County lose warm-up (From Worcester News)

County lose warm-up

8:00am Saturday 21st January 2012 in News

WORCESTERSHIRE’S final preparations for their FA County Youth Cup quarter-final against Wiltshire today saw them lose 2-1 at home to old rivals Birmingham.

In the Midland Counties Youth Championship clash at Pershore Town, a lethargic opening 45 minutes saw the under 18s concede two sloppy goals.

After shipping the opener, the hosts lost left wing-back Dominic Wheeler to injury and were punished again for more poor defending.

In the second period, Worcestershire hit back and Ollie Butler saw his shot deflected for a corner.

James Schembri put Jack Lodge clear but keeper Sam Brady blocked with his legs.

Worcestershire reduced the arrears on 60 minutes when Lodge nodded a corner back across goal for Schembri to flick a header into the net.

Birmingham were reduced to 10 men in the 65th minute when skipper Simeon Maye received a second yellow card.

Worcestershire battled in search of an equaliser but Birmingham’s 10 men held on to record a vital victory in their quest for the title.

The county’s game with Wiltshire kicks-off at 2.30pm today at Swindon Supermarine.