3pm 2 August 2025
Midland Football League, Division Two
Cadbury Athletic 2 Boldmere Sports and Social Falcons 2 (att 200)
One of the new football season's more intriguing ground changes has been Cadbury Athletic's move from their spiritual home at Bournville to share Birmingham Moseley's rugby stadium.
Bournville is a lovely venue, with a picturesque pavilion, but the facilities can't be upgraded in a way that would allow Cadbury Athletic to progress from their current level. Previous promotions have meant groundshares with local clubs.
When I first read that Cadbury were moving to Moseley I assumed they'd use the caged 3G pitch, but in fact they're playing on the main rugby stadium. It's an impressive ground, and certainly well above what you'd expect in the third tier of the Midland Football League.
The main feature is an elevated seated stand, while the rest of the ground is open hard standing, with some grass banking. I don't know how long Birmingham Moseley and Cadbury have agreed a share, but the ground should be good enough for promotion.
Having a ground fit for promotion is only half the battle of course, as Cadbury would also need to earn it on the pitch. Boldmere Sports and Social Falcons strolled to the division three title last season, and so provided tough opening day opposition.
The visitors were sharper early on, and took a deserved 1-0 lead into half time. A penalty for Cadbury levelled the score, and then a well-taken goal put the hosts in front. There wasn't much between the sides though, and an own goal made it 2-2. A draw was a fair outcome.
The rugby and football clubs had joined forces to make this something of a family fun day, with various attractions as well as Midland League football. It attracted a large crowd, although the official attendance of 434 seems a bit over the top. Perhaps they counted the many people playing padel and, somewhat incongruously for Birmingham, beach volleyball.
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