SUNDAY CUP FINAL
Toll End FC 3 - 1 Frank Parkers FC
20th May 2001
Toll End FC lifted the Birmingham County Sunday Cup as they beat Nuneaton's Frank Parkers FC in an entertaining 3-1 win at County HQ.
The West Bromwich-based side piled on the pressure from the start as they sought revenge for Frank Parkers victory in last season's Sunday Vase.
The deadlock was broken in the 17th minute in controversial style as young Lee Smith found himself out of position and as the last line of defence for Frank Parkers. His challenge on Brendan Pugh resulted in a penalty, which was gratefully slotted home by Craig Love.
Toll End's second goal came from another run from Brendan Pugh who this time whipped in a cross which was met by Stephen Scott at close range in the 31st minute.
Lee Smith continued to work hard up front for Frank Parkers, and five minutes before halftime, his efforts paid off when he produced a cross from a difficult angle at the left hand end line. Having drawn Neil Smith out of his goal, Ian Stringer had time to control the ball before firing it into the bottom right corner, making the scoreline 2-1.
Frank Parkers could have pulled level in the 64th minute, but the chance was missed when Ian Stringer scuffed his shot with only the 'keeper to beat.
Terrific link up play between Lee Rollason and Luke Yates sent Brendan Pugh free to strike Toll End's third. They were denied a fourth by a decisive tackle from Willie Olner after Frank Parkers had given all they could to draw level.
A satisfying win rounded of a great Finals Series at Ray Hall Lane, with the Senior Cup Final to look forward to in August.
SUNDAY VASE FINAL
RN Hod Carrier FC 3 - 0 Pilot FC
13th May 2001
A last minute goal from RN Hodcarrier's Lee Grant rounded off a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Pilot FC in the Final of the Birmingham County Sunday Vase.
Pilot FC came close as early as the first minute, but Paul Eden headed Lee Byrne's free kick over the bar.
Just 60 seconds later, Eden made his mark at the other end of the pitch, tapping home Andy Lovelock's cross for Hodcarrier's first goal.
A neat one-two between Stuart Hepburn and Paul Eden led to a second goal for Hodcarrier, Hepburn shot high into the net, doubling his side's advantage in the 18th minute.
The Leamington side held onto their lead thanks to some solid defence against the determined Pilot attack. The final 15 minutes of the first half saw a flurry of attempts from the Wolverhampton-based team, ensuring Paul O'Keefe was kept busy in the Hodcarrier goal.
The pressure continued in the second period, with Ian Bosworth and Robert Forbes denied their names on the scoresheet by yet more resilience from Hodcarrier's back-four.
As the final minutes ticked away, the final nail was put in the Pilot coffin, with Grant's shot bundled over the line after a cross from the impressive Paul Eden.
Saturday Junior Cup Final
Brooklands Jaguar - Bulkington Sports & Social
5th May 2001
Having seen off last year's winners in the semi final stage, Bulkington Sports and Socal made sure it would be their name on the BCFA Saturday Junior Cup by beating Brooklands Jaguar 3-2 at County HQ.
The two teams looked lively throughout the first half, but Craig Formaston broke the deadlock for Bulkington on the 9th minute when he latched onto Andrew Noon's long throw in.
A succession of corners failed to produce a quick reply from Brooklands, who found themselves under more pressure when Andrew Morson broke away from the defence, only to blast his shot straight at Lee Cowell.
Bulkington increased their lead in the early stages of the second half after Martin Neale's shot found its way through a crowed penalty area. Darren Pinnegar made it three in the 62nd minute when he connected with Andrew Morson's carefully directed cross.
Having sealed the game, Bulkington took their foot off the pedal in the final 15 minutes, allowing Paul Woods to strike a left foot shot that beat Wayne Everitt's dive.
A final push in the closing minutes called for desperate defending from Brooklands who managed to stem the oncoming tide of attack and ensure victory in the prestigious competition.
