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Veterans County Cup Final - Report |
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Womens County Cup Final - Report |
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Womens County Cup Final - Preview |
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Community Clubs Find Perfect Partners! |
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Barclaycard Dishes the Dirt for Local Clubs |
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Referees Make Cup Appointment |
Birmingham County FA Veterans Cup Final (28.3.04)
Monica Star Old Boys FC 2-1 Triplex Star FC
A lively Final saw Monica Star Old Boys recover from a goal down to take the Veterans Cup from Central Warwickshire Over 35's League rivals Triplex Star.
Steve Pocock struck for Triplex Star in the 12th minute from 25 yards out, despite Ray Sparrow diving to his right.
Monica Star's best chance to level in the first half came in the 37th minute when Steve Flemming broke clear on the right wing, crossing only to see Dennis Mulholland's weak header fall directly at Zefer Iqbal.
The equaliser came in the 63rd minute - Dave Star's reaction header from a parried clearance by Iqbal.
Triplex found themselves defending deeper as the second half progressed, failing to create many chances of their own.
Ex-Coventry City's Dave Busst was adjudged to have used his elbow during one of a succession of clearances. Ashley Sheckleford stepped up and fired home the resulting spot kick which sealed Monica Star's first County Cup title.
The next County Cup Final takes place on Saturday 3rd April when Peugeot FC take on Shirley Athletic in the Saturday Junior Cup decider. Kick off is at 2pm with admission £2 for adults and £1 for juniors/OAPs.
Birmingham County FA Womens Cup Final (21.3.04)
Wolverhampton Wanderers Women FC 1-–2 Birmingham City Ladies FC
Birmingham City Ladies lifted their fourth County Cup this afternoon - but only after Wolverhampton Wanderers Women had pushed them every step.
Wolves had the majority of the early chances, forcing a terrific save from Laura Watts in the 3rd minute - Vicky Gutteridge connecting on to a Becky Hall cross from wide on the right.
Emily Westwood put Wolves in front 5 minutes later following a neat move - again down the right wing. Her lay off sent Layla Slater clear to push forward and cross back to Westwood who headed powerfully home.
An injured Shelly Cox was replaced by Beth Bailey in the Birmingham ranks after just 15 minutes, with The Blues' closest effort coming from Sally Lacey. Her header hit the crossbar and the upright before being cleared with 10 minutes left in the first half.
The Wolves defence, led by Captain, Anne Blackham stood firm up until the hour mark, when the equaliser eventually came. Hazannah Parnell claimed the strike after her deflection on a Karen Carney shot beat Naomi Bruton in the Wolves goal.
Despite having been pegged back, Wolves refused to crumble and created their own chances as the second half progressed.
Gutterige again came close after Steph Samuels stumbled in the 6 yard box, but her 72nd minute header went just wide.
The winning goal came late for Birmingham - Karen Carney fired home an unstoppable shot from just outside the penalty area with only 3 minutes left.
Whilst the record books will show a fourth consecutive title for the Nationwide Premier League Club, Northern League Wolves' can be content that they gave Birmingham a tough test.
The next Final takes place at Birmingham FA HQ, Ray Hall Lane, Great Barr, Birmingham on Sunday 28th March when Monica Star OB take on Triplex Star in the Veterans Cup - kick off is at 11am.
Birmingham County FA: Womens Cup Final Preview (17.3.04)
Wolverhampton Wanderers Women FC v Birmingham City Ladies FC
At: BCFA HQ, Ray Hall Lane, Great Barr, Birmingham
Kick Off: 2.00pm
Birmingham City Ladies take on Wolverhampton Wanderers Women in the Birmingham County FA Womens Cup Final this Sunday, 21st March at County FA HQ, Ray Hall Lane, Great Barr (kick off 2pm).
The fixture is the first of 13 Cup Finals to be staged by Birmingham FA whose competitions cater for football at all levels of the game.
A bumper crowd of 1,234 saw Birmingham City Ladies narrow FA Cup Semi Final defeat last Sunday, losing 1-0 to Premier League Champions-elect Charlton Ladies.
Blues' Chairman, Steve Shipway hopes that supporters will turn out in force again this week to see if Birmingham can make the most of their last - and according to the form book, their best - chance of a trophy this season:
"The crowd did us really proud last week, even thought the result didn't go our way. It would be so good to see a big following at County HQ on Sunday - we want to show as many people as possible that we have a strong bunch of players who are determined to bounce back from the FA Cup upset."
Birmingham City Ladies have consolidated their standing in the National Premier League and are favourites to take their fourth County Cup title in a row. However, Northern Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers Women could produce an upset of their own.
After a mid-season dip in form, Wolves - Managed by ex-Aston Villa and European Cup Winner, Dennis Mortimer - are back in winning ways with three wins from their last three games:
"We have a mix of both young talent and more experienced players," said Club Chairperson, Jenny Wilkes.
"Getting to the Cup Final is an experience that I'm sure will give them all a day to remember. Our squad has battled in a closely fought league this season, so it is a reward for their commitment and hopefully a boost for their confidence.
