16/08/2006
John Hampson Memorial Trophy Group B
IJLW Brazil
Wilkinson, Ellis, Churchley, Walker, Mitchell (Siddle 60), Paterson, Freath, Creighton, Haigh, Johnston, Katirai (Liddell 55).
The first midweek match of the new campaign was played on a poor surface which resulted in a fair few scrappy passages of play. After an early half-chance for Mark Freath, where, under pressure, he struck a shot from the edge of the box just wide of the post (and later found out that the challenge on him had fractured a rib), the hosts had more possession in the first half, but never looked like turning their possession into goals. The best chances fell to Brazil. Freath’s superb through ball set Gordon Johnston away with just the keeper to beat but, despite netting twice in the previous match, he didn’t look confident of scoring and shot too early, allowing the keeper to push it away. Johnston then turned provider, setting James Katirai on his way. For the second time in a matter of minutes, the keeper pulled off a one-on-one save, perhaps more easily than he should have been allowed.
Shaun Haigh and Ewan Paterson both played well in their first games of the season. Paterson in particular had a very good match in his 100th appearance for Brazil. He becomes only the second player to reach this landmark.
Iain Siddle made a promising debut in the second half. Brazil defended well throughout and it took a freak goal to beat them. A deep cross from Lindisfarne’s right back was sliced and looped and dipped into the top corner, giving Lee Wilkinson no chance.
The easily recognisable Matthew Creighton was man of the match.