Match Report: Moors vs Blues - Arthur Cup
Birmingham City came out comfortable 3-0 winners in our annual Arthur Cup game at Damson Park. Played in loving memory of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes, a local young boy and Birmingham fan. Arthur tragically lost his life in June 2020, in the place that should have been safest for him, his home.
On a day where the Solihull sun was shining almost as brightly as Arthur's smile, Birmingham City fielded a strong team, featuring internationals and regular starters, as well as some exciting young talent.
Birmingham came flying out of the blocks, with August Priske having a header ruled out for offside in the opening 3 minutes. The referee then awarded a penalty after Briar Bateman was taken down after bursting into the box on 5 minutes. Priske stepped up and made no mistake from the spot, going straight down the middle to put Blues 1-0 up.
Goalkeeper Nat Ford then did well to deny a curling effort from Bateman as Blues continued to dominate possession. Several chances followed for the away side, before Taylor Gardner-Hickman went close with a long-range attempt that went just over the bar.
A couple of changes at the break saw The Moors bring on Ben Worman and young attacker Ben Wodskou in an effort to add more creativity and pace to the attack. Birmingham changed their whole starting 11, giving plenty of the squad more minutes as they step up their preparations for the upcoming Championship season.
It was Blues that struck next in the 51st minute. A corner was taken short, and after a quick one-two, Alex Cochrane fizzed a dangerous low cross into the six-yard box that hit the unfortunate Matty Carson and ended up in the back of the net.
Chances were at a premium for The Moors against a tough, well organised defence. As the game became more stretched in the energy-sapping heat, Solihull pressed for opportunities and Birmingham had long spells of possession.
Blues should have extended their lead when the lively Demarai Gray did well to find Carlos Vicente in the box, only for him to fire wide at the back post. Kanya Fujimoto and Gray had further chances, the latter been denied by a fantastic Alex Whitmore block.
In the closing stages, Gray picked up a loose ball just past the halfway line and showed pace and power to see off several challenges, before having the composure to fire the ball into the far corner of Ford's goal.
In a game that is more about the cause than the result, we'd like to thank all 1186 of you that attended the fixture. Your support provides vital funds to the NSPCC and the Solihull Moors Foundation to continue their preventative work with vulnerable and at-risk children across Birmingham and the surrounding areas.
Congratulations to Birmingham City on retaining the Arthur Cup.
Next up for The Moors is an away trip at Keys Park on Saturday, 18th July to face Hednesford Town.
Match report written by Scott Cattell
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