It was a frustrating evening at Metchley for the University of Birmingham Mens 2nd team as despite a spirited performance they were held to a goalless draw by Worcester, who have a lot to thank their goalkeeper for after a series of excellent saves kept Birmingham from picking up their first win of the season.
Birmingham headed into this match having lost all five of their matches so far this season including a 2-0 defeat to Worcester in their opening match. However you would not have noticed it here as the opening 40 minutes were dominated by Birmingham who you could see were out to prove that they were able to cut it at this level after last season’s promotion.
Birmingham pressed the ball really well, not allowing Worcester any real time on the ball and this almost paid off, as after nicking the ball in midfield and then a series of fluid passes led to a close range shot that was excellently saved by the Worcester goalkeeper. This was the pattern for the rest of the first half, however by not taking advantage of their chances, Birmingham were always under treat of Worcester potentially scoring against the run of play. They almost did this just before half time however the chance was blazed over the bar.
The second half was a far cagier affair with both sides not taking the risks that were perhaps necessary. Again the Lions had their chances, notably from a free kick where two shots were well blocked with the goal in sight however they almost gifted the win to Worcester late on with some rather suspect defending by not clearing the ball well enough.
The drama did not end at the final whistle however as after the game there was a confrontation between a Worcester player and one of the Birmingham supporters which put a downer on a match that had been played in good spirits throughout.
In the end 0-0 was probably a fair result with both sides evenly matched, however the Lions will be disappointed not to pick up their first win of the season.