WOLVES IN VILLA PARK APPEARANCE
4th May 2001
The Villa Park Pitch is to be temporarily taken over by the Gold and Black of Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday as Wolves Women display their penalty taking talents during halftime of the FA Carlsberg Vase Final.
Two teams will be testing out goalkeeper Ali Lakin in the event organised by the Birmingham County FA. Those involved include a mix of senior and junior players who are all looking forward to taking their place on the famous pitch.
Tickets for the game- and the halftime shootout - can be purchased in advance or on the day from the Villa Park Ticket Office.
This will be a busy week for the Black County club who face a tough test against Leeds United on Monday. Kick off at Noose Lane is set for 2pm, with Wolves aiming to recover from a shattering 8-1 defeat to Aston Villa earlier this week.
As part of the dramatic growth of the club, a special Trials Night for potential and interested players takes place at Compton Park, Wolverhampton (behind Wulfrun College) on Thursday 10th May. Girls and women who are interested in joining one of the many teams are invited to attend between 7-9pm.
"Its great to see such a prestigious event as the FA Vase Final being held in the Birmingham County region," said Association PR Officer, Antonia Lacey. "The halftime penalty shoot out is a fun way to celebrate the fact that Women's Football is experiencing a huge growth in popularity. We are delighted that one of the biggest clubs in our area will be joining in the event on what will be a national stage."
For further details on the Wolves Women trials contact Andy Butler on 01902 839246 or email Yvonne@wolves-women.freeserve.co.uk
SATURDAY YOUTH CUP FINAL
Cradley Town 2 - 3 Marconi (Coventry) Youth
2nd May 2001
Matty Lewis struck home a last minute winner to seal victory for Marconi (Coventry) Youth in the Birmingham County Saturday Youth Cup in a tense Final against Cradley Town at Ray Hall Lane.
Marconi thought they had gained the advantage in the 15th minute but Matthew O'Rourke's goal was ruled out after the striker was adjudged to have fouled a Cradley defender.
The Black Country side rallied with Matthew Webb's overhead kick almost finding the net, but Dave Shaw managed to stretch far enough to deny him a glory goal.
Lee Jaques eventually broke the deadlock in the 29th minute, taking advantage of the space he found himself in and striking home a powerful shot from well outside the penalty area that David Scorer could only watch as it sailed into the top left hand corner of his goal.
Ten minutes later, Cradley were level after Rob Hiscox met Craig Siwicki's pass and flicked the ball past Shaw.
A determined Marconi side pulled ahead again, moments after the restart thanks to Opeymi Olanipekun's strike, but saw their lead cancelled by David Trevalen's penalty strike, awarded after Marconi Captain Andy Morris handled the ball in his penalty area.
As extra time loomed, Lewis found the winning goal - a chip over the Cradley 'keeper just rewards for an impressive performance.
Andy Morris lifted the trophy and admitted the win made up for Sunday's disappointing FA County Youth Cup loss both he and Lewis played a part in. Morris had to be substituted early on in the game after suffering from concussion.
FA COUNTY YOUTH CUP FINAL
Birmingham Fall at Final Hurdle
Monday 30th April 2001
An uncharacteristic performance from Birmingham County FA saw them lose grip on the prestigious FA County Cup yesterday, losing 3-0 to Northamptonshire County FA in the Final at Molineux.
The 1999/00 title-holders provided little opposition to the Northants attack - the usually watertight defence struggling to stem the countless chances on goal throughout the first half.
A double blow to the Birmingham Back Four came when Andy Morris was involved in a clash of heads within the first five minutes of the game. The Christ the King Defender was replaced by Hednesford's Pat Flaherty, despite struggling to continue. Teammate Gareth Picknell - also suffering from concussion - joined him soon after, replaced by Bedworth's Phil Garner.
