With former Kidderminster Harriers Conference winning captain Paul Webb making his first league appearance in a Police shirt, West Mids almost, but not quite, won their opening ICIS Midland Combination game of the season.

Visitors Massey Ferguson took the lead on eight minutes when, from a neat build up, the ball was played into the path of Paddy Connolly, who from 40 yards unleashed an unstoppable shot past Darren Carmell into the top corner.

Police responded three minutes later when an Ollie Latchford corner found Kevin Usher who bundled the ball home on the far post. Massey Ferguson came back and on 13 minutes restored their lead when a long ball found Paul Woods unmarked on the edge of the box and a superb left foot strike gave Carmell no chance. Up until half time Massey Ferguson dominated the play but the Police defence denied them another goal.

After some half time tactical changes West Mids were a revitalised team and it came as no surprise on 57 minutes, when, from a Latchford free kick on the right touchline, Russell Hullett beat slack defending to score on the far post. On 62 minutes, Police took the lead when, from a Paul Webb corner, Dave Blake timed his run to perfection and side-footed home on the near post.

Massey Ferguson would not be denied and eight minutes from time, a cross from Karl Hall found Dez Seivwright who turned his marker to fire home from close range. The game was far from over and both sides went close in the last minute to scoring a winning goal. For West Mids, a Latchford cross found Usher who headed just over from a good position and for the Tractor Boys, John Woodhouse fired a free kick from the edge of the box past the defensive wall just past the post.

Match Report by Tony 'Scoop' Pearson
West Midlands Police Football Club Press Officer