Birmingham Walking football over 50’s, triumphed at the Etihad Stadium to qualify for the final of the champions trophy, after their now seemingly inevitable slow start they produce some excellent football to win this qualifying group. An energetic Wigan Athletic side romped to a two goal lead which left Birmingham too much to do before eventually   overcoming the slow starting brummies 3-2 , goals from Dave Wright and Andy Struthers were not enough to claw back the deficit, In their second game a brace from both  Wright and the ever impressive Dave Norton had given Birmingham a comfortable 4-1 lead before the they took their foot off the gas to beat Gillingham 4-3 . After a short break to recoup and discuss tactics a change in personnel saw Shay Flaherty, join David Castle at the back, this gave Birmingham a far more solid look, Flaherty was superb in stopping the threat of home favourites Man City, and with some excellent inter play and finishing Birmingham produce some sublime football to romp to a 5-0 victory. As Man City  had beaten Wigan earlier this meant going into the last game they need to only beat Wakefield to qualify , the goals continued to flow and by half time qualification was assured with a 4-0 advantage, and they eventually ran out winners by 7-0, 7 tournament goals a piece from David Wright and Dave Norton, meant they also finished joint top scorers in the competition. An impressive debut from Keeper Martin Williams and contributions throughout the team means that the ever improving over 50’s are in good shape for the next round of the National competition in September. Skipper David Castle said ” I can’t believe this is my first tournament win with Birmingham, I felt we were destined to keep being runners up, we are starting to look impressive now, we just need that consistency right from the start of tournaments and Im sure major trophies are well within our grasp”