28/01/2006
Tyneside Amateur League Division 2
IJLW Brazil
Wilkinson, Ellis, Churchley, Walker, Kennedy, Marquiss (Elderkin 80), Mitchell, Paterson, Freath, Haigh, Bull.
Playing five across the midfield, Brazil dominated the early stages of the game and played some very attractive football when they got the ball on the ground. Although Brazil had the better of the play, chances were few and far between as Matty Bull was quite isolated up front on his own and he was fouled almost every time he received the ball. The closest the visitors came to scoring in the first half was from an excellent left wing cross by Shaun Haigh. Bull’s header was on target but didn’t have enough power to beat the keeper.
Blyth took the lead against the run of play when the referee awarded them a penalty for a foul committed 2 yards outside the area. A second sloppy goal gave the hosts a two goal lead going into the interval.
Brazil started off the better side in the second half and went close to reducing the deficit twice. John Marquiss latched onto a loose ball just inside the box but his left-footed shot was just too high. Bull curled a free kick over the wall; the large goalkeeper had to be at full stretch to keep it out.
Brazil tired as the game reached the latter stages and the league’s leading goal scorer took advantage for the league leaders, by converting a goalmouth scramble.
The 80th minute was a good one for Brazil fans; it saw the return of original squad member Chris Elderkin after six years away from football.
Dave Churchley’s man of the match award put him back ahead of Lee Wilkinson in the all time records.