Bailey the hero as Midshires win cup final thriller!

Sunday 11th May 1997

Hat-trick hero, Mark Bailey, grabbed a priceless extra time goal as Birmingham Midshires capped a fine debut season with a thrilling 5-4 final victory over Longacres.

Played at Aldersley Stadium, in torrential rain, Bailey headed home Russell Everitt's free kick to steer his side to victory as both teams had played their part in a goal-laden ninety minutes of football as the bad weather showed no sign of easing up.

Midshires opened up a 2-1 interval lead and despite leading 4-2 with minutes remaining, thanks to a brace from in-form striker Bailey and a goal each for Alun Bason and Russell Everitt, Longacres pressed hard and scored two late goals to set up extra time before Bailey pounced, much to the delight of the victors large following of supporters.

Alun Bason, who was deputising for the absent regular captain, Alan Selby, lifted the trophy to add to their second division title success.

BIRMINGHAM MIDSHIRES

Matthew Beech, Noel Pickering, Russell Everitt, Alan Selby (c), Naresh Lal, Nick Collier, Alun Bason, James Morrison, Scott Saxby, John Shuttleworth, Darren Young, Mark Bailey, Darren Onions, Mark Carrington, Ian Smith, John Powell, Simon Robins, Arron Fielder

NEW JUNCTION

Gavin Swinerton, Lee Perrins, Steven Foster, Mark Foster, Dave Foster, Christopher Raybon, Anthony Raybon, Subash Memi, Mark Pincher, Gavin Lewis, Matthew Lowe, Mark James, Jason Lewis, Craig Lewis

Referee: Pete Pranauskas
Linesmen: Pete Cox & Kelvin Brittain

Venue: Aldersley Stadium

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