FLOODLIT League Match Report Monday 17th March

Floodlit League Cup.  (QTR Final)

Birmingham City 0  V  1 Newcastle Town College Team FC  (After Extra Time)

On Monday Newcastle faced their next stern challenge, taking on the mighty Birmingham City on their home soil.

With Stew Dickin and Alex Cambell suspended and Dave Jones awaiting International clearance this was going to prove difficult.

 

The main focus for Newcastle was to make a good, positive start to the game and we certainly did that.  Although the first half was very close, with not many chances falling to either side.  Newcastle dominated overall without creating any real chances.  Newcastle did have a shout on a penalty decision when Cal Kenny was clearly bought down in the box as he was about to pull the trigger for a shot.

 

The Second half proved much the same with both sets of players fully commited.  The pitch was not conjusive to quality football at all.  It was hard and bobbly and neither team could get the ball down easily and sculpt themselves a chance.  With Extra Time looming, Newcastle changed their formation and bought on Robson Healy to provide some pace and Kev Davies to provide a more direct approach.  This opened the game up a little bit – but still no real chances either end.  

Extra time could not be prevented and Newcastle took the decision to try and win the game there and then, on came Evan Ofori for added pace.

4 mins into the second half of ET and a great ball by Kev Davies split Birminghams defence to find John Ngindu who in turn managed to pull his cross back from the bye line – it bobbled n bounced and was fortunate to find Robson Healy at the far post unopposed to slot home calmly. 0 V 1 and 10 mins remaining.  Newcastle’s hopes were helped when Birminghams left back was sent off for a second bookable offense.  Birmingham pushed everyone forward to try and salvage the game, but Newcastle held firm and defended extremely well to bring home the victory. 

 

Now in the last 4, from the original 77 teams that started

 

Out of the 15 man squad

13 player from college were involved;

Joe Mellor

Jake Stanbridge

Cal Lovatt

Luke Humphries

Olly Kataya

Jake Braxton Lloyd

Cal Kenny

Jon Ngindu

Robson Healy

Louis Downs

Evans Ofori

Harvey Collins

Ryan Wintle