15/10/2005
Tyneside Amateur League Division 2

IJLW Brazil
Andrew, Mitchell, Churchley, Walker, Haigh, Paterson, Freath, Honeywood, Ho, Smith.

With one player stranded in Athens and three others dropping out on the morning of the match, Brazil’s squad was depleted to just 10 men. Playing a 4-4-1 formation, Brazil were under pressure right from the start but defended solidly and stoically throughout the team. Unsurprisingly, it was the hosts that took the lead but it was in a somewhat fortunate manner. A shot that hit the post could have gone anywhere but it rebounded straight to West Jesmond’s striker in the crowded penalty area.

Chances were few and far between for the visitors but they did get themselves back into the game before the break. Bryan Walker over hit his attempt to play a 40 yard free kick into the box, so it turned into a shot. The keeper looked to have plucked it from the top corner but, as the players began to turn away, he somehow fumbled it and spilled it at the feet of the alert Ewan Paterson. Brazil’s smallest player levelled the scores just minutes before half time.

A soft goal immediately after the break put West Jesmond back in control and it needed Brazil to be at their most resolute in defence to keep the score down, especially after a heel injury to Mark Freath (not old age) stopped him from being able to run. This included an excellent double block on the line by Paterson.

Paul Smith had worked extremely hard as the lone striker. Some good build up play in the midfield gave Smith a chance but his shot was saved comfortably. With time running out, Brazil could have stolen a point. A counter attack up the left flank set Steve Ho free into the box. His shot was hard and on target but within reach of the large Jesmond goalkeeper.

The final goal wrapped up the victory for the home side. Al Andrew was unlucky as a sharp reaction save rebounded straight to Jesmond’s big Bosnian striker.

Dave Churchley was the man of the match on the weekend after his birthday.