INTER CLUB FRIENDLY

 

BWFC+63 3 v BWFC LADIES 1

Sunday 6th September 2020.

 

This was a game between two of our most popular groups and proved to be an excellent encounter that embroiled all of the values that drive our wonderful game.

 

Two well matched teams played out a truly competitive contest, both displaying high levels of endeavor, skill and great determination. The togetherness of each team was demonstrated by the way each player encouraged and supported their teammates. This was a great tribute to all of the individuals involved.

 

Birmingham Ladies Walking Footballers started strongly and moved the ball quickly and accurately around the pitch. Although, that said, the Men’s team created several good chances that were either wasted or dealt with comfortably by Tracey in the Ladies goal. The first quarter of the match saw the Ladies team as the dominant force. They could and probably should have taken an early lead but their efforts were thwarted by a strong Men’s backline marshalled superbly by Roger and Martin.

 

As the Ladies team’s efforts were quelled the Men’s team gained control of the midfield battle and they began their own period of control. It was during this spell that Paul opened the scoring with a fine shot into the bottom corner of the net. Several other chances came (and went!) before, and against the run of play, an equaliser was smashed into the roof of the net by Kelly. This was a fine strike.

 

1-1 at half-time was probably a fair reflection of the play.

Early in the second half the Men’s team regained the lead, this was after some clever interplay between the forwards which resulted in Mark finding the back of Tracey’s net.

 

After this early second-half setback the Ladies concentrated on their defense as they had to withstand a spell of pressure orchestrated by the Men’s midfield and forwards. They did this successfully and managed to construct several lightning quick breaks. One such break so nearly resulted in a second equaliser, but Kelly’s fine turn and shot was well saved by Bart.

 

The Ladies team has carefully used a rotation system during the game and this served them well as high levels of energy were being maintained. As the game moved towards the final quarter the Men’s defensive shield was proving to be impenetrable. The midfield duo continued to press and probe and following some quick, incisive passing Simon was able to slot in the third goal for the Men’s team.

 

This goal proved to be the clincher and in spite of several valiant efforts from the Ladies team (especially during a period when the Men’s side were a player short due to a Blue card offence) the score remained unchanged at 3-1.

 

The game will live long in the memory of those taking part. The spirit of friendship shone through the whole event. The referee was excellent, always explaining his decisions with firmness and clarity. There were no losers in this contest; the clear winner was Birmingham Walking Football Club.

 

Teams:

Bart (GK): Martin (captain), Roger, Paul (Player Manager – scorer), Roy, Simon (scorer), Mark (scorer).

Tracey (GK) Dee, Truly, Lorraine, Den, Sally, Ali, Guisey and Kelly (scorer)