Lichfield City Academy reached another Q-Final and with two frustrating referree decisions lost 2-0. This disappointment was evident to see at the final whistle and the lads deserved a draw for sure. However, the positive and encouraging evidence is this game showed how Lichfield City Academy have developed this season. Halesowen Town FC were the teams first game together in their first league game of this season and the team played well but lost 6-3 and their were several areas of the team to be improved. Todays result shows development has increased and several team players will go on to play adult football at a good level. Half time was 0-0 and not many chances were created from either side. Lichfield City Academy on the counter attack looked fast, but could not connect their passes on a heavy and tight grass pitch which suited a physical home side.

Alex & Mortiboy filling in again at centre half played well and covered some ground with timed and quality defending. The second half Lichfield City Academy looked sharp on the counter attack a great passing move which found Brandon clear – produced a great pass to Max who finished straight at the goal keeper. Brandon-Joe-Jordon all then had good efforts but did not have that clinical edge today. Jordon with a clever run down the right with a fantastic cross but no one took a risk in the box. Alex got caught on a tough pitch to play on and the ref called a penalty when the team easily said outside the box.

Then quickly Halesowen scored a second when their manager told me it was offside. A frustrating few minutes where the team looked to push forward with 3 defenders at the back-but a big physical opposition held out. Lichfield City Academy had 4-5 lads today who really impressed me with their character and sure will be at the Academy next year looking to build on this seasons success. Lichfield City Academy have reached two Q-Finals and now have competition for places in the team with a midweek & Saturday league to look to finish strong positions in.