Vets Match Reports = 29/11/09
Birmingham AFA Vets Cup Quarter Finals - Shirley Athletic 2 - 1 Britannia O.B. (AET) - 28/11/09
Shirley Athletic progressed to the semi-finals thanks to a brace from Daryl Houghton. Britannia Old Boys settled more quickly, and tried to, and played the better football throughout. Shirley did themselves no favours, with poor passing and ball watching, giving Britannia the lions share of the possession. It was Shirley though, that took the lead. Duncan McClean's upfield punt was controlled by Paul Curran, who evaded 2 challenges before crossing into the Britannia O.B's area, which was met by the advancing Houghton. Both teams created a few good chances, but were unable to convert. The 2nd half belonged to Britannia, who levelled the game within 5 mins of the restart. A poorly defended corner allowed a free header to bring the game level. Britannia threw everything at Shirley, who held firm, to force extra time. Old tired legs opened up the game, and again Britannia Old Boys were wastful in front of goal. Shirley had chances too, but unable to take the advantage as Wayne Brown & Paul Bodfish went close. Daryl Houghton needed 2 attempts, before putting Shirley 2-1 up just before the end of the 1st period of extra time. Britannia, again wasteful in front of goal, were unable to draw level, and Shirley should have extended their lead at the end too. Shirley were the more thankful for the final whistle, knowing that they are fortunate to proceed to the semi-finals.
Birmingham AFA Vets Cup - Shirley Athletic 4 - 0 Old Wulfs - 03/10/09
The old boys of both established clubs, dusted of the Adidas Beckenbaur's, for another shot at the AFA Vets cup. It was Shirley that started the decisive, but for long periods Old Wulfs kept the door shut. Mid-way through the 1st half, a flighted free-kick by 1st team Manager Paul Curran, was met by the head of Wade Manners to give a deserved lead. More chances came, but Shirley were unable to extend their lead. Notably, some great work by Daryl Houghton down the right, was calmly pulled back to Curran, who's attempted back-heal went wide of the far post, much to the bemusement of his team mates! Old Wulfs came at Shirley, but the defence kept organised at tight, calling keeper Duncan McClean to turn back the clock, with a fine fingered tipped save at one point. 65mins in and Curran's through ball to Daryl Houghton, saw the forward shrug of the defenders challenge to finally extend Shirley's lead. Shortly after the re-start, Captain Richie Davies strolled 20 yards through the midfield, and looked up, and calmly chipped the keeper from 25 yards. With old legs tiring, both teams were finding it difficult to get back, and counter attacking was becoming the norm. As tiredness became more evident, sloppy passing and communication in the Old Wulfs defense, allowed Anthony Davies to steal the ball and roll into an empty net, for a final scoreline of 4-0. The score could have been more, especially for the wasteful Curran!! Paul Bodfish's neat chip into the 6 yard box, found the unmarked Curran for a simple nod-in, but Curran flung himself at the ball, only for the ball to hit the crossbar and come back into play.