PBFC return to winning ways

Goalscorer Dayle Kirby alongside teammates Shereen Johal and Sophia Zizzi.

PBFC’s winning penalty goal.

Call an ambulance! But not for me…

Proud Baggies made a stunning comeback to win our first ever league game in the new GFSN Development League, beating Leicester Wildecats 2-1 thanks to two goals from forward Dayle Kirby - our resident paramedic who knows something about saving the day!

PBFC were hosted by the Wildecats at St George’s Park yesterday, the home of England Football. A full squad made the short trip to east Staffordshire and the outskirts of Burton-on-Trent where our Baggies got ready for a 4pm kick-off under the lights.

The team started brightly but were under pressure from an eager and robust Leicester side boasting more experience in GFSN competition and keen to use the home advantage to dent Proud Baggies confidence. That pressure told around the 20 minute mark when a powerful shot from distance soared over keeper Gaz Hales and tucked itself under the crossbar.

Undeterred, Proud Baggies FC kept at it, and a clutch throughball from midfielder Marika Malinowska found Dayle Kirby whose fierce shot fizzed over the Wildecats keeper’s shoulder to even the tie. Minutes later and substitute Shereen Johal earned the side a penalty kick just before half time, having been felled in the box by the Wildecats’ right-back, and it was Kirby who doubled his tally and PBFC’s from the spot, putting the side into the lead for the first time.

Whilst the second half wasn’t the same spectacle as the first 45, Proud Baggies - now in the lead - managed to settle into our style of football and to play more of the two touch pass-and-move football we’re good at, keeping the Wildecats running and the ball at Albion feet rather than trying to play over the top against a team superior in the air. This disciplined, smarter play made for a tighter half of football, but both teams had chances and failed to convert, meaning PBFC emerged with a huge three points to begin our league campaign.

Speaking after the game, Jordan Shepherd said: “What a day! We’ll remember that one for a long time. I’m so, so proud of everyone and I feel so lucky to be a part of this team".

Our second game - time and date to be announced - will be another away fixture in the spring against Village Manchester.