The Northants pressure paid off in the 24th minute when Elliott Richards was once again left exposed in the Birmingham goal. The Hednesford 'Keeper was penalised for his tackle on Liam Morris - Northants Captain, John Dempster converted the resulting spot kick.
James Storrey doubled the lead on 40 minutes when Birmingham failed to clear their area once more, with Liam Morris hitting Northants' third during the first half injury time.
With a mountain to climb in the second period, Birmingham continued to struggle to find chances. Adam Cooper's lunge hit the side netting whilst Gary White's free kicks intermittently troubled Danny Bircham in the Northants' Goal.
A determined and well organised Northamptonshire side refused to relinquish the lead, with their celebrations in stark contrast to the disappointment shown by Birmingham when the final whistle blew.
"Many of the lads were inconsolable," said Team Spokesman, Steve Poole. "After producing solid performances throughout the competition we just didn't perform today - and such was the feeling in the camp, the players felt that more than anyone else."
SATURDAY VASE FINAL
Nuneaton Griff 2 - 3 Sutton Town
28th April 2001
A game of two halves saw Sutton Town emerge as champions in the Final of the Birmingham County Saturday Vase today.
Struggling to cope with blustery conditions, the teams cancelled each other out with two early goals. Sutton's came in the second minute, after Shaun Merchant's effort across found the bottom right hand corner of the goal.
Within 60 seconds, Griff were level after a blunder from Gary Brookes in the Sutton Goal saw him lose his balance on the goal line and stumble back into his own net.
The stalemate situation continued throughout the first period, with chances at both ends - including a curling shot from Sutton's Sean Bushell and a missed opportunity from Nuneaton's James Williams who had only the 'keeper to beat.
The second half started more lively, with another early goal from Sutton. Linz Taylor put his side back in the lead on the 50th minute - a shot Nuneaton's Mark Dunn could only watch as it flew into his net.
Griff sprung back into action, testing the Sutton defence. Adam Banks' powerful header from one of a series of corners put the teams level once again and set up a tense final 20 minutes.
Tension became frustration as the clock ticked down - Martin Tyler became the second Sutton player to be booked as both teams dug deep for the win.
The decider came on the 83rd minute when Sean Bushell beat the Nuneaton defence, firing home his side's winning goal, rounding off a hard fought victory for the Midland Combination side against strong opposition.
FA COUNTY YOUTH CUP FINAL
Richards Dreams of Double Celebration
Wednesday 25th April 2001
Birmingham County FA 'Keeper, Elliott Richards is putting his 18th Birthday celebrations on hold as he prepares for Sunday's FA County Youth Cup Final against Northamptonshire.
Elliott kept Birmingham's defence of the prestigious trophy alive with a dramatic penalty save in the first stage of the competition. Despite reaching a milestone age on Friday, he is determined to ensure he is on top form when the team run out onto the pitch at Molinuex for the last leg of their campaign.
"Your 18th is meant to be a time to party - but I'm going to save all that until afterwards," vowed Richards who has been Manager, Martin Sweeney's first choice 'keeper in all 10 County fixtures this season.
"Northamptonshire have a similar style of play to us, so I think we can expect a close game. We have been strong throughout the competition so everyone wants to make sure we keep focused until the final whistle."
Richards has been part of the County Squad for two seasons after Sweeney spotted the youngster at Hednesford Town. After watching last year's Final from the bench, Elliott cannot wait for Sunday's kick off:
"I don't get nervous until the very last minute, and once the game gets underway I just become immersed in what is going on. I am very excited though, and feel really proud to be part of the squad.
"Being picked to play for the County is a real privilege," he added. "Working with different managers makes you more adaptable to different systems, whilst playing at the highest level possible with others of similar ability means my game has improved a great deal."
Football fans can share the occasion with Birthday Boy Elliott and the rest of the Birmingham County Squad at Molinuex for a 3pm kick off.
