Men's 1st Team Vs Harborne 5ths

Harborne M5s 0-1 CoBHC Men’s 1stXI

Goal Scorer: Mohammed Ibrar Abbasi

CoB M1s travelled away in their final game for 2021. With an illness and Covid-19  stricken side seeing 4 usual first teamers unavailable, the squad saw late call ups to a few usual 2ndXI players, who gave a good account for themselves for the future. With just 11 players, CoB graced a wet and foggy pitch vs Harborne.

In early exchanges, much of the play was central with Abrar, Abbasi, Zach and Alex taking control and looking to distribute to Parameth and Jahed on the flanks. Noor, despite having a quiet game had opportunities, but the Harborne keeper was equal to them. Neal in CoB goal wasn't called into much action in the first half, with Jack, Jeevan and Edan keeping Harborne at bay for the most part. A few exchanges in midfield and counter attacks saw Abrar with a handful of great chances going wide of the goal. 0-0 at half time.

In the second half, the visitors started off on the front foot, winning 3 short corners, with nothing coming of them. Alex drove well into the circle, with his shot going across the goal, narrowly missing the goalline. With space opening up, Harborne began to press with Neal called into making 2 diving saves to spook the opposition attackers. Jeevan neatly intercepted the ball in CoB's 25 and drove hard into the Harbone back line, having a shot on goal unchallenged with the keeper tipping it wide. With no subs, CoB were dealt a blow with Zach pulling up with a hamstring injury, requiring a quick shuffle of the pack. Abrar again found himself in space but this time squared it to Abbasi at the head of the circle who struck the ball, taking a slight deflection into the roof of the net. Harborne pressed for the final 6 minutes in search of an equaliser but were unable to make anything from their sparse chances.

A win in the final game for 2021, which sees CoB M1s 2nd in the table, 5 points adrift from top spot. As promised at the start of the game, the Chairman dealt an offer "Clean sheet today gets everyone an Easter Egg", it remains to be seen if he keeps his end of the bargain in 2022.