Men's 1st Team Vs Edgbaston 4

CoBHC Men’s 1sts  5    -   1  Edgbaston 4ths

Goalscorers :    Noor 2, Junaid, Jeevan, Alex,

Still not completely back to full strength, CoB faced up to their visitors who were a couple of places above them in the league. Also due to a late-arrival, the home side started the game with 10 on the pitch. The game started with both teams settling into their stride, but with the visitors doing their best to press home their numerical advantage at this stage. When their 11th player arrived CoB soon began to make their presence felt, creating several good chances. Sohail was brilliantly marshalling the defence with Zach and Akib also solid at the back. Abrar was bossing the midfield together with Alex, Kyle and Jeevan. Junaid on the right, Parameth on the left and Noor central were also making the visitors work hard. So far, Neal was enjoying a fairly easy afternoon with no immediate threat to his goal. Another great move forward saw Abrar surge forward and send a shot that looked goal-bound, but just to make sure, Noor got his stick to it to help in into the net.

Edgbaston were working hard to make inroads into CoB territory but were being robustly held at bay and no direct threats on goal ensued. CoB’s  second goal came after a good move down the right and Junaid’s direct run into the D led to his crisp shot beating everyone. A third soon followed when Noor was put through by Abrar. He strode into the D, beat the Keeper and planted a firm shot into the goal.

At the half-time interval, CoB were looking good value for their lead at that stage.

The second half began with Cob still very positive and moving forward, continuing pressure on the visitors. However, one such move forward broke down, was well cleared and moved quickly forward to the waiting forward who moved into the D and gave Neal no chance, to pull one back.
CoB maintained their attacking game. Sohail was sending many aerial clearances forward, many were regularly collected by Jeevan in particular  to continue the forward momentum. A well -taken goal was scored by Jeevan who met a cross into the D and slammed it home. A final 5th goal was scored by skipper Alex who sent in a screaming shot from a short corner

To their credit, Edgbaston stuck to their task and after one of their promising attacks, forced Neal into couple of fine saves.

In spite of their efforts to add to their already impressive score, no more goals arrived and CoB had to be satisfied with a good result, a good team performance, three well-earned points and moving up to share 3rd place on points, 5th on goal difference.

Next week the team travel to near neighbours, Blossomfield.