It was a cold, crisp afternoon as UoB Men’s 2s lined up against Worcester 2s for the second time in the season. The game being a rearranged, as in their encounter earlier in the season Worcester had fielded several first teamers, which goes against league regulations.
Birmingham sat 2nd in the table after the first semester’s fixtures and whilst Worcester sat at the foot of the table. Birmingham completely dominated the first half having the majority of the possession and in general looking like they wanted to win the game more. Unfortunately they rarely tested the confident Worcester goalkeeper and couldn’t capitalise on the blaring sun which was in his eyes for the first 35 minutes.
The second half began and Worcester made a change replacing their tall, strong target man for a quicker, more agile player. This proved to be a piece of managerial genius as five minutes into the second half a ball over the top was collected by him, turned inside, then out, shot and was deflected by an oncoming Birmingham defender, leaving Booker, the goalkeeper helpless. This goal certainly put a dent in Birmingham’s play and they just couldn’t get going as they had in the first half.
Nonetheless just ten minutes later Birmingham swung a corner into the back post and a powerful header came in but the Worcester keeper made an incredible dive and was able to get a hand to it, though the shot was too powerful and nestled into the back of the net- leaving the score at 1-1 early in the second half.
Soon after the leveller, a long goal kick from the Worcester keeper , which was going out, until the Birmingham right back attempted to keep it in, but in fact headed it towards goal. The defence panicked and the number 15 was able to capitalise on the weakness. He cut inside passed it across goal to the centre midfielder who slotted home to make it 2-1 with little time remaining. It seemed that time had run out for Birmingham until another corner was swung in, sliced high into the air by the Worcester centre back, and volleyed home low by a Birmingham player, 2-2!
Birmingham will be disappointed in getting only a draw against lowly rated Worcester, however they just need to play as they did and create a few more chances on goal and I predict they’ll be up the table in no time.
Ben Giblin.
Mens Football 2s – Birmingham 2-2 Worcester – Student Radio by Burnfm_Sport on Mixcloud
