OVER 60’S WINTER SHIELD

BIRMINGHAM 1 HARTSHILL 0 (AGG1-1 WIN 3-1 ON PENS)

A disciplined and organised Over 60’s team overturned a 1-0 first leg deficit to retain the winter shield. Birmingham had started well as the impressive Paul Feeney hit the post after 5 minutes following a fine flowing move. The referee had cause to constantly pull up both sides for running infringements as the greasy surfaces seemed difficult for both teams to relax their movement. Dave Whatmore also came close before half time as Birmingham did the majority of pressing with Feeney pulling all the strings in Birmingham’s compact midfield, only a couple of John Cooper long range efforts were all Hartshill could offer in the first half, which were never likely to test keeper Les Dawson.

Shortly after the break Whatmore broke free from the shackles of the tight Hartshill defence to slide his precision finish under the body of the advancing keeper. There only looked to be one winner then as Birmingham still continued to press without actually creating many clear cut opportunities. Keith Laishey and Paul Foster had proven a solid pair at the back for the dark blues giving their midfield licence to go forward. As full time approached another blistering shot by Feeney fizzed wide and 15 minutes of extra time still continued to produce little in the way of clear cut chances, Whatmore, Feeney and Steve Evans all immediately volunteered for the penalties and their confidence was obvious as the all converted to win the tie and the Winter Shield 3-1.