NATIONAL POLICE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION CUP
FIRST ROUND

West Midlands Police 3, Derbyshire Police 1

West Mids progressed through to the second round of the National PAA Cup with a deserved victory over Derbyshire Police at Tally Ho!

West Mids startrd strongly and Mark Bellingham had two shots well saved by the Derbyshire keeper and a third shot hit the post and bounced clear. On 30 minutes West Mids went ahead when a long clearance by keeper Ross bate found Steve Piearce who was bundled over just inside the box. Piearce picked himself up and rifled home the resultant spot kick. Bellingham was a constant threat for West Mids and he went close twice more with a shot that hit the post and a free kick that rattled the cross bar.

Derbyshire looked certain to equalise when they broke clear but Gaggy Bedi got in a late blocking tackle to prevent a goal.

West Mids increased the lead on 50 minutes when Carl Hancox fed Bellingham who turned his marker and fired home a left foot shot from the edge of the box giving the keeper no chance. Then, West Mids effectively sowed up the match on 79 minutes when Andy Reece put Bellingham clear and he scored with a delicate chip over the advancing keeper.

Derbyshire scored a consolation goal when slack West Mids defending let in Jim Payne to shot home from 10 yards.