Birmingham U21 2-1 Coventry City U21

Wast Hills was the venue as Birmingham City’s U21 side faced Coventry in what was to be an entertaining game. The conditions were perfect for a game of football and the Birmingham lads showed true character to pinch all 3 points in the last couple of minutes of the game.

According to the official site, the team was:
Blues Under-21s: Weaver; Harding, Challis, Mbende, Hancox; Baba, Adams; McFarlane, Arthur, Solomon-Otabor; Jones.
Subs not used: O`Neill, Trueman, Seddon, O`Keeffe, Popa

This is interesting as no subs were used during the game which is very rare to see. Usually lads get tired and have to be replaced or a tactical substitution is made either to preserve a lead or go and try and get a victory. By having no subs, it either shows that the squad has good fitness levels or the manager considered the game too close to try and mess about with changes.

Birmingham City have started off quickly in their last few games and this form continued. McFarlane has looked very lively in recent weeks since his return from loan, and he was the first to fire a shot on goal. His volley from 18 yards was well held by the away sides ‘keeper.

The Blues’ were by far the better side and chances were coming thick and fast. Arthur who looked really good all game fizzed a shot just wide before Jones stuck the ball in the empty net only to be ruled out for offside.

Jones looked like he was going to score. Just before half time, he whipped in a curling shot. The ball was dipping but clipped the outside of the post and went to safety. Very unlucky not to be ahead. 0-0 at half time.

The second half was no different to the first. The home side was well on top. Solomon-Otabor started like a train and his cross created a chance for Arthur. The latter however doesn’t connect properly and his header is well off target. Arthur then becomes creator when his corner finds Adams only for the defender to make a superb tackle right on the goal line.

It was getting a little frustrating and it looked like the Blues’ needed a moment of magic. Up stepped Solomon-Otabor. He manages to dribble the ball through two defenders before bending in a delicious shot. A superb goal. 1-0 to the home side.

Richard Beale will be disappointed however, with the fact that the lads let Coventry back in straight away. Just a few moments later, Coventry equalised through a tame effort from the edge of the box. 1-1 with minutes to go.

Weaver, the Birmingham City goalkeeper, hadn’t covered himself in glory with the Coventry City goal however, he was the hero not long after that. Phillips struck a low shot which Weaver somehow managed to push to safety.

With just seconds left, the home sides character showed. Hancox played in a delightful cross which was met with Alex Jones’ side foot. The net rippled and it meant that the Blues’ finished up with all 3 points.