Castle Vale Town FC

Words by Tracy Fisher

Castle Vale Town FC, aka the Spitfires, played their first game of the season against AFC Birmingham on Saturday 2 August – with the match played at their home ground, Castle Vale Stadium.

Established in 1998, and currently seventh in Division Three of the Midland Football League, the Castle Vale club recently signed four young players – including Rayarn Henry – who enjoyed their first competitive debut this month.

Minutes into the first half a visitor injury halted play, but as the game continued both sides fought hard to keep possession of the ball. A breakthrough for the Spitfires came shortly before half time with Josh Pitters scoring the first goal.

The second half created some good chances, and the team built momentum with Jordan Mackenzie scoring a second goal and setting the pace for the rest of the game.

Despite a missed penalty, five minutes later Owen Reynolds leapt into the box scoring the Spitfire’s third goal. An altercation between Zaman and one of the visitors created friction but was quickly diffused.

Just three minutes before full-time, Edam Suliman scored an impressive fourth goal, securing a win for Castle Vale Town FC before backflipping to celebrate the victory.

At full time the score was 4-0 to Castle Vale.

Manager Luke Evans told Castle Vale Local: “I’m really, really happy, we didn’t know what to expect from them today but they’re always a good side.

He added: “We’ve had a really good pre-season, and we prepared well, the kids that come off the bench did a really good job also, it was just a good day really, a good day in the office.”

Castle Vale Town FC are based at Castle Vale Stadium, behind Farnborough Road on the Castle Vale estate.

Castle Vale Stadium has been managed by The Pioneer Group since 2014, after the prominent estate landlord took responsibility for the sports facility from Birmingham City Council and saved it form closure.

Castle Vale Stadium also hosts local squads including Concords FC and Romulus FC.

PICTURE GALLERY: Castle Vale Town FC beat AFC Birmingham at Castle Vale Stadium / Photographs by Tracy Fisher