The ACN Match Review: Birmingham (h) | OneFootball

How did we play?

It’s been a week of back-slapping and media exposure so of course we were going to ACN ourselves. First 15 mins: sleepy, Cordoba of old, caught on the counter, a bit bewildered. Rest of the first half: just trying to keep in the game. Second half: scared the bejeesus out of Birmingham and with even a half fit squad would’ve won this game and partied all night. We’re not going up or down but considering the lack of players available, that was one of the best attempts at a comeback I’ve seen in a long time at Carrow Road. Just one note: this was a game crying out for Kvistgaarden’s energy and yet he only got 20 minutes. 

What was the best bit of the game?

Kenny’s rocket was exactly what we needed at a time when we were desperate for our dominance to make a difference. A shout to the almost instantaneous support from the second half whistle – a heartening moment that we’ve rarely witnessed at 2-0 down in recent times.

What was the worst bit of the game?

It would be obvious to say the first 15 minutes of this game but how the referee didn’t find some extra time for the endless delay tactics from Birmingham’s players is a mystery, particularly as he was so fussy about everything else. As an U13s coach, I have to witness some terrible behaviour towards referees so I will always give them the benefit of the doubt; I thought he got a lot right despite our protestations. However, towards the end of the game he let Birmingham take the piss out of him so can’t complain that he took so much flack.

What was the atmosphere like?

As you’d expect after going 2-0 down in the first 15 minutes, it was flat. We couldn’t get going on the pitch or in the stands. Not sure it was worth some of the blood-curdling complaints behind me, mind. But the half time talk at the bars was ‘if anyone can turn it around, PC can.’ Team and fans came out swinging for a cracking second half, and only the scoreline disappointed. Birmingham’s support was loud, albeit many songs classless and outdated. I wonder if their bus got them back to the 1970s in time to watch ‘Till Death Do Us Part’.

Hero of the match

The fans. Well deserved.

Summary in Five Words

You were lucky, Brum fans.