Derby Men’s 5th XI 1-3 Birmingham City Men’s 3rd XI: Visitors inflict another defeat

Words by Katy Wordley-Smith

Picture by Joel Roberts

A brace from Chris Colligan saw Birmingham City Men’s 3rd XI claim a 3-1 victory against Derby Men’s 5th XI in the Midlands 5A league.  

A first-half goal from Joe Trevor wasn’t enough for Derby as they were still defeated courtesy of goals from Colligan (2) and Phillip Roe.

The game started with both teams desperate to get forward and it was Derby who were first to come close to goal as Joe Shaw failed to convert his one-on-one

Birmingham reacted quickly with a chance of their own that was missed by keeper Ryan Plant, forcing defender Sam Jones to make a double save off the line.

Just minutes later Birmingham were awarded a free kick just outside of the box which Colligan converted to give BCU an early lead.

With half time approaching, Derby levelled the score thanks to Trevor’s half volley that keeper Josh Boakes couldn’t get his hands to.

Plant made an impressive save for Derby just moments after the break to deny Birmingham another goal. The hosts’ keeper kept it out at full stretch as it looked as though Birmingham were going to retake the lead.

Although, midway through the second period Colligan did just that and doubled their lead. It was another free-kick, this time from 35 yards out, where he looped a shot over the wall and into the back of the net.

Shortly after, Roe made an impressive run down the line before chipping it over Plant to put the game beyond doubt, meaning it would be the visitors who took home all three points.