The Men’s 1st team’s wait for a win this season continues: they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at home to Durham University at Metchley 3G in the afternoon of Halloween. In a game of few clear-cut chances, the visitors made theirs count.
Both sides entered the fixture without wins so far this season. Taking their time to settle into the game, the referee tried stamping his authority on the game with early cautions for dissent, directed at both the players and the visitors’ manager. The match began to sway in Durham’s favour, however, as a series of misplaced passes from the Lions allowed their opponents to hit them on the counter.
25 minutes in, Durham’s #7,Captain Cornish, scored the only goal of the game, cutting inside from the right wing and calmly slotting the ball in off the far post. The winger was omnipresent throughout the match, carrying out his defensive duties just as much as he looked to get forward and pressure the Birmingham backline. A man-of-the-match performance without a doubt.
Undeterred, Birmingham pressed on playing some very nice passes strung together showing improved fluidity in their play despite being a goal down. However, the final passes faltered with crosses from the wings either going out of play or finding their way into the gloves of Durham’s shot-stopper.
Unfortunately, there were no treats in store for the Lions or their fans this Halloween. It was a deserved win for Durham who had the edge with more shots on target. This gives the visitor’s their first victory and first points of the season following three straight defeats. Sadly, the Lions drop to the foot of the table. Hopefully, the boys can turn it around next week against Northumbria and kickstart their season.
