BIRMINGHAM COUNTY FA WALKING FOOTBALL LEAGUE.

Qualification for the semi final of The WFA Central Final on October 22nd meant that Birmingham’s over 50’s had to go into the penultimate weekend of the inaugural County FA league having to fulfil their remaining four fixtures to ensure their name was on the trophy, as a fixture clash would have ensued.

Knowing that 3 wins from their remaining fixtures would be enough they were relaxed if not spectacular in their 5-0 win over Coleshill. A brace from Ian Ward and singles from Darren Bradley, Dave Norton and Dave Wright meant only two more wins were needed. Meantime Sutton Town’s team had failed to arrive which meant a 3-0 walk over left one win from two games would be enough to take the spoils.

Birmingham started brightly as shots rained in on the Bedworth keeper, Norton was denied with a brilliant save which was pushed onto the crossbar and both Ward and Wright were also thwarted by the woodwork. As Birmingham pushed for what would be the title winning goals they were caught out at the back, Dave Castle was unable to stop a three man break and Bedworth scored past Derek Hughes after 6 minutes. Press as they might the brummies were unable to unlock a solid and organised defence and then some brilliant goalkeeping. In fact but for a couple of outstanding close range saves from Hughes it could have been more as Bedworth’s counter attacking game was proving effective. A 1-0 defeat, their first of the whole tournament meant only victory against Wyndley would be enough to crown Birmingham as Champions and in turn qualify them for the Champions trophy to be held at Solihull the following week.

Normal service was resumed as a brilliant Andy Struthers pass for the first of Dave Norton’s hat trick and two from Dave Wright meant a 5-1 victory and another trophy for the bulging cabinet at Beechcroft Avenue.

Afterwards captain Dave Castle said, “At times today we looked flat , we have played a lot together now and should be able to adapt a little better than what we did when teams put men behind the ball. Sometimes though when we’ve gone so long unbeaten a defeat can do us good , perhaps bring some perspective and reality to the situation, but at the end of the day we have done enough to win the trophy and that’s the main thing.”