26/1/22
BWFC WHITES 0 V 1 BEDWORTH
+63’S BWFC BLUES 0 V 0 BOLDMERE ST MICHAEL (MATCH REPORT BELOW)
30/1/22
+58’S BWFC WHITES 0 V 0 HARTSHILL
BWFC BLUES 4 V 0 NOMADS – GOAL SCORERS – MARTIN BRICK 3, GLEN ALEXANDER 1
MATCH REPORT – BWFC BLUES 0 V 0 BOLDMERE ST MICHAEL
With much thanks to Bart in the B’ham Blues Press Office, below is the match report for the Boldmere game:
This eagerly anticipated top of the table clash produced a tussle that was a great example of how Walking Football should be played and enjoyed. Although there were no goals to celebrate the short passing game employed by both sides was easy on the eye and of a very high standard.
Throughout this season Boldmere St.M have built a reputation as a free scoring side with the league’s most potent strike force. Birmingham Blues remember all too well how these opponents snatched the 2021 league title from their grasp in last season’s epic final game.
The Blues set themselves up to deny Boldmere’s forward players any space to operate in. By defending from the front they prevented dangerous threats to their goal from materialising.
Birmingham’s game plan was executed superbly with Boldmere being limited to a meagre three shots on target.
Equally Boldmere’s defence was also able to hold firm throughout this intriguing encounter. This was in spite of a series of creditable efforts on goal by the team in blue. The most notable attempt being a fine shot from Stephen Dixon that hit the crossbar with the goalkeeper beaten.
Most observers agreed that Birmingham Blues held the edge throughout the game. However, too often their final ball into their strikers was wayward and, more often than not, the attackers found the space that they needed was quickly closed down and shooting chances were lost. On a couple of occasions the Blues were thwarted when the ball rolled agonisingly into the opposing penalty area and to safety just as the forwards were about to pounce.
As the game ended as a 0-0 draw Boldmere St. M were denied the chance to close the gap on the league leaders to just one point (with them having played a game fewer than their rivals). On that count Birmingham will be satisfied with the outcome but they will also be a little disappointed that they couldn’t force the victory that they probably just about deserved.
The quality of the refereeing of this game was excellent. There was a real flow to the game. Players welcomed the referee’s (Brian Webster) openness about explaining his decisions. This was another important game that was played in an exemplary sporting manner. Great credit is due to both teams and to the match official.
Birmingham Blues and Boldmere St.M start the second half of the season in very strong positions. They will know that there is a lot of football still to play and more twists and turns will be sure to happen. This all makes for an exciting run-in and there is ALL to play for.
