It was the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup against QPR at the Autotech Stadium last Saturday.
The Birmingham boys have developed something of a reputation of going ahead in the first few minutes, and Saturday was no different. 2 minutes in and striker Kyle McFarlane was fouled just inches from the penalty box. Up stepped Cooper, who curled a delightful free kick into the net. 1-0.
David Popa, a signing last summer, was beginning to make an impact. His pace took him around an on rushing goalkeeper, only for O’Neill to miss an easy chance once the ball had been passed to him.
Blues were clinging on a bit after that early pressure.Perry Cotton was in the right place at the right time as he managed to clear Garnett’s header from the goal line.
McFarlane was causing the R’s defence all sorts of problems. His main attribute, shooting, was on display as the ‘keeper could only parry the youngsters latest attempt. Deadfield missing the rebound.
George Butler’s, the captain for QPR, had a free-kick in the 24th minute. Wes Harding, the man who committed the foul. But the Blues goalkeeper collected calmly.
He was having a better day than the opposition number 1. McFarlane was yet again causing havoc. This time, he let fly a terrific effort which squirmed underneath the keeper, and just past the post. What a future, this man will have!
Popa was also showing off. His trickery and pace allowed him another opportunity, but he struck the post.
It wasn’t just the attack that was impressing. Dominic Bernard having a great game in defence, slid in to deny Kakay a certain goal.
Collings was able to deal with Cotton better than McFarlane. Cotton received a lovely back heel from O’Neill before the goalkeeper tipped his effort away from goal. A Steve Spooner training ground move almost paid off.
Half time; 1-0 to Blues.
The half time cool down clearly had an impact on the Rangers’ defence. A clear push on McFarlane was somehow missed by all officials, and the R’s man was luck to still be on the field.
On the 54 minute mark the scores were level. Olamide Shodipo was the man to tie the game up. His 18 yard strike flew into the back of the net after he got away from Cotton. 1-1 the score.
However, six minutes later, the scoreline changed.
A handball was given in shooting range and the free kick, taken by Deadfield went straight through the legs of the goalkeeper. Collings was having a bad day at the office. Birmingham City 2-1.
Khaellem Bailey-Nicholls’ was put on as a substitute to give his side pace. A genius move by Spooner as the sub won a penalty after great feet in the box.
Cooper, with nerves of steel, beat Collings, (JUST!) and gained a 2 goal advantage for the Blues.
Cooper then turned provider as he set up O’Neill with 2 minutes to go to slot into the rangers net.
4-1 the final score, and very well deserved.
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