"We haven't got this far in the competition since we won it in back-to-back seasons in 1999 and 2000, so let's see if we can upset the odds!"
Admission to the game which takes place at County HQ - just off the A4041 Newton Road - is £2 for adults and £1 for juniors.
Community Clubs Find Perfect Partners!
11.3.04
Four local Football Clubs have reaped the benefits of working together by attaining the highest level of The FA's kite-marking Charter Standard scheme.
Two of the clubs - Tamworth Ladies and Coton Green - were presented with their FA Community Club status by representatives from Birmingham County FA earlier this week.
The FA Charter Standard initiative gives clubs the chance to prove they are safe and well organised by meeting the criteria set by football's governing body. The 4 categories within the initiative encourage clubs to develop, maintain standards and to play a positive role within their local community.
Having already attained Charter Standard status, both aspired to becoming Community Clubs. One of the major requirements to reach this level is that each has to provide teams in every category of football.
"There is a huge grassroots football community within Tamworth," said Coton Green Secretary, Steve Colyer. "Tamworth Ladies and Coton Green were both concerned that any new teams we set up would either not be sustainable or would mean a shortage of players for existing clubs."
Birmingham FA is responsible for supporting and advising Charter Standard Clubs on a local level. County Development Manager, Natalie Justice stepped in to offer advice on how this problem could be overcome:
"Forming an official agreement between clubs enables us to ensure that the Community Club criteria are met and that those who work so hard to achieve it receive the rightful recognition," said Natalie. "I'm thrilled for everyone involved and hope they find that they can achieve even more by working together."
Bev Lander, who along with husband Dave, has been involved in running Tamworth Ladies FC for 6 years explained how the agreement will work:
"We have a Steering Committee who will meet to oversee a joint development plan, whilst each club now has a representative on the others' committee. By working with Coton Green to a nationally recognised standard, we can share good practice, have added weight to future funding applications, and to the voice of football within Tamworth.
"Dave and I first came to the club 8 years ago, when our daughters started playing," explained Bev. "We stepped up our involvement 2 years later and even though our daughters have now moved on to University, we stayed! It's fantastic to see how far the club has come over that time."
Birmingham City Ladies and Moor Green Colts are the second partnership to attain Community Club status - a date is currently being set for their presentation... and celebrations!
Meanwhile, Blues Ladies minds are firmly focused on their next challenge - this Sunday's FA Cup Semi Final against Charlton Ladies, which takes place at Solihull Borough FC's Damson Park ground (kick off 3pm).
BARCLAYCARD DISHES THE DIRT ON WASHING KIT
Premiership sponsor set to wash the nations football kit
(4.3.04)
Every weekend three million players* produce over 2,100 tons of dirty kit. It takes 38 million litres of water and 132,000 litres of washing powder and costs the nation's football players approximately half a million pounds every week (£17.5 million a season).
As a result of this research Premiership sponsor Barclaycard is going to offer the first ever free football kit laundry service across the country on Sunday 7th March, The Barclaycard Wash of the Day.
In Birmingham football players spend over £300,000 a season washing their dirty kit. Barclaycard surveyed 1,000 footballers, asking them to dish the dirt on washing kit. The survey revealed that 76% of footballers in Birmingham wash their kit on rotation, however 50% of players have admitted to leaving the kit washing until the day before the next match. Maybe because of this 94% admitted to playing in dirty kit in the past.
Special Barclaycard launderettes in Birmingham, Newcastle, Liverpool, London, and Manchester will open their doors on Sunday 7th March, inviting teams to get their kit washed for free. To get your kit cleaned in Birmingham this Sunday, get down to one of the following launderettes between 9am-5pm:
Washland, 58 Yardley Road, Acocks Green
Selly Soak, 556 Bristol Road, Selly Oak
Holyhead Road Laundrette, 109 Holyhead Road, Handsworth
Park Avenue Laundry Services, 596 College Road, Birmingham
At Washland, the flagship store, we will wash the first 60 kits for free and 30 kits at each of the remaining three launderettes, that is a total of 150 football kits washed for free. So get there early to avoid disappointment.
Launching Wash of the Day, football star Matt Le Tissier, who still plays park football and knows all about washing his own kit, commented: "Washing the football kit is an unglamorous part of the game. I still play football with a group of friends and have a 12 year old son who plays for his school team, so I know all about the trials of getting dirty kit washed."
Nic Gault, Barclaycard sponsorship director added: "Thanks to Barclaycard players and their families all over the country can put their feet up on the 7th March and leave the kit washing to the experts.
"We promise to wash as many kits as we can. In the last three years we have donated over 1,000 football kits to football teams as part of our grassroots programme, this new initiative will hopefully take the next step of washing them as well."
Attendees will be entered into a prize draw to win a year's free kit washing service.
