In the week that saw football named as the top female sport in England, Birmingham City and Aston Villa's U16 teams proved that the Girls and Womens' game has an even brighter future in the first ever BCFA Girls County Cup Final.
Battling against the elements, it was Villa who struck first, Ashley Cross delivering a powerful lob from outside the penalty area in the 7th minute.
Amy Hopkins had a terrific game in goal for Villa, producing several terrific saves to prevent their cross-City rivals drawing level in the first half.
Emi Aluko latched onto a cross to take the ball through the Villa defence early in the second period and slotted home Blues' equaliser in the 50th minute. However, Carly Davis regained the advantage for Villa 10 minutes later after meeting Chamaine Masters' cross.
Conditions varied from bright sunshine to pouring rain and even hail throughout the second half, but Birmingham put up a terrific battle to draw the game level again in the 68th minute with a Hazannah Parnell shot which Cross could do nothing about.
Determined to be the first team to win the Girls County Cup after the competition was launched earlier this year, Carly Davis rounded off her team's fantastic performance with a neat goal in the closing minutes of the game.
Aston Villa Midfielder, Thomas Hitzlsperger made a guest appearance to present the trophy to the jubilant squad, whilst Birmingham could be proud that they had contributed to a highly entertaining and tense affair.
Hitzlsperger also helped start the "Macmillan Mile" halftime race which saw Villa Girls U10s take on teams of referees and football coaches. The event was just one of the ways Birmingham County FA helped raise over £200 for Macmillan Cancer Relief at the game thanks to supporters of both teams, match officials and BCFA members.
WOMENS CUP FINAL 2002
Sunday 21ST April 2002
Birmingham City Ladies 2-1 Aston Villa Ladies
A buoyant Birmingham City Ladies side maintained their grip on the BCFA Womens Cup this afternoon, but had to battle a well-organised Aston Villa Ladies side to ensure the silverware was safe.
Leanne Griffin's carefully weighted free kick in the 5th minute was turned round the Villa goal by Maria Leadbetter, with the resulting corner cleared efficiently by the Claret and Blue defence.
Natalie Masters' darting run down the left wing gave Villa their first real chance in the 18th minute, but she shot wide.
Birmingham applied more pressure as the game cried out for a goal, forcing several corners and set pieces. However, Villa stood firm in defence and created their own chances as half time approached.
The opening strike was bagged by Villa, with a terrific run from Hannah Smith who strode into the area and shot low past Kelly Cartwright in the Birmingham City goal just 2 minutes after the restart.
Blues attempted to respond straight away, but Karen Carney's shot was deflected wide of goal. Cartwright also kept her team in with a chance, making a brave save from the oncoming Hicks, who had been put through on goal by Smith.
The equaliser eventually came after Birmingham forced two consecutive corners. The first was cleared, but the second was converted by Anna McCleod in the 83rd minute.
Blues' second took everyone by surprise just 2 minutes later when Sarah Wolliscroft lofted a shot which left the Villa defence standing. Despite a gymnastic effort from Leadbetter, the ball flew into the top right hand corner of her net.
Natalie Masters joined Smith up front for the remainder of the game after Kelly Saggs was injured in a brave attempt on goal again, bravely saved by Cartwright. However, Villa's heads began to drop after Blues' recovery and despite pressing hard for extra time, could do nothing to prevent their cross-City rivals lifting the trophy for the second year in a row.
The two clubs will return to Ray Hall Lane next Sunday as their U16 squads challenge for the BCFA Girls Cup, Sponsored by Macmillan Cancer Relief. Kick off, 2pm.
Miles of Fun at Girls Final!
16th April 2002
Although the two teams taking part in the final of the BCFA Girls Cup have already been decided, the County FA is appealing for people to join in a halftime fundraising event which they hope will raise money for the sponsors of the Cup, Macmillan Cancer Relief.
On Sunday 28th April, (kick off 2pm) Birmingham City Ladies and Aston Villa Girls will be vying to be the first name on the Girls Cup after the competition was launched earlier this season, but those taking part at halftime could also be in with a chance of lifting silverware!
