Barley Mow Wanderers F.C

Orton Vale 4-2 Barley Mow Wanderers

Match Report

Barley went into tonights game against Birmingham Junior Cup finalist Orton Vale. Vale made it through to the Birmingham Junior Cup final by beating Beacon League Premiership leaders Tipton Town West 4-1 at the weekend and that with the fact that Vale have won the Brandrick Cup for the previous two seasons meant that Barley knew that this would be a tough task. Vale started the brighter of the two sides showing quality and a real desire on the ball, Barley struggling to get out there own half. 13minutes in and after some good Barley defending and much Vale perseverance came the breakthrough, some good work down the left and some poor Barley marking left room for Vale to strike from the outside of the box into the far corner of Pickett's net 1-0. It was'nt long before Vale grabbed another, Barley left exposed through the middle left for an easy slotted goal under Pickett's body. Barley continued to try and turn things round but out muscled, out passed and out classed all over as they struggled to attack. Orton Vale got a cheeky bit a luck just after half hour, a back-heeled flick into the box and then some nifty footwork and simple finsh made it 3-0. 4-0 came five minutes later and thats where it stood at the break. Barley came out the second half and looked a completley different side as there workrate increased and there passes found the blue shirts. After some good play Barley got a lucky break as the ball fell to Hickman's feet on the edge of box and he drilled the ball into the top of the net. The game more evenly balanced now and they continued where started the second half playing well all over the pitch. Substitute Richard Porter grabbed Barley's second after being on the field for just two minutes, his left footed rifle finding the top of the near post. Orton Vale attacked well on the break and could of sealed the game but for a couple of first class saves from Pickett. Cartwright had Barley's last chance blazing a freekick just inches over the bar five minutes from time. No doubt this was a game of two halves but its not all over yet, victory for Barley in there final group game against Lion Wombourne should be enough to see Barley through to the Quarter Finals.

Brandrick Cup