11/12/2004
Tyneside Amateur League Division 2

IJLW Brazil
Wilkinson, Davison, Churchley, Walker, Kennedy, Mitchell (Hanley 60), Paterson, Lehane, McDiarmid (Knight 45), Harrison, Bull.

A commanding performance from Brazil’s defence, inspired by the lynchpin Dave Churchley, gave Brazil their first clean sheet of the season. With four of the regular midfielders missing, Brazil handed debuts to four new players; Chris Lehane and Adam McDiarmid started the match and Danny Knight and Rich Hanley came on in the second half.

The home side started the stronger and would have overrun Brazil in midfield if it wasn’t for the superb performance of Ewan Paterson, playing in a more central role to usual. Even with Paterson’s influence on the game, Jesmond looked the most likely to open the scoring. Their lively front men were both quick and skilful and they worked an opening that required Mark Kennedy to make a block on the line.

Matty Bull’s hard work up front meant that he had virtually all of Brazil’s chances. The best was also the first as he intercepted a poor back pass and curled a shot narrowly wide of the far post. After that the closest Brazil came to scoring in the first period was when Bull volleyed Lee Wilkinson’s long clearance just over the bar.

The second half saw Brazil come into the game more. Brazil’s defence was thoroughly solid and Jesmond never looked like scoring. Chris Lehane improved as the game progressed and helped Paterson to keep Jesmond’s most influential players quiet.

Paterson almost capped a marvellous performance with a 90th minute winner as he ran on to a loose ball 25 yards from goal. Unfortunately his shot was rising and it kept on rising. Despite Paterson’s top class display, Wilkinson was named man of the match, just ahead of centre backs Churchley and Bryan Walker.