VICTORY
ENDS DISMAL RUN
After
a dismal run of results West Midland Police progressed
into the Area Finals of the Police Athletic Association
Cup more comfortably than the score line suggests
but not without a few scares against a gritty Leicestershire
side.
Indeed
it was the hosts who took the lead in an end to
end first half on 39 minutes, when Tom Longdon burst
down the left flank and his searching cross saw
Lyndon Price under pressure who turned the past
Darren Carmell for an own goal.
West Mids responded in a positive mood and three
minutes later they equalised when a deep cross from
Darren Wilkinson ended up with Dave Harnett scoring
with a shot on the turn that went in off the post.
West
Mids dominated the second half and missed several
good chances. Harnett saw an early second half cross-shot
fly just wide. A minute later a Price free kick
was half cleared to Craig Littler who fired over
from a good position. Then, on 55 minutes, Littler
crossed to David Blake who saw his close range header
well saved.
The
West Mids pressure told on 59 minutes, when a free
kick found Blake who nodded the ball to Lee Wharmby
who returned the ball to Blake enabling him to score
from close range.
Wharmby
then missed a good chance after bursting down the
middle but the keeper saved bravely at his feet.
With a minute left Leicestershire could have forced
extra time after Carmell dropped a high cross but
in the ensuing melee in the ten yard box no home
side player could force the ball home and West Mids
eventually scrambled the ball clear and then held
on for victory.
