A single goal from David Blake on 51 minutes was just enough to see West Midlands Police into the third round of the Endsleigh Challenge Cup.

Visitor's Loughborough started brightly but the first real chance fell to Police when, on 27 minutes, Kevin Usher crossed to Blake who saw his first time close range shot well saved by Loughborough keeper Richard Keeling.

Just before half-time Police keeper Darren Carmell was forced to race off his line to block a shot from Mark Broomes who had broken clear.

The winning goal came when Darren Wilkinson ran through from the half way line and with Neill Hornby making a good run down the right and putting defenders out of position, Wilkinson slipped the ball inside to Blake who slotted the ball home.

Police enjoyed a good spell and almost increased their lead when a Paul Webb free kick was only half cleared to Hornby who hit the cross bar with a lob from 25 yards.

Five minutes from time Police missed another good chance when Usher raced clear but when he dithered over shooting or dribbling past the keeper he allowed the Loughborough custodian to smother the ball.

Carmell was again the Police hero in the last minute of the game, changing direction in mid air to palm away a close range, goal bound, bullet like header from Paul Gunn.

After the game I asked Darren Carmell why he had not caught the ball making his last minute save. His answer was "Ten years ago I would have". Well played DC.

West Midlands Police have been drawn away to Pershore Town or Dudley Sports in the third round.

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