This game was crucial for the U18 team from Birmingham as the league leaders were 13 points ahead despite the Blues’ having three games in hand (including this fixture.) Therefore, a win would move them up to second and close the gap, putting pressure on Forest at the top.
In the last Blue’s U18 game, I reported that Ronan Hale was the stand-out performer due to his four goal haul and all round link up play with the midfield. He is a very clinical young man, but can he do it consistently? He answered that superbly by sticking 5 past Leeds United in what was to be a rout.
Birmingham’s youth teams this season have started really well. I have noticed that it is a common trend that either we get an early goal or we are on top in this early period. Again, this game was no different. Just five minutes in Hale scored what was to be his first of many. A ball is passed in from the left wing, Hale dragged the ball away from the defender and then finished with a simple side foot. A very good goal due to its simplicity.
The second goal was almost identical to the first. The left winger robbed his opposing number of the ball due to a great high pressing tactic initiated by Steve Spooner, before releasing Hale. Again, his quick feet gave him some room to shoot and he buried the ball into the right hand corner of the goal. The work rate off the ball allowed this goal to happen.
Defensively, we looked very sound. Leeds United were being reduced to long shots which our goalkeeper took very comfortably. It was a master-class in man marking and a credit to the hours spent on the training pitch.
Everything that was being created in this first half was down on the left wing. This time, he outpaced his fullback before cutting back the cross only for the ball to be eventually cleared off the line. Another brilliant move and Blues’ were well on top.
Ronan Hale’s hat-trick came before half time. He peeled slightly wider than he had been doing, and took the ball nicely after a great slide rule pass from the midfield. He took a touch and calmly slotted the ball beyond the advancing goalkeeper. Cool, calm and collected. I am really impressed with this young man.
Leeds kicked off after this goal and literally seconds later the ball was in the back of the net again. Their midfielder was robbed of the ball and Bailey drove at the defence before finding the back of the net via the post. I like how this team closes down and it is certainly getting it’s rewards. 4-0 and it’s not even half time.
The next goal also came before half time and it was a different type of goal. A corner came in and it wasn’t dealt with very well; pin ball is an understatement. The ball then squirts back out to the corner taker who delivers an inch perfect ball for Hale to score his fourth of the game. 5-0 and the half time whistle was a welcome relief for the home side.
The second half saw Leeds come out fighting, which is a credit to themselves and their management. They were rewarded with an early goal. The full back whipped in a very good cross into no mans land, where the Leeds striker stooped in order to head the ball powerfully into the Birmingham net. 5-1 now the score.
However, shortly after that Birmingham restored their five goal cushion and who can guess the scorer? A very selfish run on the left again saw the ball pulled back for a virtually unmarked Hale to tap the ball into the net. 6-1.
The final goal of the game came towards the end and I think that Steve Spooner will be disappointed with the manner in which it was conceded. A very simple corner was headed in with very little challenge. If a person had been on the post, they would have prevented it. 6-2 was the final score with a very good performance to match.
Share this article
Related Articles
