Men's 1st Team Vs Old Halesonians

 Old Halesonians    3   City of Birmingham 1sts  1

CoB scorer: Noor Zaman

CoB M1s ventured to Old Halesonians for their final pre-season friendly before the start of the league. With  a lack of full availability, many of the club's M2s were called upon to play and support in what proved to be a tough test.

The game started off brightly with both teams enjoying some early midfield exchanges. Jordan, Alex and Jeevan were looking to play the ball wide. Edan, Jack, Jahed and Navin on the flanks did well to support and break down the Old Hales' attacks. Abbasi at Centre Back found himself in good spaces to cut out the final pass, with Neal being called upon to make a critical goal-line save. Cob chances were sparse, incuding a reverse shot from Alex that sailed over the bar. Abrar found himself carded late in the half, but a 10 man CoB managed to keep the hosts at bay.

Half-time score: 0-0

The second half saw Old Hales continue where they left off, pressuring the defence and winning several more short corners. A quick break down the right saw CoB outnumbered, leading to the opening goal for the hosts. Two more short corners in quick succession saw Old Hales build a comfortable lead, despite some great defending by the visitors. CoB threatened with Keiran on the wing, some quick play saw Jeevan's shot go narrowly wide. A late CoB short corner gave Noor the opportunity to score a consolation goal right on the stroke of full time.

Next week sees the start of the league programme with the 1sts at home to West Bromwich  3rds, while the 2nds travel to Lichfield 6ths.