Warley ended a great season as runners up as they went down 3-2 to BHC in the U13’s League cup final at the Dell Stadium.
The two teams had come out even in the league fixtures prior to the final drawing 3-3 and 2-2 respectively. BHC was certain of finishing runners up to Old Wulfurians in the league after finishing champions for the last two years while Warley were celebrating a creditable 6th, their highest ever Div 1 position.
On a exceptionally hard pitch and in a swirling wind chances were few in the first half as midfield domination became the order of the day. The breakthrough came in the 20th minute courtesy of a Warley defensive clanger as the ball fell to a BHC forward who faced with a one on one deftly lifted the ball over Colm to start the scoring. Brierley Hagley Celtic 1 Warley Boro 0. Warley continued to press hard with the midfield battle intensifying and their forwards running the channels BHC were finding it hard to contain the Warley warriors. However on 27 minutes Warley’s defence were masters of their own downfall as a penalty was awarded and BHC made no mistake from the spot. Brierley Hagley Celtic 2 Warley Boro 0. Warley continued to drive forward and a free kick on the edge of the BHC box proved their best chance of the half but was kicked well wide. Half time score:
Manager Matt started the Half time team talk telling the deflated team to go out there and control the game pointing out that Warley had gifted the lead to BHC and that they hadn’t had one creditable opportunity to score. He told them to keep focused, concentrate and above all believe that they could still win.
With renewed optimism Warley continued to play their battling game and it wasn’t too long before they reaped their reward. On 54 minutes Sam Stringer produced an inch perfect pass to Dan Willets who showed great strength and prowess to outpace the BHC back four and lop home to make the score: Brierley Hagley Celtic 2 Warley Boro 1. BHC were rattled and Warley pressed hard to force an equaliser. Spurred on by a massive 324 crowd the Warley warriors gained more belief in the 59th minute when Man of the Match Byron Anderson let Sam S. In to blast the back of the net and send the majority of the crowd into raucous rapture. Brierley Hagley Celtic 2 Warley Boro 2. The boys were more than willing to secure their first ever cup but on a full sized pitch, in warm weather and a swirling wind fatigue was setting in on both sides. The referee played seven minutes of injury time and BHC took full advantage as a harmless ball into the edge of the Warley box was missed by forward and defender alike only to run through to another BHC forward to smash home and secure the cup. Replays suggest that he wasn’t offside and the linesman made the correct decision. Final score Brierley Hagley Celtic 3 Warley Boro 2.
Obviously we are really disappointed to finish the season with a cup final loss but what a terrific season the lads have had. We’ve experienced highs, lows, tragedies and celebrations and the lads have showed great maturity in their attitude to overcome in the face of adversity. We have a great team ethic and will concentrate our efforts to push even further next season to finish higher than last. Well done to everyone involved and connected with Warley Boro U13’s from parents to supporters...it’s been emotional!
