Former Aston Villa player Jordan Cox has signed with Droitwich Spa. The 20-year-old winger previously made the bench for Villa for a League cup tie. The one-time pupil of Pershore High School joined the Midland club at just 10-years-old before signing a professional contract at 18.
Playing football is something that clearly Jordan was born to do. For most of us, we’re happy to play video slots, and if you haven’t yet, then why not check them out? They’re certainly more exciting than anything Villa have managed to churn out of late and, let’s face it: you’ll have far more chance of winning than the claret and blue.
Villa could certainly use an influx of new talent like Cox. He played for both the under-18 and under-23 sides for Villa, with 11 goals in 62 appearances. He went on to play in the FA Youth Cup and Premier League Two before his release in the summer. Villa had spotted him when he played for the under nine Pershore United 07 team in the Evesham Ambassador League.
Cox is being given some breathing space by manager Mark Owen. The player came on as a sub as Spa were forced to work for a 1-1 draw with Wrens Nest in the West Midlands League Division One match last Saturday at Priory Road. The host side, which included two dual-registered players from higher leagues, adapted quickly to the 3G playing surface and stifling conditions to retain much of the game’s possession.
Lack of chances
There wasn’t much to report from the opening period, with barely any chances for either team. Only Haydn Morris and Connor Collins attempted to put the ball in the net for Spa, with neither effort causing goalkeeper Josh Raden much to be concerned with. At the opposing end, Ethan Delaney was the only player for Droitwich who caused problems for keeper Matt Oliver.
Spa began the second half with a more attacking style, but after 50 minutes of poor defending, allowed a goal from Delaney, who finished from close range. The visitors got their act together, leaving Wrens Nets sitting back and relying on the counter-attack.
Jack Davies’ introduction after an hour gave Spa some hope, with the winger forcing the Wrens keeper to make three good saves. Raden also denied Tilbury and Lemon, and while Morris’ chip had beaten the keeper, it bounced back off the bar.
Late equaliser
Spa eventually scored the equaliser when Tilbury latched on to Cory Rudd’s through-ball and squared for Lemon to put in a simple tap into an empty goal. Collins had a chance to take Spa in front but thought too long before taking his shot. Matty Hunt came close to scoring, and Davies’ cross-shot flew right across the front of the goal without a crucial touch.
Wrens Nest upped their game in the closing stages of the match and could have won comfortably. With Spa’s defence all over the place, sub Brian Ncube attempted a close-range shot that went over the bar and let Spa off the hook. Oliver then pulled off what could be the save of the year when he palmed away a powerful drive from Nathan Guest from a few yards out to preserve the point for Droitwich.
While Villa may be looking for the positives, their former teenage winger Cox is looking to rebuild his career at his new club, and while a 1-1 draw may not have been the start he was looking for, it’s early days yet.