Tickets are available on the day for what promises to be a highly competitive game, priced at just £3 for adults and £1 for juniors. The game gives football fans the chance to support the region's top young footballing talent, as they strive to become the best in the country.
FA COUNTY YOUTH CUP FINAL
The Countdown Begins... 5 days to go!
Tuesday 24th April 2001
Birmingham County FA continued with preparations for this weekend's FA County Youth Cup Final with a 1-1 draw against Herefordshire on Sunday in the Midland Counties Youth Championship.
In atrocious conditions, both teams struggled to take control of the game early on. Marconi (Coventry)'s Matty Lewis saw his 11th minute shot hit the side netting, before Nuneaton's Roy Dunkley found the back of the net - only to have his effort disallowed for offside.
With 2 minutes to go before the halftime break, Birmingham Captain, Adam Cooper conceded a free kick just outside the penalty box, which Hednesford's Elliott Richards struggled to control - punching the ball into his net.
However, the Skipper redeemed himself within minutes of the restart, heading home his second goal in just 3 games. Despite Birmingham's increased pressure, the honours were shared as the final whistle blew.
The draw puts Birmingham top of the Midland Counties Youth Championship table having played all their games. Herefordshire could yet take the title away from the Brummies, but to do so must win all of their 3 remaining fixtures.
Any nailbiting has to be put on hold as Birmingham take on Northamptonshire in the prestigious FA County Youth Cup this Sunday, 29th April at the home of Wolverhampton Wanderers FC.
As current holders of the title, Birmingham will attempt to defend their crown at Molinuex, with tickets available on the door priced £3 for adults and £1 for juniors for the 3pm kick off.
"The Herefordshire game proved to be a good workout as their style of play was very similar to Northamptonshire's," said Team Spokesman, Steve Poole. "Now we can concentrate on Sunday's game we are more determined than ever to retain the trophy."
"Representing the County is a tremendous honour and something all young players can aspire to," he added. "We have made sure tickets are priced so that the players of the future can come along and get a taste of what it is like to be part of such a prestigious competition."
FA COUNTY YOUTH CUP FINAL
Sweeney Selects His Final Squad
Monday 9th April 2001
Martin Sweeney has named an unchanged squad as Birmingham County FA aim to defend their FA County Youth Cup title at Molineux on Sunday 29th April.
Included in the line-up is Hednesford's Elliot Richards who has been first choice goalkeeper for every game this season. Richards kept Birmingham in the chase for silverware after making a dramatic last minute penalty save in the second round of the competition.
A strong Nuneaton Borough presence is led by Birmingham County Captain, Adam "Ace" Cooper who has matched Richards' 9 appearances for the side. Despite joining the squad much later in the season, Cooper's Clubmate, Roy Dunkley has made a terrific impact on the side, scoring in each of his 4 County games.
Marconi (Coventry) are also well represented, including the other half of Birmingham's strikeforce, Matty Lewis. The squad was announced after those in contention were put through their paces at Aston Villa's Bodymoor Heath Training Ground.
"The squad is highly talented, and I am confident in their ability," said Team Spokesperson, Steve Poole. "We are determined to prepare the right way and give the lads every chance of earning themselves a prestigious medal."
"We have four weekends of training which is a great way to prepare for such a big game," he added. "Although many of them have played together throughout this season, the sessions provide a great opportunity to form that bond that could mean the difference between the two teams on the day."
Christ the King Juniors 6-3 Bustleholme Youth
8th April 2001
A strong all round performance and a hattrick from Daniel Corr proved too much for Bustleholme Youth as the Christ the King Juniors lifted the Sunday Youth Cup at County HQ this afternoon.
The two sides cancelled each other's efforts out in the first 20 minutes, but the deadlock was broken when County U18 regular, Andy Morris rose above the Bustleholme defence to put his side 1-0 up.
Corr scored his first and Christ the King's second on 33 minutes, after his weaving run into the penalty box went unchallenged. His second came on the 44th minute mark - this time capitalising on a loose ball which Bustleholme 'Keeper Dean Spooner was unable to control.
