NOTTINGHAMSHIRE FA 1 WORCESTERSHIRE FA 2
Worcestershire opened their Midland Counties Youth Football Championship campaign with a merited odd goal in three victory over Nottinghamshire in difficult wet conditions at Calverton Miners Welfare FC.
After a sluggish start Chris Bright was twice thwarted by home goalkeeper Donny Howarth, whilst at the other end Rob Holmes confidently held Shannon Grant’s powerful shot.
Midway through the half Worcestershire began to dominate with Zac Costello and debutant Dreniz Bala going close before Omar Spence swept home Bright’s cross after a fine flowing move to give the visitors the lead on 35 minutes.
It took a fine double save by Rob Holmes to deny Lee Day giving Nottinghamshire an equaliser just before half time.
Worcestershire continued to hold the upper hand at the start of the second half, but they were rocked when the home side netted a 70th minute equaliser when Luis Alves low shot found the back of the net through a ruck of players.
Stung into action, Louis Loader saw two shots go narrowly wide before restoring Worcestershire’s advantage in the 75th minute by netting from close range after a shot had rebounded off the goalpost.
Joe Kings had a chance to seal victory in the 82nd minute, but saw his shot cleared off the line.
Nottinghamshire exerted some late pressure in search of a second equaliser, but the Worcestershire defence held firm to record their first away victory over their opponents after two previous defeats.