The 65s second league game of the campaign ended in another draw – this time with goals from both teams. A late free kick goal from Birmingham Celtic earned them a draw, and although Coventry may have felt hard done to, a draw was probably a fair result.
Coventry’s team included 2 new players to league competition - John Courtney and Kev Watson – and well done to them both.
Both teams played well and worked hard in a fiercely fought game, which probably got a bit too physical at times, with Coventry players being on the end of some bad tackles. Dave took a knock and after another bad tackle on a Coventry player, Tony was forced to bring the matter to the referee’s attention, which he duly noted.
The game started at a fast pace and early on Birmingham capitalised on a poor Coventry cross field pass to tuck the ball away. Coventry was then starting to get a foothold in the game and applying pressure on Birmingham. The referee was calling a number of running offences on both teams, and eventually Coventry were awarded a penalty, which Ken put away thumping the ball into the goal. Just when half time was about to be called, it was Birmingham’s turn for a penalty. Up stepped their star striker, who hit the ball towards the top right corner of the goal, only for Garry to make a flying save and turn the ball away. What a great save from Man of the Match Garry! Half time 1-1.
As the game progressed there was nothing to choose between the sides and Coventry was then awarded a second penalty for the Birmingham team’s running offences. This time, with Ken off the field, Dave hit an unstoppable shot high into the net. A few minutes later it was Birmingham’s turn to take their second penalty, which they smashed against the bar. With time running out, Coventry was trying to protect their lead, but unfortunately Birmingham scored a late equalise from a free kick just on the edge of the Coventry goal area. Coventry responded trying to find a winner, but ran out of time. Full time 2-2. Thanks go to Colin Farmer, who joined us after refereeing an earlier game and then managed the team half way through the second half, whilst Ray was playing.
65s Team – Garry Bench, Tony Malone, Lewis Gent, John Courtney, Kev Watson, Kev Shannon, Dave Marriott, Ken Badland and Ray Lewis.
65s Team Manager(s) : Ray Lewis & Colin Farmer
Report by Ray Lewis