REPORT: Atho 2-3 Birmingham OJM - Lutterworth Athletic

Lutterworth Athletic 2-3 Birmingham OJM

Saturday 14th March 2026

Lutterworth Athletic came close to completing a spirited comeback but were ultimately beaten 3–2 by Birmingham OJM in an entertaining contest at Ausden Clark Arena.

Five changes to the side who started the midweek match at Wednesfield saw Ben Whitehead, Abdul Bambah, Adam Shaw, and Alex Webb all return to the starting lineup, whilst Shay Young made his debut for the Atho at full back.

The visitors, chasing a play-off position, started strongly and took the lead inside five minutes when their number ten curled a superb effort into the top corner to give OJM an early advantage.

Atho responded positively and nearly created opportunities of their own, while AJ Young produced an excellent save when an OJM forward broke through on goal to keep the scoreline at 1–0.

Lutterworth were then forced into an early change after defender James McGrath suffered an injury, with Alex Vineall coming on as his replacement.

A delivery from Alex Webb swung into the box and evaded everyone before bouncing in the back of the net to level the match.

However, the visitors regained their advantage shortly afterwards when an unfortunate own goal restored OJM’s lead, giving them a 2–1 advantage heading into the interval.

The second half began in frustrating fashion for Atho as OJM extended their lead in the 48th minute, converting from close range after initially striking the post.

Despite the setback, Lutterworth responded with determination and pushed forward in search of a way back into the game.

Chances began to come more frequently, with Bradley Coleman seeing a shot cleared off the line from a corner and Adam Shaw forcing a sharp save from the visiting goalkeeper following a quick counter-attack involving Luke Merrall.

The pressure eventually paid off in the 78th minute when Alex Webb produced a superb strike from range to score his second goal of the afternoon and bring Atho back within one.

Ben Whitehead came agonisingly close when his header from a corner struck the crossbar, while Shaw also tested the goalkeeper late on.

Despite the late pressure and a valiant effort from the hosts, OJM held on to secure the three points.

Attention now turns to the next fixture as Atho continue their run-in to the end of the 2025/26 season, when they visit Cradley Town away on Tuesday 17th March, kick off 7:45pm.

Thank you to everyone who came down to support the team.

GOALS

Alex Webb 32', 78'

LINEUP

AJ Young (GK)

Bradley Coleman

James McGrath

Ben Whitehead

Shay Young

Blake Kindred

Abdul Bambah

Kieron Brehon (C)

Adam Shaw

Taylor Blyth

Alex Webb

SUBS

Luke Merrall

Alex Vineall

Josh Banton

Connall O'Dwyer

Adetomiwa Efunnuga