The Macmillan Charity Challenge Trophy will be presented to the group who are first to run a Macmillan Mile during the halftime break in the game - that's 13 lengths of the pitch at County HQ in Great Barr.
Teams can be made up of males or females of all ages, consisting of 7-13 people. Amongst those who have already been invited to take part are a group of local referees and Aston Villa's Steve Staunton. Local companies and football teams are also being encouraged to support the event.
A donation of £1 per person must be paid on the day, but groups should register before the event to ensure they can be part of the fun!
"The halftime event is just part of what should be a great day," said BCFA PR Officer, Antonia Lacey. "The County FA is donating money from the Final to Macmillan Cancer Relief, so we hope that local people will come along to support the teams and support the fundraising efforts."
Both Birmingham City Ladies and Aston Villa Girls are teams to watch out for – they have put a great deal of emphasis on developing talented players, with many playing a part in the Senior Team line-ups this season.
For more information, or to register for the halftime competition please call Antonia at Birmingham County FA on 0121 357 4278.
MINOR CUP FINAL 2002
Sponsored by Allsports Medical
Sunday 14th April 2002
Mount Nod Highway 2-1 Shenley Radford YC
Shenley Radford were left frustrated after failing to convert numerous chances in the BCFA Minor Cup Final after a strong Mount Nod Highway side stood firm to lift the trophy.
The Northfield-based side took the lead in the 16th minute with an opportune strike from Steve Ordridge in what was an end-to-end game throughout.
Mount Nod Highway then took the initiative and just 2 minutes later Callum Dempsey drew his side level.
Shenley came back on the attack and on 2 occasions should have took the lead, but instead went in at half time on equal terms with their Coventry counterparts.
Both 'Keepers kept their sides in with a shout of the silverware in the early stages of the second half, a swerving shot from outside the penalty area from Tom Bates gave Mount Nod the advantage just 8 minutes after the restart.
Once again, the game ebbed and flowed, with more missed opportunities from chances created by Shenley Radford.
After three previous appearances in the Minor Cup Final, Mount Nod at last lifted the elusive trophy, whilst Shenley were left wondering what might have been.
This Sunday sees the BCFA Women's Cup Final between Birmingham City Ladies and Aston Villa Ladies.
Blues failed to match Fulham in the League Cup Final earlier this month, so they will be hungry for success in what is their second chance to lift a trophy in a fortnight.
The game is a replay of last season's final, which Birmingham won 2-0. Aston Villa will be hoping to turn the tables on their Northern Premier League rivals - the game kicks off at 2pm at County HQ, Ray Hall Lane, Great Barr.
Girls Football Gets Results!
10th March 2002
The Birmingham County FA Football Development Scheme has proved that their initiatives for Girls Football are really taking off in the region - with not only more people playing, but coaching and administrating the game too.
Cockshut Hill School in Sheldon is just one of the participants in the Birmingham Girls Schools League and also benefit from "Kick Start" after school coaching programme through Active Sports - all provided by County FA Coaches. Teachers Jo Meloni and Claire Powell have both gained Coaching Certificates so they can maintain the girls' training.
All this hard work does have its rewards - whilst awaiting confirmation of their FA Charter Standard for Schools award, Cockshut Hill are preparing for their appearance in this Saturday's Final of the ESFA Wagon Wheels National Cup in Wigan!
"The enthusiasm of the teaching staff has meant that all the opportunities we have offered the school have been snapped up - which has provided some great opportunities for the girls." said BCFA Girls & Womens Football Development Officer, Rachel Dunlop.
Coaching sessions provided by the County FA are a real hit with all those who take part - they are tailored to the age and ability of the girls and to the National Curriculum requirements. Teachers are offered support from the Coaches to enable them to continue to offer the best possible sessions to their pupils throughout the year.
"We carried out sessions at around 35 schools last year," says Rachel. "The girls enjoyed the lessons so much, many of them led to us setting up after school clubs so they could benefit from extra coaching."
