Men's 2nd XI Vs Uni of Birm 5

Telford 2s travelled for a late game against University of Birmingham’s 5th team on Saturday, looking to continue their record of 14 wins from 14 games played. Telford welcomed back Lewis Moore and Sammy Brazier but were without Tom Jones and Matt Denver through unavailability, with Gareth Hawkins a late drop out with illness as well.  

Knowing this would be their biggest challenge of recent weeks, the message was clear to impose themselves on the game and play with confidence. The opening exchanges were fast and frantic, with UoB having much of the best of the play, much like the reverse fixture in November. Telford were finding it hard to handle UoB’s fast play and effective press, turning the ball over far too easily. That being said, Brad Williams in goal was left with little to do, with both poor finishing and good last ditch defending from the Telford defence, Will Lorenz in particular, to thank for keeping the score at 0-0. Telford themselves occasionally forayed forward without causing too much concern to UoB’s defence. Good performances from Adam Phizacklea and Luca Basini were the high points of a below par first half, which, would have lasted 30 minutes if not for the keen timekeeping of the Telford bench to provide a reminder of the usual length of game.

Half time brought changes to personnel and the message to have more confidence on the ball and cut out the cheap turnovers. Both the changes and the messaging paid off within 5 minutes, with Telford immediately looking the better team. Sean Huffer’s shot was saved by the keeper but fell to Owen Shave who kept his composure to control the ball and finish on the reverse to put Telford 1-0 in front. Telford nearly made it 2-0 when John Perry controlled a ball in the air tremendously, striking cleanly on the volley only to see the keeper make a great point blank save. However, Perry was then involved soon after to set up Huffer to go from creator to scorer to make it 2-0 from close range. Shortly after Telford lost Phizacklea to a green card as UoB started to occasionally offer more threat but great tackling from Lorenz, Jordan Keeble, Luke Stacey and Tom Bullock at the back kept them at bay, as well as some smart saves from Williams in goal. Back to their full compliment, Telford put the pressure back on UoB and were rewarded with their third goal, several efforts and a scramble in the D resulted in Lewis Moore capping a very unselfish performance by setting up Huffer for his second of the day. This third goal killed the game as a contest and quietened the home contingent. Telford had chances to add to their tally but weren’t able to take it. Losing Luke Stacey to a late green card, they also conceded a short corner in the final minutes which Telford knew they could have dealt with better, as UoB made it 3-1.

That late goal however didn’t take the shine off what was a tremendous 3 points, moving Telford to 15 wins from 15 games. Man of the match went to Phizacklea for an all action performance, with numerous players receiving nominations for a great second half team performance.

Next week Telford welcome Burton to St George’s, hoping to continue their great run of form.

Score: 3-1 win

Goals: Owen Shave, Sean Huffer x2

Assists: Sean Huffer, John Perry, Lewis Moore

Cards: Adam Phizacklea, Luke Stacey

MoM: Adam Phizacklea