WORCESTERSHIRE SATURDAY CUP, Q - FINAL
King George V Playing Fields, Briar Mill, Droitwich Spa, WR9 0RZ
28th January 2023 12:30 pm Kick-Off
I had originally thought of going to watch Pelsall Villa Colts, who I have never watched before, in their game v Gornal Athletic in the West Midlands League but changed my mind when I remembered that there was a Worcestershire FA Saturday Cup tie between Droitwich Spa Under 21's v Worcester City Reserves. Two local rivals of sorts although they play in different divisions of the Midland Football League.
I find out it's being played on the 4G pitch that lies next to the 1st team's pitch at the King George V ground and the early start means that it should be easier for me to take photos, although the forecast is for a cloudy day.
I'm able to take a train all the way from Acocks Green station in Birmingham to Droitwich and arrive in this Spa town with time to have a meal before the match starts.
I have an all-day breakfast at the 'Spats Coffee House' in the old High Street and I have to say it's the best one Iv'e ever had at a Cafe. Perfectly cooked and quickly presented too! A bit pricier than what I usually have but it was worth it.
While wandering around the town I realise I'm cutting it a bit fine to get to the ground in time but I manage to make it just as the players are starting to saunter on to the pitch. There is a high wire fence surrounding the pitch and there is space for spectators on the side nearest the 1st team's ground and the team dug-outs are located on this side too.
Both teams as expected are in their first team colours, with Droitwich Spa in red & black striped shirts, white shorts and black & red socks while Worcester City are decked out in blue & white striped shirts, blue shorts & socks.
It's the home team who have started the brighter in the first few minutes but City come back strongly and go close when a goal mouth scramble takes place and then take the lead in the 13th minute when their No.9's glancing header finds the net following a corner taken from the left.
Droitwich Spa equalise when their No.10, Sam Hurdman, manages to head the ball just ahead of the City keeper Ben Clay and in to the net.
There is plenty of end to end attacking football and it looks as if this could be a high scoring game. It's City's turn next when they score after 30 minutes following a free kick on the left. I'm not sure who has the last touch but it might be their No. 10.
In the very next minute, there is a very promising break by the home team on the left but their N0.7 is pulled back by the City No.2 and is duly booked for his efforts.
Droitwich do get a second equaliser when the City keeper Clay can't get hold of the ball properly and it eventually falls to the Spa No.9, Louis Mitchell to tap the ball in to the unguarded net.
At the end of this half the score stands at 2-2 and it's hard to predict the eventual outcome but I'm sure that there will be more goals to come. It's funny that when I saw Worcester City Reserves play a few weeks ago at home to Chasetown, both defenses were on top in a scoreless draw but today both teams look as if they might score with each attack!
During the break a fellow spectator tells me that the Droitwich keeper, Ryan Williams, lives in Worcester and Ben Clay the City keeper lives here in Droitwich.
The second period of the match begins and it's Worcester City looking the stronger team now. They go close to scoring after 53 minutes when from a corner on the right a header hits the angle of the upright and crossbar and out. Then 6 minutes later and another header from a corner see City take the lead again.
In the 64th minute, the City No.11 turns well in front of goal and sees his shot well saved by Williams the home keeper.
Droitwich Spa go close themselves a few minutes later when their No.2 hits a post with a shot, which rebounds to Mitchell but he shoots wildly over the bar. A good chance wasted there.
Worcester City increase their lead in the 71st minute when their No.4 heads home from a free kick and then 4 minutes later they score a fifth goal following a misunderstanding between the Spa keeper and a defender which allows the City No.11 to roll the ball in to an unguarded net.
To their credit though Droitwich Spa make a spirited comeback late in the game. Firstly Clay the City keeper, perhaps inspired by Williams in the Droitwich goal comes racing out is dispossessed and the Droitwich attacker is brought down by a panicking defender on the left of the penalty area.
Aston Amies, the Droitwich captain makes no make with the penalty and the home side cut the deficit to just one goal when substitute Reece Emmony scores following a free kick on the left.
With just 4 minutes to go Droitwich have another goal disallowed for offside and in injury time City's Ben Clay makes a good save at the foot of the right hand post.
So City have weathered the late storm by Droitwich and achieved a win which takes them in to the Semi-Finals. A good spectacle for the neutral fan but a nerve wracking match for both the City and Spa fans today. Neither defence covered themselves in glory but it's been entertaining!
Entrance Fee: Free
Match Attendance: Approx, 30-40
Match Programme: None Available
Entertainment Value: 8/10
No comments:
Post a Comment