BRINKLOW FC MANAGER EDWIN GREAVES COMMENTS ON HIS TEAM'S LOSS ON PENALTIES TO BIRMINGHAM IRISH...

EDWIN: JUST ABOUT TO FLAG HIMSELF UP...

"In a close 1st half, when neither goalkeeper was really tested, we played the better football and at times Birmingham Irish could not get out of their half. Our problem was our delivery into the final third, which was either rushed or overhit.

We took the lead in the 46th minute when Hosein and Macca linked up to set Blake Kassar free to score: 0-1.

In the 57th minute Birmingham Irish equalised, which will unfortunately go down as an own goal: 1-1.

With both sides trying to force a winner, our best 2 chances came in the last 10 minutes.

Firstly, 2nd half substitute Yusaf was fouled in the box: for me a definite penalty and secondly Macca Richards rounded the goalkeeper in the last minute and a defender produced brilliant work to clear his shot off the goal-line: F.T. 1-1.

The game went straight to penalties and Birmingham Irish went 1st:

Pen 1: BI- Mally saved to his right.

Pen 2: Macca Richards scored; 0-1.

Pen 3: BI- Mally saved to his left.

Pen 4: Danny Lucas put his shot wide; 0-1.

Pen 5: BI- scored; 1-1. 

Pen 6: Tatenda Baku's shot was saved; still 1-1.

Pen 7: BI- scored; 2-1.

Pen 8: Jordan Hayward scored; 2-2

Pen 9: BI- scored

Pen 10: Nathan Stoute hit the crossbar; 3-2.

In summing up this game:

I found myself with mixed emotions after this game.

The obvious disappointment of losing the game was hard to balance against what my players showed me over 90 minutes today.

If we can maintain these standards and continue to improve, we will start winning games and slowly start climbing the table.

Good fortune to Birmingham Irish for the remainder of the season.

On to the next game..."

EDWIN GREAVES, MANAGER, BRINKLOW FC...