Men's 1st Team Vs West Bromwich 3rds

CITY OF BIRMINGHAM MEN 1sts    6        -   1    WEST BROMWICH 3rds

CoBHC Goalscorers: Noor Zaman 2, Alex Makepeace 2, Abrar Baig, Jeevan Chagger

This fixture had been re-arranged due to an unfortunate injury to a West Brom player sustained during the original game.

Traffic congestion had meant a delayed start to this game. When it got going, both teams were eagerly looking for openings but it was the home side that began to enjoy the better possession and were pleased to claim an early lead when a Zach’s free hit just outside the D was helped on to Noor who put the ball firmly into the net. City of Birmingham continued to press forward and create many more chances that either went close or rebounded clear off the post. Just before half time CoB added to their score when after good play by Jeevan down the left, the ball reached Noor who added his and the team’s second.

West Brom did their best to stay in the game but with little success.

The game reached half time with CoB well in the lead but with a score-line that could and should have been more emphatic.

At the start of the second half West Brom tried to raise their game and CoB endeavoured to continue where they left off.

Scott, Alex, Zach continued their grip in midfield, Kyle made countless forays forward along the right wing, David, Ibrar Abbasi and Noah were strong in defence and Abrar, Noor and Jeevan were always lively up front. Neal dealt competently with the few occasions he was called into action.

However, it was the visitors who scored next. A lively move forward lead to a bit of a scramble in the CoB defence and the ball was somehow bundled over the line to reduce the deficit.

CoB quicky pulled themselves together again and re-stablished a two-goal margin when from a short corner, Alex hit the ball into the bottom right of the goal. Shortly afterwards, Jeevan thought he had added a fourth after more excellent lead-up play, but it was disallowed by the umpire who had spotted a back-stick infringement.

Eventually a fourth goal did arrive when after a great run down the right wing by Kyle. His cross reached skipper Alex who worked his way across the D and his reverse hit slammed into the goal, giving the visitors’ defence no chance.

With time running out and the light beginning to fade, CoB went 5-1 up when Abrar finished off a move after a quick break by Jeevan. Jeevan himself added another goal after being set up by Noor, to give a final score of 6-1 to round off a very impressive victory, more satisfactory than the original 5-0 walk-over victory!! The team’s spectators on the side were well satisfied with the performance.

Now established as joint league leaders on points, but ahead on goal difference. CoB have another home game next week against Bridgnorth 4ths