The second half continued along the same theme, with Christ the King's defence on top form to keep out any attack from the Bustleholme forwards. Within 6 minutes of the restart Charley made it 4-0, converting Sloyan's cross from the right wing.
With the game seemingly out of reach for Bustleholme, they began to apply more pressure and found themselves back in the game with goals from Paul Crook and Scott Mason. However, Corr completed his hattrick on 32 minutes with another unstoppable shot from just inside the penalty area.
Christ the King Substitute, Horan made his impact on the game meeting a perfectly weighted cross which he lobbed over the unlucky Spooner on the 40th minute mark. Paul Crook's spectacular cross-shot in the final minute of the game made the final score 6-3, with Christ the King worthy winners on the day.
"Of course I'm delighted with my performance, but this is a team game and my goals were just part of a great game for us all," said hattrick-hero Daniel Corr.
"We were the stronger team out there, and I think the fitness and size of our team showed today."
SUNDAY JUNIOR CUP
Final Decision Hands Boldmere the Title
6th April 2001
Boldmere Sports and Social FC have been crowned BCFA Sunday Junior Cup Winners after the two sides aiming to meet them in the Final were expelled from the Competition.
The Semi Final tie between Skolars and Tiger Moth on 3rd March, had to be abandoned after fighting broke out between supporters from both sides. The BCFA Disciplinary Committee fined both clubs heavily, but it was decided to take further action due to the serious nature of the incident.
The Rules of the Football Association state that Clubs are responsible for ensuring "that its directors, players, officials, employees, servants, representatives, spectators and all persons purporting to be its supporters or followers, conduct themselves in an orderly fashion and refrain from violent, threatening, abusive, obscene or provocative behaviour".
"In this case the conduct shown was totally unacceptable," commented BCFA Secretary, Mike Pennick. "When it comes to the point where a County Cup game has to be abandoned as a result of this type of incident, we feel there is no alternative but to take the strongest action available to us."
At a meeting of the BCFA Council last night, it was decided to award the Cup to Boldmere and the runners up position to their semi final opponents, King Charles 98. Therefore, the scheduled Final of the Competition – due to be played at County HQ on Sunday 6th May has been cancelled.
"Our congratulations go to Boldmere," added Pennick. "It is a shame they were unable to lift the trophy on the pitch in May, but we want to send a clear message that we take incidents like this very seriously and will not allow those involved to go un-punished."
Birmingham County Minor Cup Final
1st April 2001
Halesowen Town Colts 0 - AT7 Youth 1 (Skelsey, 16)
AT7 Youth produced a battling performance to lift the Birmingham County FA Minor Cup, after beating Halesowen Town Colts 1-0 at County HQ.
The Coventry-based side dominated the first half, which saw them create numerous chances. John Ayres should have put his team 1-up on the 14th minute, but his shot from just inside the penalty area skimmed over Steve Thompson's crossbar.
Just two minutes later, Halesowen could only clear a curling corner kick from AT7's Ryan Dowsing for another corner, which this time was met by Dale Skelsey who tapped the ball home giving his side the lead.
Halesowen attempted to increase the pressure, but the few chances they created were dealt with well by Steve Leddy in the AT7 goal.
Just before the break, Dowsing's shot beat the Halesowen 'keeper but hit the upright - denying him a place on the scoresheet after an impressive performance.
The second half saw a much more determined Halesowen side mount a frenzied attack on the AT7 goal. Ryan Bradley's shot from 20 yards out flew over the AT7 crossbar, whilst Russell Mumford arrived in the 18 yard box just too late to capitalise on a loose ball from Leddy's parried save.
AT7 Youth were kept in the tie by a resilient defensive performance - both Liam McCrea and Darhan Desai made telling tackles to ensure their side secured a well-deserved victory over a strong Halesowen squad.