Shirley's reward for finishing
4th in the AFA Premiership last season, was to compete in the Birmingham County
Saturday Vase - but standing in there way was current Premiership winners
Sutton Utd.
Shirley started the more positive and controlled the first half with possession
and chances created. Shirley had at least, combined, 12 free-kicks & corners
in the 1st half, with Simon Jamieson, Barry Morley and Ben Ince failing to
convert the better of the chances. Shirley probed but failed to make the necessary
breakthrough, and went into half time at 0-0.
The second half started in the same way, but Shirley were punished for giving
the ball away cheaply down their left hand side. This resulted in a 'cross-shot'
not being dealt with, and Sutton going ahead on 55 mins. Shirley got back
into control mode, and Ben Ince challenged the keeper, and squared the ball
for Simon Jamieson to tap in, but the referee disallowed the goal for Ince's
challenge. This resulted in Sutton counter attacking Shirley, and with a fine
run from the Sutton midfielder only being halted by a foul in Shirley's area,
a penalty was awarded. Sutton striker finished nicely in Darren Brown's bottom
right hand corner. Shirley threw everything at Sutton, and pushed more people
forward to try to get back into the game. Scott Kite and Barry Morley had
chances, but it wasn't to be.
Shirley can focus on league proceedings this week, as they travel to newly
promoted, and Division One Champions Billesley Utd at Queensbridge Playing
Fields, Moseley - KO 2:30pm.
