Following their 19-0 demolition of rivals Aston last week the 3’s looked ready for a cup game against a side 2 divisions above them in the BUCS league and what the coach described as “the hardest team we could have been drawn against”.
The game began with a strong wind blowing frustratingly towards Birmingham’s goal and within 10 minutes this had come to Lincoln’s aid. Birmingham had looked second best and quite nervous on the ball in the first few minutes, and a hopeful punt down the middle of the park fell to the Lincoln striker from around 30 yards out on the half volley she replicated something I had only seen Luis Suarez do before. An excellently taken half volley lobbing the keeper.
The goal this seemed to liven Birmingham somewhat and they became more comfortable on the ball and the game became an entertaining, end to end spectacle. Little happened until the second half where the game was still quite end to end, however Lincoln were gifted a goal on 70 minutes mark. A ball was played through the defence and it looked like the on-rushing Birmingham keeper missed the ball completely, leaving an open net for Lincoln to slot home in. Following the goal Birmingham made some changes and began playing in a 3-4-3 formation- they had nothing to lose, this was a cup fixture! They began to put Lincoln on the back foot and were seeing plenty of possession, however they simply couldn’t produce a shot or any attempt on goal as had been the case throughout the match.
In the 91st minute Birmingham were awarded a free kick around 35 yards out. It was driven in by the number 13 and Helen Wrigley just nodded it home before the keeper’s grasp. 2-1. In the remaining 2 minutes the game was hectic yet nothing could quite go right for Birmingham and the game finished 2-1 to Lincoln. A game which I’m sure the coach will be disappointed to lose as his side gave it their all throughout the game. Special mention to Jo Butler- Williams who had a great game in central midfield throughout the game and was dictating play in the 2nd half.
Coach Dan McKimm admitted that “we just struggled with our final ball, and to create any clear chances” but was keen to acknowledge the girl’s effort, determination and commitment throughout the whole game. He concluded by saying that “they did themselves and the club extremely proud”.
UoB Women’s Football 3XI vs Lincoln 1XI by Burnfm_Sport on Mixcloud
