Birmingham WM 2 Redditch United 1
Birmingham west midlands third game of the year saw a county cup quarter final against redditch united women. a place in the semi final was at stake with in form redditch united coming to put themselves up against birmingham west midlands. the sun was blazing down on a cold afternoon at boldmere as the sun set behind the new building as the teams warmed up.
It was a fairly even game in the early stages with both teams trying to set some early dominance. without knowing what to expect from redditch united it was nice to see a well set up team working the ball well with some impressive players. it was redditch united that really had the first clear cut chance as their shot cannoned off the post and the follow up was put over the bar as the striker tried to find the net on the rebound. Jade Grove was causing all kinds of trouble up front for birmingham west midlands with help from nadia bacciochi and holly rogers. the defence for redditch was working well together making sure that birmingham west midlands couldn’t get an easy chance on goal.
the opening goal came from a mistake at the back but redditch united took advantage of as they slotted the ball home giving them a 0-1 lead in a very close game, but couldn’t argue that redditch united deserverd the lead with how the game had gone so far. Birmingham West Midlands tried to break down the resolute redditch united defence but #4 and #6 (so sorry i don’t know any of the redditch player’s names) were always in the action trying to slow down birmingham west midlands fast counter attacks. Alot of the game was spread around the pitch but wasn’t alot of clear cut chances. redditch united went into the break with a 0-1 lead and a big half was needed for birmingham west midlands if they wanted to progress. both teams were putting on a great game to watch during the first 45 minutes of the game.
A big 45 minutes for birmingham west midlands if they wanted a place in the county cup semi final. but redditch would have other ideas as well as they had showed during the first 45. birmingham west midlands were trying to create but once again redditch were defending really well and not letting birmingham west midlands have anything for free. Tanya Dickinson and laura cooper were working hard in the middle and had a few efforts that went close with the redditch united keeper pulling off a fantastic save as well to make sure the score stayed at 0-1. But it took a moment of brilliance by the brilliant holly rogers as her long range effort left the keeper no chance as it found the top corner bringing the score back level at 1-1.
once again the number #6 for redditch united was fantastic putting her body on the line and making sure the ball couldn’t find the net. birmingham west midlands were starting to get a foothold in the game as redditch maybe started to tire a little but the redditch united goalkeeper made sure they couldn’t get in front with a pepe reina esc save but the pressure paied off when tanya dickinson like holly rogers hit a long range effort that found the top corner making it 2-1 to birmingham west midlands. redditch were unfortunate with injuries and breaks in the game as their young defender was taken off the pitch and out of the ground (really hope it isn’t anything to serious).
super millie kirk (the fan club was happy) and katie wilson came on for Birmingham west midlands to freshen it up during the end of the game. birmingham west midlands were trying to push to get the 3rd goal but couldn’t quite find the goal. redditch united even though only having 10 players on the pitch near the end of the game, they pushed and pushed and never gave up. but as they created a big chance late on it was shannon turner who was there to make sure birmingham west midlands got the win with a fantastic save. the game ended 2-1 to birmingham west midlands and saw them get through to the county cup semi final after a big second half and goals from holly rogers and tanya dickinson.
it always a joy to see birmingham west midlands of course with being so welcomed and seeing such a fantastic team, that includes the sing along after the game as the players walk off the pitch. but it was great to see redditch united play as well a team never seen before but you can see why they are playing so well at the moment. some cracking players who really battled and pushed birmingham west midlands all the way, good luck to redditch united for the rest of their season. birmingham west midlands have a week off next week on the 26th but return to action on 2nd February as they travel away to long eaton.
Birmingham West Midlands
