Wednesday’s match report, hot from the Press Office (courtesy of Bart)
Bedworth 0 v Birmingham Blues 2.
The teams lined up against each other on a blustery, November morning for the resumption of what has been a series of very competitive contests over the last two seasons. Birmingham Blues were looking to extend their twenty-game unbeaten run, and Bedworth were equally determined to end their rival’s prolonged sequence of success.
Birmingham began the game strongly and gained control of the early exchanges. Playing with a strong wind at their backs, Blues dominated possession of the ball meaning that Bedworth were finding it difficult to gain a foothold in the game. For long periods it was “one way traffic.” To their credit, Bedworth’s defence held firm and in spite of their territorial advantage, Birmingham were only able to muster attempts that lacked any real venom. One notable exception saw Bedworth’s goalkeeper pull off a smart block with his feet that prevented Blues taking a deserved lead.
Birmingham’s passing game was being superbly executed with their characteristic pass and move style, causing their opponents considerable concern. So much so that Bedworth ‘s attacking threat was almost totally nullified as ‘all hands-on deck’ were required to repel Birmingham’s pressure. As there was still no breakthrough, patience would be needed from the team in Blue; but there was a growing confidence that they would eventually prevail. A short flurry of Bedworth pressure towards the half time whistle did little to dampen Birmingham’s confidence. Birmingham Blues were making full use of their squad, using the rotation system to great effect. The strong defensive pairing of Roger Purchase and Pete Giddins provided the platform for the team to drive forward.
It was no surprise when, after another carefully constructed interchange of passes, Clive Macey was provided with the chance to hit a crisp, low effort beyond the goalkeeper’s reach and into the far corner of the net. It was no more than his team deserved. Birmingham were in no mood to relinquish this lead and their secure defensive shield remained firmly in place. Any risk of Bedworth forcing a way back into the match was extinguished when Steve Dixon received Mark Evans’ excellent pass and scored with a finely measured low shot to the goalkeeper’s left side. This provided his team with a two-goal cushion that would prove more than enough to take three important points from this match.
The final embers of this contest were illuminated by a quite brilliant attempt on goal by Birmingham. Short, sharp and visionary passing saw Mark Evans receive the ball before hitting a wonderful shot that unluckily (for him and his team) smashed against the upright, and out of harm’s way. It would have been a fitting tribute to an outstanding team effort from every member of the playing squad. Paul Feeney (Player Manager) was delighted with this performance from his group of players. He was particularly pleased with how the rotation system had worked; a system that allows players time to recover from niggly knocks and enables any on field injuries to be managed appropriately. Birmingham will have been pleased to have got the better of one of the league’s highly respected teams. Bedworth must now look forward to the return fixture later in the season to hit back after this set back.
