Underneath Old Joe as the sun set on another chilly autumn day at Birmingham University, the men’s first team were looking to make an exciting and hopefully successful start to their new season. The skills on show during the warm-up raised expectations for all in attendance that no matter the score the crowd would be entertained.
Having performed well in previous years the general consensus before the game was that Birmingham were the favourites however it appeared straight from the start that Nottingham Trent were more than capable adversaries for this Birmingham team under new management.
In the first exchanges it appeared as though Nottingham Trent would take the lead through some pacey attacks right through the heart of the Birmingham midfield with their captain and coming extremely close with a low rasping shot. Then against the run of play Birmingham scored through Scott Wall which seemed to settle the nerves of this wonderfully gifted team.
However not long after Nottingham Trent scored a well-deserved equaliser on the counter attack. Birmingham buoyed by their lead had pressed too high up the pitch leaving too much space for Nottingham Trent’s attacking players to utilise their raw speed.
At half time the game was poised and with everything to play for. Throughout the second half of this thrilling contest to all observers it seemed that the game was petering out into a draw.
Yet ,with a deluge of rain now lashing down through the floodlights a penalty corner was awarded and up stepped the man of the hour Scott Wall. With the crowd chanting his name fervently akin to a rock star at Glastonbury. Scott Wall then duly delivered to the crowds delight and jubilation with a powerful strike into the back of the net breaking the defensive wall. The Nottingham Trent goalkeeper was unable to move let alone provide any form of resistance.
Despite typically being a key asset in the defence of Birmingham Scott Wall’s two goals proved decisive and this win looks to provide an excellent start and a fantastic platform on which to build the upcoming season. Could Birmingham go unbeaten? Of course this is a little premature to say but this team is one to be feared in the league.
