Damage in the Box!: WOLVERHAMPTON CASUALS (Brinsford Stadium)

It was FA cup time once again as the competition moved into the 1st Qualifying Round. Work commitments meant I had to choose a tie that was close enough to get to after one had completed ones hours.

It was Hobson's Choice really as there was only one game that allowed me to do this and, as luck would have it, it turned out to be a cracking cup tie.

Formed in 1899, Wolverhampton Casuals, of the West Midlands Regional League, were taking on Tividale, of the Midland Football Alliance, one step higher. This is the first time the sides had met in two seasons, when both sides were in the WMRL (Tividale were promoted in 2011).

This was only the second ever FA Cup tie staged at Casuals Brinsford Stadium, their first being in the last round when they beat Pilkington XXX 2-0.

On a glorious sunny afternoon, it was a pretty even first half with both sides having decent chances. Dan Watson in the home goal though had to work slightly harder to keep the score blank.

However, as the half entered stoppage time, Dean Clarke cut in from the wing and fired a low shot, which beat Tim Beech at his near post, to give the homesters an interval lead.

The Cassies were just four minutes away from a cup upset when James Cooper scored a fantastic volley from the edge of the box to take the game to a replay.

On the balance of play in the second period it was no more than Tivi deserved as The Casuals struggled to get out of their own half such was the domination of the visitors. Tividale missed numerous chances, hit the crossbar and it did appear that the Cassies had lady luck on their side, had ridden the storm and were going to hold on.

Maybe it needed something special to break their stubborn resistance and that is indeed what Cooper provided. Someone in the crowd filmed the goal if you want to take a peep.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmdmmVy74n8

The replay will take place next Tuesday at The Beeches.

Wolverhampton's Brinsford Stadium is pretty basic, with just a small seated stand, but it certainly makes the most of what it has got. The man on the gate, as you drive in, was incredibly welcoming and was happy to pass the time of day.

There is a small clubhouse, but the best has to be The Cassies Cafe. The pie, chips & gravy were served on a proper plate and the portions were generous to say the least.

All in all a great day out at a very friendly club and I would recommend a visit to anyone.