AFC Jacks defy the odds to net final spoils
AFC Jacks’ never-say-die spirit saw them end the season on a high by lifting the Birmingham County FA Roger Wood Memorial Cup.
A keenly-contested final against Austin Ex Apprentices finally went AFC Jacks’ way on penalties after they overcame the dismissal of Sean Williams and the loss of Sandeep Singh due to a broken leg.
It was Austin who struck first at Ray Hall Lane when they capitalised on a defensive mistake from AFC Jacks.
They held that lead at the break and the odds appeared stacked in their favour when Williams was shown a straight red. But with time running out, an excellent chip over the top set the pacy Nicholas Turton clear and he finished coolly to level the scores.
Singh the suffered his injury six minutes from time with the game held up for an hour. Austin then looked to have clinched victory when the nosed in front following the resumption.
But there was still time for one more piece of drama as Nathan Stone poked home a last-gasp leveller for Jacks.
Boosted by their late goal, AFC Jacks then triumphed 3-1 on penalties.
The league action saw Wolverhampton Casuals Sunday clinch a third-placed finish in the Premier Division courtesy of a 4-2 win at Otter & Vixen.
Alex Hyde bagged a hat-trick for Casuals with Carlo Franco adding their other goal.
Division Four champions Wolves Pride ended an impressive season in style as four goals from Kyle Matthews helped them beat Barley Mow Wanderers 7-4. Kieron Moran, Daniel Bragoli and Pat Rafferty joined Matthews on the scoresheet for Pride.
