Birmingham went into this huge early season match-up against Loughborough on the back of a 6-1 defeat away at Edinburgh last week, putting them bottom of the BUCS North B division. Loughborough on the other hand had defeated Leeds 1-0 and sat in mid-table going into the match. A rematch of last years BUCS Hockey trophy final, won by Birmingham on penalty flicks, this one was always destined to be close.
Any pre-match nerves were alleviated when Birmingham made the perfect start to the game, going 1-0 up thanks to a nice finish from Watson. Birmingham were able to control the majority of the half, offering solid defence in the face of Loughborough’s dominant possession, and moving the ball swiftly to set up a number of counter-attacks.
Birmingham got the perfect end to the first half when they doubled their lead, Medinas putting the finishing touches to a nicely worked Birmingham attack. They went into the break with the score at 2-0, having controlled the majority of the half.
The second half began much like the first ended, with a good spell of Birmingham pressure, which they retained until a lack of discipline, and a number of green cards, allowed Loughborough to make the most of their temporary man advantage, pulling a goal back mid way through the second half. The equaliser came minutes later, with Birmingham still a man down, tying the scores up at 2-2.
Despite a late rally from Birmingham and a number of wasted penalty corners, this is how the game ended. Birmingham will feel disappointed to have let a two goal lead slip, especially against such a traditionally strong opposition.
