after 32 minutes.

After a well deserved break at half time, the West Midlands players continued to dominate the game, which was virtually ended with the scoring of a fourth goal. Again, the midfield were able to push forward without much challenge and a good move was ended by Ashley Brown (Wolverhampton) on 44 minutes. The move started with a throw out from the keeper. Three passes later, the ball was with Ashley, who carried the ball and shot into the corner of the goal from 24 yards.

The game was then played out by the West Midlands but they were not able to capitalise on their goal count, although a good appeal for a penalty was turned down. A convincing win in their first league match that bodes well for the future fixtures.

Next Match - versus Herefordshire (H) - Wednesday 04 January 2006 -Birmingham University Sports Centre

West Midlands Under 15's 0   Shropshire Under 15's 1

West Midlands Under 14's 6   Shropshire Under 14's 1