Wolverhampton started well in The Chris Smith Cup Final but there were few chances in a tense opening as both teams took time to settle into the game with our best efforts coming from Claudiu ,who saw his lofted shot hit the crossbar,and Evan who volleyed just wide. Indeed,it looked as though we would go into the break goalless until South Birmingham grabbed the lead five minutes from the interval. Their player certainly looked very close to being offside but there was no linesman’s flag and a few minues later Armandas was beaten once again by a powerfully hit shot which somehow found the net through a crowded penalty area. Wolverhampton could have got a goal back almost immediately when Rory created space before unleashing a good strike of his own but his effort was well saved by the keeper’s feet and facing a two goal deficit in the second half we still had a very steep mountain to climb.
Our lads knew they had to make a determined start once play resumed and withing 4 minutes of the restart Joel did brilliantly to close down a defender, win possession, and create the opportunity for Rory to score the goal which turned the game. The momentum began to turn in our favour and not long afterwards Joel and Aarav combined to create yet another opportunity for Rory and he made no mistake with a powerful shot that levelled the scores. From that point onwards there were chances for both teams to find the winner in normal time but the deadlock remained and the final whistle blew with the score 2-2.
Almost from the start of extra time an excellent long range effort from South Birmingham was well saved by Armandas, who kept the ball out with a one handed save, but the Wolverhampton defence stood firm and our lads were able to score the winning goal in the second period of extra time. Claudiu and Aarav combining superbly to put Mason through on goal. A match defining moment and he could have panicked, but he kept his composure and smashed the ball into the net. We now led for the first time in the match and whilst nothing can ever be taken for granted the team were able to comfortably see out the reminder of the game. What a way to end the season. This was a fantastic performance and to fighback as the lads did after going two goals down is a great testament to their character and resilience.
Squad: Armandas, Nico, Tailon, Theo, Aarav, Mason, Evan, Claudiu, Rory, Joel, Lucas, Charlie, Kai.
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