Birmingham AFA - Village cruise to title

May 7 2008 By Nick Pullen

VICTORIOUS Village wrapped up the Birmingham AFA Premier title with a 7-2 success over Handsworth GSOB.

Title rivals Sutton United took the championship race down to the wire when they beat Silhill 3-1 the previous evening.

Despite going 1-0 down when Robbie Desmond unleashed a 30-yard rocket, Sutton stormed back with two goals from Tommy Millership, plus a third by Richard Lennon, which took them level with Village, while having the better goal difference to boot.

It meant Village required a point against Handsworth, but they left nothing to chance by racing into a 4-0 lead within 20 minutes, Paul Bennett scoring a couple of goals with Paul Nagle and Greg Reed grabbing the others.

Mike Robbs made it 5-1 before late strikes from Andy Marfleet and Rob Dunford confirmed Village as champions.

Fifth-placed Wake Green won 3-0 against Lakin Rangers who, following a promising start to the season, had to settle for fourth spot. Wakes were rarely troubled as Mark Cartwright, Jamie Williams and an own goal sealed Lakin's downfall.

Cresconians completed a 2-0 win over Handsworth and put paid to any relegation fears thanks to goals from Martin Grubb and Ben Huskisson.

Shirley Athletic secured a 4-1 win over local rivals Silhill where strikers Mike Mountford and Si Jamieson scored two goals apiece before Neil Kitching pulled back a late consolation for Sils.

AFC Somers ended the season on a high with a 5-2 success against Billesley.

Dale Hemmings scored twice with Seth Johnstone, Ben Roberts and James Johnson also on target, while Billesley responded with a Tom Hemmings double.

Athletic Sparkhill celebrated their fourth league title in successive seasons after winning Division Two.

Stephen Joynes and Imtiaz Khan both struck twice for Sparkhill as they overcame Airmark 4-0.

Division One side Old Wulfrunians won the Intermediate Cup with a 4-1 win over Division Three rivals Great Barr.

Kyle Brady crowned a superb performance by netting a hat-trick.