| Team | CoB Men’s 1st Team |
| Opponent | Bloxwich 2s |
| Date | September 14, 2024 |
| Result | Loss |
| Score | 0-1 |
This was the first of two pre-league warm-up games.
CoB were not at full strength but were still able to field a useful side to kick off the season, including debutants, Jacob and Taimoor.
Both teams made quite a lively start to the game, both working hard to look for openings. Bloxwich were the first team to force a short corner, but thankfully Akib cleared the effort on goal off the line. Sohail was maintaining a busy start helping-out defensively and pushing on forward on the left to set up chances for those playing higher up the pitch. CoB maintained their efforts, pushing on forward at every opportunity. Akib was proving to be a steadying influence in defence and Junaid was continuing to be busy in midfield.
Bloxwich too were working hard and the game was proving pretty even until midway through the half, a Bloxwich attack found a rare chink in the home defence to edge into the lead. CoB kept up their efforts. A good run by Noor resulted in a great cross from the left but unfortunately it could not be controlled for a shot on goal. Several other good chances were being created but not ending in testing efforts on goal. Bloxwich almost snatched second before half time but the effort went narrowly wide. The visitors hung onto their narrow lead until the break.
CoB had shown plenty of promise so far but needed to be sharper in the D. The second half started with early chances being created but not finished off.
The whole of the second half proved to be a largely even affair with both teams looking for openings but not able to capitalise on their efforts. Taimoor was becoming increasingly influential in the team’s efforts. Jacob was also showing some good pace mainly along the right wing. These two newcomers will surely settle into the team and prove their worth in the weeks ahead. Bloxwich worked hard in the final stages to add to their narrow lead, but were generally well held by some resolute Home defence. CoB had a chance to grab an equaliser right on the final whistle but the attempt on goal was
unproductive.
In the end, a narrow defeat but plenty to be optimistic about. Two promising debuts, and good general team-work, but also plenty to work on especially sharpness in the D.
Next week it’s the second of the pre-league warm ups, at home again against Atherstone Adders M2s.