University Match Report (3)

 Honours even in heated Derby

The 2^nd teams of UCB and Birmingham City play out an entertaining draw in a feisty encounter at Moor Lane. 

Richie Mills on 7th March 2012.

The penultimate game of the season took place this Wednesday at a cold and blustery Moor Lane where local rivals UCB and BCU clashed for the second and final time this season.
Despite their superior league position of 4^th to 6^th respectively, UCB weren’t taking anything for granted having lost their only previous encounter 2-1 in a tight affair in October.

UCB (In blue) vs BCU (Orange bibs)

1^st half:
As the game commenced, a frenetic start ensued with both teams quick to put pressure on the opposing team, with great effect.
The strong wind was proving a menace to both sides, though perhaps UCB would have been disappointed for not making the most of the conditions being slightly in their favour, for 45 minutes at least.
Several long range efforts reigned in, peppering both goalkeepers who proved they were up to the challenge with assured displays.

However it was the ‘Cakes’ who picked up the pace, sparking the game into life. The opposing defence were split open by Goalkeeper Smelkov’s long range goal kick, albeit strongly aided by the wind, and the ball found its way to striker James Dixon, facing a 1 on 1 with the keeper.
Unfortunately the front man was unable to convert thanks to a smart save.

This proved to be the highlight of a first half that, despite the score, was proving to be a thrilling and engaging affair plagued by strong defence, hard tackles and limited opportunities.

Half time team huddle

2^nd half:
The second period got under way and immediately UCB flew out of the blocks, following neat build up by using both flanks, the ball was worked towards the opposition area. Winger Rob Veskamie whipped in a delightful delivery which was met by a firm, looping header from substitute Rob Da Cunha, who saw his effort fly narrowly wide.
The momentum was clearly with UCB, who were exhibiting real conviction and efficiency with their passing game by retaining the ball effectively and in turn making inroads into their adversaries half.  Sporadic breaks seemed to be the only outlet for BCU who were consistently rebuffed by the stout defence of centre back duo Sean Ebbs and Max Brown, who were solid throughout.

Despite UCB being on top for the majority of the 2^nd half, it was City who were presented with a golden opportunity to level matters in a rare escapade into their rivals’ half. Following a sliced defensive clearance, the usually organised defence were stretched into disarray and from 10 yards out the City striker should have buried the inviting chance presented to him but he blazed wide.

This appeared to galvanise BCU, who attacked once more with fresh vigour and fluidity by forcing consecutive corners, leading to a goal mouth scramble which was somehow eventually hacked clear to safety.

Goalkeeper Valen Smelkov

An audacious 30 yard strike was well saved by Goalie Smelkov who was looking extremely assured between the posts and following his clearing kick and crisp passes, the ball fell to centre back Max Brown who struck a crisp drive on the half volley narrowly wide, but the danger had not passed.

The Cakes attempted to weather the storm but the increasing pressure and possession told as once again following a rapid counter attack the UCB defence was finally unlocked. Following neat interplay the ball was worked towards the number 10 striker, who this time didn’t miss, by rounding keeper Smelkov and tucking the ball home for a 1-0 lead.
The goal was just about deserved after several prolonged minutes of pressure.

In spite of this setback the 4^th placed side were undeterred and subsequent to several minutes of fleeting advances into the opponents half from both teams, Captain Ashley Cox smashed home the loose ball from close range to make it 1-1 after the resolute City defence failed to clear their lines. This event sparked delirious celebrations from the entire team, much to the delight of the 4 person strong UCB supporters and to the dismay of the BCU followers.

The game was becoming increasingly physical with both sides on the receiving end of thumping challenges; some fair some not so much. As the match entered the final 5 minutes of normal time, the encounter threatened to bubble over as heated exchanges became more frequent as the BCU team were repeatedly frustrated by fruitless attempts to break down UCB’s defensive wall.

As the game drew to a close, the Cakes were under siege from a final City thrust that yielded two unsuccessful corners that came to nothing. One last surge from BCU proved futile and with the final whistle it appeared UCB were the happier of the two despite having just as many chances in a deserved 1-1 draw.

UCB Man of the match Tom Weatherhead commented that: "considering the conditions, we couldn’t ask for much more. Credit where credit is due they battled hard but a draw was a fair result but perhaps we could have nicked it!"

The result leapfrogs the 2^nd’s over their 3^rd team rivals in the BUCS MARS Midlands 5C league, though the latter have two games in hand.
To round up the week’s action the UCB 1^st team battled to a hard fought 1-1 draw with Worcester’s 2^nd team and the Women’s team enjoyed a 2-1 away win to Oxford.

Team lineup:
Valen Smelkov (GK), James Meddler (RB), Max Brown (CB), Sean Ebbs (CB), Ashley Cox (LB), James Nolan (RM), Rob Verskannie (CM),  Louis Grant (CM), Tom Weatherhead (LM), James Dixon (FW) Brad Potter (FW), Rob Da Cunha (CM).