10/09/2005
Tyneside Amateur League Division 2

IJLW Brazil
McClure, Davison, Churchley, Walker, Haigh, Paterson, Hinks, Armstrong, Ho, Marquiss, Bull.

On a much wetter surface than they have been used to this season, Brazil made a slow start. However, as Dan Armstrong and Jon Hinks managed to get hold of the ball more in midfield, the hosts started to look like the better side. It was against the run of play when Blyth took the lead. Brazil responded well and created several half-chances and one very good one. Ewan Paterson, surprisingly far infield from the right, latched onto the ball and easily got past the last defender. As the keeper came out to meet him he lifted the ball over him but also over the crossbar.

Another goal against the run of play for the visitors was much more than they deserved in the first half but Brazil did strike back to reduce the deficit. For the first time this season a Brazil player other than Matty Bull scored a goal. Bull was involved however. He turned provider, swinging in a corner which was met by the head of Shaun Haigh with just enough conviction to see it cross the line.

In the second half Brazil started off the better team again but as the game progressed injuries, tiredness and lack of substitutes conspired against them to let Blyth run out comfortable winners with a very flattering score line. It could have been even worse when a fine run down the left wing followed by a perfect cross into the box looked odds on to give Blyth another goal. Somehow, however, Brazil’s player-manager Dave Churchley, under great pressure from the Blyth striker, managed to head the ball out from under the crossbar.

Brazil were still playing well though when they had possession and created several chances of their own. The best came from a long throw-in by the goal scorer, Haigh. Churchley flicked it on after making a clever late run into the box. John Marquiss’ first touch was good but, after not seeing or hearing Paterson in the perfect position to put it away, he shot over the bar on the turn. Bryan Walker also shot over late on, with his weaker left foot, after he and Churchley had worked the opening between them following a corner by Bull.

Steve Ho was man of the match.