But it's not only the teachers and coaches who are helping more girls to play football. Washwood Heath School hosted a tournament for Years 5 and 6 pupils from its cluster schools in March which involved older pupils helping to organise the tournament as part of their Junior Football Organisers Award.
"By involving youngsters in the administration side of football, we are hoping to build a strong female representation to help the game continue to develop," Rachel added.
"It is absolutely fantastic to see so many people working together to make sure there are more and more opportunities for girls to get involved - both in school and out."
SUNDAY YOUTH CUP FINAL 2002
Sunday 7th April 2002
London Road Lions 6 - 1 Wordsley Wasps
Two of the Birmingham County "teen sensations" played their part in a resounding win for London Road Lions as they lifted the BCFA Sunday Youth Cup Final.
Indy Khela and Matty O'Rourke ensured their side had a comfortable win by scoring 3 of their side's 6 goals - perfect preparation for the forthcoming FA County Youth Cup Final where they will be representatives for the Birmingham County outfit.
However, today it was Wasps who were first to sting - Stuart Hadlington beating his marker in the 11th minute to slot the ball home past stand-in -'Keeper Aaron Cooke. Cooke was the brave volunteer to take up Danny Masterson's gloves after he broke his leg in the semi-final and was kept on his toes throughout the first half.
Khela struck back for Lions in the 18th minute after rising above the defence, connecting on to a Warren Clark corner. O'Rourke bagged his goal 12 minutes later when he was first to pounce on a mistake by James Bird in the Wasps' goal.
A nervous start to the second half saw Khela hit the crossbar early on and chances for both sides go desperately close. However, Lions grew in confidence and stretched their lead in the 63rd minute, with impressive link up play. A deep free kick from Ikkie Dougall found O'Rourke in the penalty area. His deflection across the goalmouth left the 'keeper stranded, with Clark running in to fire it home.
Wasps had lost their buzz, and as heads dropped, the silverware drifted out of their reach. Another strike from Khela in the 64th minute were complimented by goals from Lee Miller and Captain David Drennan - despite brave efforts from James Bird between the posts.
Khela and O'Rourke had to cut short their celebrations as they were due to meet up with their fellow County teammates for a light training session in the afternoon in preparation for the cup final.
Although the squad is due to be announced this week, both will hope that performances for their club which have boosted their chances at being in the starting lineup at Bescot Stadium on 27th April.
VETERANS CUP FINAL 2002
Sunday 24th March 2002
Folly Lane BCOB Assoc Sun 4-2 Triplex Star
aet (2-2 after 90 mins)
A goal in the last minute of regulation time and two more in extra time gave Folly Lane a dramatic victory in the BCFA Veterans Cup Final.
Triplex Star were the ones shining at half time - an 18th minute penalty converted by Nigel Boswell giving them the advantage. The Brummie-based side outplayed their Coventry opposition throughout the first 45 minutes and strengthened their advantage in the third minute of the second period with a powerful conversion from Pete Harnett.
Triplex hoped fresh legs introduced throughout the second half would help them secure their lead, whilst Folly Lane's personnel changes ultimately decided the outcome of the game.
Joe Fletcher delivered a perfect pass to an advancing Nicky Baker who fired a shot into the back of the net on the 80th minute mark to pull one back, whilst creating many more chances along the way. As Triplex looked nervously at their watches, the final move of normal time was made by Ian McConville who rose above the crowd to net Folly Lane's equaliser.
From the start of the resulting extra time, Folly Lane were determined to make the most of their dramatic fightback. Ian McConville once again made himself a nuisance in the penalty area, passing to Joe Fletcher who took full advantage - putting his team 3-2 up in the 6th minute of the restart.
After giving so much throughout the game, Triplex were visibly deflated; the final punch coming just 4 minutes later when a terrific solo effort from Nicky Baker sealed their fate. His run from outside the box and shot from a tricky angle making the final score 4-2.
Folly Lane were the first to lift the Veterans Cup and now regain the prestigious silverware 5 years later. The next trophy to be awarded at County HQ will be the Sunday Youth Cup which kicks off at 11am on Sunday 7th April between London Road Lions and Wordsley Wasps.