Tamworth 2 - 3 Boldmere St. Michaels Reserves
The Mikes went into their final game of the season looking to add to their one trophy they had already secured in the previous week. The game started well for the Mikes with Lyndon Weller causing problems down the right hand-side before delivering several dangerous balls across the 6-yard box. However none of these could be met with a finish and the Mikes soon fell one behind after 12minutes. Tamworth won a free kick deep in Boldmere’s half and poor marking from Boldmere meant a Tamworth head met the ball first. This knock down fell to the Tamworth captain, 3 yards from goal, and he confidently finished the chance. The Mikes could have found themselves more behind going into the break, as more poor marking in the box, allowed Tamworth with more opportunities. Kieran Robinson earned an opening just before half time however his finish could not match his approach play as the ball sailed over the bar.
The Mikes came out after the half time break, looking to increase the tempo and intensity of the game. However, they failed to do this and the game seemed to be put beyond Boldmere when Tamworth broke quickly from a Boldmere corner. The ball broke loose from the corner and a quick break saw the ball worked to the left hand side of the box, where the Tamworth player calmly slotted past the onrushing Boldmere keeper. At 2-0, Boldmere made 3 substitutions instantly and with a change of tactics, this finally saw Boldmere put Tamworth under sustained pressure. Once again good work from Weller down the right saw him put in a great cross for substitute Danny Dubidat to slot home. The Mikes were now throwing everything at Tamworth and with only 2 minutes of normal time remaining, the ball fell kindly for Dubidat again and once more he slotted home, to force extra time. The first period of extra time was action packed, but neither side forced a clear opening. However, 6 minutes into the second half of extra time, the ball fell for Andy Lewis in the box. He turned his man to give himself room for the shot and then saw the ball nestle in the corner of the net. The Mikes had turned it round and now had to last the final 10 minutes for a remarkable win. Tamworth threw everything they had at Boldmere at from a corner, the ball looked to be heading in, before a brilliant last ditched clearance from Pete Gould saw the ball turned over the bar for another corner. The Mikes managed to hold on, despite finishing with only 9 men and had finished the season on a high, by successfully defending their trophy.
By James Hawkins
