Chasing a top 4 finish was high on the list of priorities for Cup finalists Warley Boro as they entertained Brandhall Colts at the City road. Last week both sides were playing semi finals in the League cup with mixed results. Warley triumphed against Phoenix East and Brandhall, fielding only 10 players, lost against Brierley Hagley Celtic. The same 10 players were on show today but it was hard to tell as a spirited performance saw them take the lead twice against a below par Warley Boro.
A three minute spell in the first 12 saw three goals. The first, on 9 minutes, saw a penalty stroked home by Brandhall as they ran through the Warley back line Warley Boro 0 Brandhall Colts 1. The second, a minute later, another penalty but for Warley this time as a Brandhall defender hand balled inside the area and Dan W. Powered in from 12 yards Warley Boro 1 Brandhall Colts 1. The third came on 12 minutes as a Brandhall free kick squeezed in at the near post from 23 yards out. Warley Boro 1 Brandhall Colts 2.
Shell shocked Warley looked disjointed at times but started to dominate the play with the strikers beginning to see more of the ball. On 26 minutes a poor goal kick was helped on by Azza for the Industrious Dan Willets to sublimely lob the keeper and finish the half’s scoring Warley Boro 2 Brandhall Colts 2.
At half time Coach Jones wanted more commitment and desire from the lads. Second ball syndrome was putting pressure on the defence and instructions were given to stop high balls bouncing in front of them. Byron was introduced to add muscle in the middle of the park in the hope that the Colt kids would tire.
The Brandhall backline fought bravely as Warley pressed. Dan W. And Sam S. continued to make great runs ably fed by the Warley midfield. Coach Jones decided a 4-3-3 system was needed and on 51 minutes the breakthrough came as Byron made he’s way into the box from the right and slipped the ball to the oncoming Dan W. Who blasted a helpless keeper to secure he’s hatrick. Warley Boro 3 Brandhall Colts 2. All 3 points were secured on 59 minutes when another Byron run and cross from the found Captain Caldo’s boot to make it 4-2. Warley continued to forge forward but inaccurate shooting and a keeper in form failed to add to the score.
Final score Warley Boro 4 Brandhall Colts 2.
In truth Warley did enough to win but the credit goes to Brandhall Colts who gave a fine spirited performance with only 10 men. The positive for Warley is that they won the game with a below par, jittery performance which keeps them on course for that top 4 finish. Well done both teams.
