Sunday 26th October 2007

A great result for Paul Birch FC today with a 3-1 victory against Senior Division Side Centaurs in the Paul Picard Cup.

The side were confident going into the game but it was unknown territory going into a game with a seide they had never met in the past. Centaurs have had a mixed start to the season with three defeats and two wins but manager Paul Howe was well aware that this would be one of toughest matches of the season. But for that 6-1 defeat to FC Bickley, Paul Birch have had a good start to the season and this was the litmus test.

On a grim, cold, windy and wet Sunday morning, both sides were looking forward to playing on the fine surface at Griffin Sports. As the game kicked off, the spectators were looking forward to tough game.

The visitors started brightly and were ahead after eight minutes. PB won a freekick just inside Centaurs half and James Collins stepped up and sent in a fine looping ball into their box where Paul Smith rose above his marker and fired a powerful header beyond the keeper which hit the bar and then looped over him and nestled in the net. 1-0 Paul Birch FC.

A great start and just what the visitors needed. They knew though that the home side would look to bounce back straight away and they nearly did. Centaurs dangerous captain, Steve O'Boyle sent a freekick from over 30 yards towards Watts in the Paul Birch goal and amazingly he hit the bar. A fine strike.

Seconds later, PB gave away a further freekick which was a little closer to goal. The number 11 stepped up again and hit another wrasping strike that beat Watts again and cannoned back off the bar for a second time. The ball broke free but the on-running Centaurs players could not convert.

A let off for Paul Birch FC and they knew that they could not give away any further freekicks near goal as the number 11 would be dangerous.

Centaurs were back on level terms after seventeen minutes when they sent a long ball over the top of Collins and their striker struck a shot which Watts saved but the rebound was followed up by Centuars for an easy tap in. 1-1

Both sides were clearly up for the game and this was definately going to be a battle.

Paul Birch FC pressed and probed and were back in the lead after thirty seven minutes. After a period of sustained pressure from Centaurs, John Mcguigan sent a long clearance over the top of the defence which pacy Tom Reeves latched onto and put a good finish past the keeper to make it 2-1 Paul Birch FC.

That was just what the side needed going into half time. Howe knew that his side would be up against it in the second half with Centaurs poised to get at them after the interval but he was confident that they could do it.

Into the second half and the visitors had a chance just two minutes in when Alan Selby fed Tom Reeves who had his effort saved. However, they strectched their lead after fifty four minutes when Ahley Watts sent a long ball towards Paul Smith who beat the offside trap and placed his shot beyond the keeper to make it 3-1 Paul Birch FC.

Centaurs were stunned and knew they had a mountain to climb. It was going to be a tight end to the game but PB knew that as long as they kept it tight, they would be victorious.

Centaurs had a few chances but never really looked like getting their second and the visitors held onto the result.

A superb result, not the best performance of the season but they did what they had to do and they now know that they can mix it with teams from the Senior Division. They now face either Vista or Milldean in the next round.

Next up for the side is Keyworth in the league and that is going to be a tough game but the team will be looking forward to it.

Man of the Match: Paul Smith - Scored two important goals and lead the line well.

Team:

Watts, Tarrant (Beale 77), Collins, McGuigan (Ezekiel 83), Byworth, Birch, Cassidy, S. Reeves, Selby, Smith, T.Reeves (Sparrow 68)

Subs not used: None