The Under 12's, managed by Darren Broadribb from Newport County, made an excellent account of themselves against a very talented and physical Birmingham City Academy side.

In the 1st 20 minute period the JPLS side started very well and to be honest there was little to choose between both teams. The JPLS team looked very organized considering it was only their 2nd game and there were a lot of new faces in the squad. It was really impressive how every player looked really comfortable on the ball and were looking the more likely to take the lead as they breached the Birmingham defense on many occasions. Dan Payne going closest but the Birmingham keeper made a fine save.

Birmingham looked most dangerous on the counter attack with some quick passing football but JPLS defense were excellent and did well to keep them out. Then just before the break what seemed like an obvious off side decision didn’t go the JPLS way and Birmingham scored the only goal of the 1st period.

After several changes to the JPLS team again impressed and matched Birmingham all over the pitch. The JPLS defense again stood firm Sam Hart, Sam Broadribb, James Wyatt and Cameron Matthewson were excellent. Again the JPLS were unlucky not to get themselves a goal or two. Jacob wood and Kyle Taylor both going close. The second period ended 0-0.

The 3rd period saw the JPLS get their reward for all their hard work and excellent football, Newman Ball coolly slotted home twice to win the 3rd period 2-0. Kelvin Kuluni and Olly Hucker now playing at the back were both impressive, with plenty of well timed tackles and showed some excellent skills. Wingers Luke Verren and Thomas Bidder piled on the pressure with some great runs down the flanks.

The final period was end to end and this time Birmingham were unlucky not to score when they hit the woodwork a few times and JPLS keeper Charlie beck made some good saves. Beck was excellent through out with solid handling and really good ball distribution. Luke Evans, Will Smith and Reece Flackell linked up well but were unable to increase the JPLS lead.
The final whistle blew and the JPLS team celebrated their impressive 2-1 win against a top Championship academy team.
Birmingham’s staff was quick to praise up the boys and said they were really impressed of the quality of all the players and how well they had performed as a team.

As a result a few of the players were approached for trials. Well done boys .

The Under 13's, managed by Craig Filer from Newport County, also went behind early on and also rallied to make it 2-1 at
half time through goals from Dan Taylor and Jamie Walters.Birmingham then made quite a few changes to their team over the following 2 periods to eventually win the game 5-2. In the second period especially the rep team looked excellent and I would fancy this age group to develop really strongly as they play more rep team matches.

Both teams played really good football and you wouldn't have thought that the boys had never played together before. It just goes to show the quality that exists within our league.

We would like to thank Birmingham City FC for hosting our teams and they have identified some players that they wish to look at so it was a successful day all around.

Special thanks go to Craig Filer of Newport County who managed his 3rd rep team game - the boys enjoyed working with him, and to Darren Broadribb also from Newport COunty who managed his 1st rep team game and had a great result. Without Craig and Darrens support the games are impossible to put on so thanks so much.

Thanks to Wayne Henley also, our website guru/photographer, as normal your photos are sharp as anything and capture the action perfectly.

Thank you to all the parents who made the journey - we hope you all enjoyed it.