* - 3million players are registered to the FA
For A Tip Top Kit Wash:
Preparing the Kit:
1) Ask players to turn socks the right way out in the changing room, and shake off any mud
2) Where kit is particularly soiled, pre-soak in warm water with a dash of washing powder before the machine wash
3) Try not to leave kit dirty more than 48 hours after a game as it may damage the fabric
Washing Product:
4) Use Non-Biological washing powder as well as a fabric conditioner
5) Approximately 240ml of powder per wash for soiled kit
Perfect Temperature:
6) To avoid colours running, separate shorts / socks / shirts into three different washes
7) Wash shirts at 40 degrees to avoid shrinkage
Drying Kit:
8) Where possible, hang your washing outside to dry
Referees Make Cup Appointment (23.2.04)
Cup Final Fever was contagious at Birmingham FA last week following the announcement of Match Officials who have gained appointments on the prestigious County Finals.
The County FA organises competitions to catering for all levels of the game – from the Girls' to the Senior Cup, culminating in a whole host of Cup Finals; the first being a female affair.
Birmingham City and Wolves Women meet at County HQ, Ray Hall Lane on Sunday 21st March. The game signals the start of a series of matches, which ends thirteen trophies later on May 23rd, with the Sunday Vase.
Whilst a County Cup Final is an occasion for the participating teams to treasure, it is a big day for the Referee, Assistants and Fourth Official too. Appointments made by a Selection Committee are recognition of their contribution to officiating and their performances throughout the season.
The names of the 52 chosen Match Officials were announced at a presentation evening held at Birmingham FA on Thursday 19th February.
Those selected include 24 year old Emma Whitehouse from Tamworth who has been climbing the promotion ladder since qualifying as a Referee 8 years ago. Her dedication has earned a Fourth Official appointment at the Girls Cup Final on Saturday 17th April.
Andrew Penn was named as Referee of the prestigious Senior Cup Final following his promotion to the National List of Match Officials. Birmingham City FC are the current holders of the trophy.
Once two teams remain, a date and venue for the Final will be fixed – the same will happen with the Midweek Floodlit Cup. All other Finals will be held at Birmingham FA Headquarters in Great Barr, Birmingham.
"To receive a Cup Final Appointment is an honour for any referee - it is recognition for their endeavours and achievements," said County Secretary, Dave Shelton.
"The excitement surrounding a Cup Final means that these individuals' vital contribution is sometimes overlooked. Our Presentation Evening gives us a chance to say 'thank you'."
SENIOR CUP FINAL
R Andrew Penn (Wall Heath), AR Lee Hodgson (Nuneaton), AR Steve Moran (Wolverhampton) , 4th Philip Gibbs (Birmingham)
MIDWEEK FLOODLIT CUP FINAL
R Dave Cooke (Wednesbury), AR Kevin Foy (Hall Green), AR Phillip Taylor (Wolverhampton), 4th Mark Kelly (Brierley Hill)
SUNDAY VASE FINAL
R Andy Reynolds (Pendeford), AR Paul Sudbury (Stetchford), AR Martin Dickin (Perton), 4th Joe Archbold (Leamington Spa),
SUNDAY CUP FINAL
R Andy Hendley (Halesowen), AR Garry Morris (West Bromwich), AR Gary Taylor (Wolverhampton), 4th Martin Hancock (Tipton)
SUNDAY JNR CUP FINAL
R Tom Horton (Castle Bromwich), AR Brian Markham (Streetly), AR Peter Bell (Nuneaton), 4th Bob Redmond (Tyseley)
MIDWEEK YTH CUP FINAL
R Trevor Sharratt (Burton on Trent), AR Paul Hewitson (Nuneaton), AR Martin Watkin (Leamington Spa), 4th Simon Lane (Sheldon)
MINOR CUP FINAL
R Bob Price (Coventry), AR Eddie Crouch (Birmingham), AR Adedamola Ade Adebomi (Wolverhampton), 4th John Bull (Warwick)
SATURDAY VASE FINAL
R Mike Bingham (Leamington Spa), AR Neil Jones (Selly Oak), AR Stuart Felton (Acocks Green), 4th Paul Chislett (Coventry)
SUNDAY YTH CUP FINAL
R Alan Cain (Bilston), AR Steve Durnall (West Bromwich), AR Bob Pettipher (Coventry), 4th Paul Hession (Aldridge)
GIRLS CUP FINAL
R John Flavell (Wombourne), AR Graham Shearer (Kings Norton), AR Gareth Millington (Sutton Coldfield), 4th Emma Whitehouse (Tamworth)
SATURDAY JNR CUP FINAL
R Paul Gordon (Sutton Coldfield), AR Kevin Norgrove (Redditch), AR Nigel Lear (Coventry), 4th David Andrews (Warley)
VETERANS CUP FINAL
R Sid Gilkes (Birmingham), AR Edgar Bryan (Birmingham), AR Gordon Lacey (Solihull), 4th Tom Butler (Birmingham)
WOMENS CUP FINAL
R Stephen Williams (Castle Bromwich), AR Fred Gutteridge (Redditch), AR Alleyne Horton (Walmley), 4th Shaun Evans (Bilston)