Mayhem at Metchley as Birmingham draw with Loughborough
Metchley 3G played host to an early evening encounter between Birmingham and Loughborough firsts, and the occasion did not disappoint with a thrilling 2-2 result being played out as Birmingham recorded their second point in two games.
Despite early possession and an early chance for Loughborough, it was The Lions who had the first real chance as the game became more end-to-end, when striker David Rogalski chested down for captain Jack Davies to shoot just wide from outside the box after twelve minutes.
Following a few more chances for the opposition and a fantastic save from their keeper to stop AJ Adelekan’s header from going in, it was Loughborough who eventually took the lead in a soft manner with 10 minutes of the first half to go, as a long ball from the left back position found the visiting right winger in acres of space, and he excellently chipped keeper Jamie Weller.
Once again Rogalski was at the heart of Birmingham’s chances, and with just a few minutes to go before half-time he knocked down a pass from Declan Kirby to winger Elliot Reeves, coming in off the flank but unfortunately he could only volley wide of the goal.
The second half started in a more positive manner for UoB, with good combinations down the right hand side from Ollie Sitch and Ben Roberts, but it was a freekick from substitute Dan Summerfield after an hour on the left side that led to the deserved equaliser; Robbie Paratore smashed home after a scramble in the box.
Birmingham weren’t done there, and seven minutes later a cross into the box again proved to be the pitfall of the highly rated Loughborough, as Davies’ corner caused confusion and eventually the ball found its way into the back of the net.
That goal appeared the wake up the away side, and little over five minutes later the score was 2-2, as The Lions were undone by some good build up play on the edge of the box, and a Loughborough substitute finished well.
Despite a late freekick for Loughborough in a good position after refereeing that even Mark Clattenburg would be appalled by, the game ended as a draw, and Birmingham can come away from the game knowing they played well against a top opposition and should look forward to what will hopefully be a successful season.
