| Team | CoB Men’s 1stXI |
| Opponent | University of Birmingham 6 |
| Date | November 23, 2024 |
| Result | Loss |
| Score | 1 – 4 |
Goal Scorer: Jordan McGuigan
CoB hosted league leaders University of Birmingham M6s today. Thanks to some CoB Men and BYSA the game was good to go ahead following a week of snow, low temperatures and the arrival of Storm Bert.
With the return of Mat B in defence but the absence of Kyle in midfield, the team was relatively similar to last week bar a few changes. CoB started off well with UoB pressing early on and looking to work an opening. Sohail, Mat and Ash tried their best to thwart attacks with Neal being called in to make some crucial saves early on. The midfield of Zach, Junaid and Jeevan enjoyed some of the ball finding Noor and Jordan well who were often isolated in the early exchanges. Jahed, Sean and Zee on the wing tried to keep things fresh. UoB won a short corner shortly after Jeevan hobbled off with a knock, only to score and take the lead from the resulting corner. CoB continued to press, Jordan working the ball well to play a ball across the goal to the back post and also have a shot near post well saved. UoB were dominant in the first half but CoB held their own and asserted themselves when UoB were down to 10.
Second half and a better marking performance in the opening exchanges, with much joy going forwards. Junaid and Noah alongside Zach finding Jordan and Noor more frequently. UoB worked the ball well into close spaces, one such ball deflecting off Ash to make it 2-0 to the visitors. At this stage, CoB sprung into life, defending deep, Jeevan latched onto a loose ball in his defensive third and struck the ball finding Noor in the opposite 23. Playing 2 v 1 with Jordan, Noor took on the keeper before placing the ball (a little slow but accurate) to the left post for Jordan to reduce the arrears. CoB were now finding their feet, winning their 50:50s, closing play down and forcing the opposition into mistakes. Noor had one shot parried into Jeevan’s back by the keeper, but this came to nothing. CoB were looking the better team. Though some needless fouls and errors from the midfield allowed UoB to pen the hosts back with several penalty corners, with2 coming late on to gift the visitors a 4-1 win.
Signs of promise of holding their own against top of the league, CoB can be pleased with their early exchanges and glimpses of hope.
Next week the Men’s 1stXI are away to Old Halesonians M2s.
Matchday Results brought to you by Business Insurance Group