2nd November 2002
NFA Minor Cup 2nd Round

IJLW Brazil
Andrew, Davison (Paterson 45), Churchley, Kennedy, Haigh, G Clark, M McClure,
P Clark, Myciunka (Belcher 80), Hinks, R McClure (Harrison 65).

The Bush cut it fine, arriving just moments before the referee was going to
cancel the fixture. As a result, the start time was delayed by half an hour.
Brazil dominated the entire 1st half, but without creating as many chances as
they would’ve liked. Brazil’s movement off the ball was poor and so there were
not many options when they had the ball. There were good moments though. Gary
Davison’s early cross was headed against the bar by Ricky McClure and Dave
Churchley saw his left footed shot drift wide, having skipped past The Bush’s
fat midfielder. In between these chances, Brazil opened the scoring after 20
minutes. Mike McClure slid a neat pass inside the left back and into R
McClure’s path. R McClure, Brazil’s lone striker, had no problem in beating
the static keeper to give the home side the lead.

The Bush were restricted to a few unconvincing counter attacks and the Brazil
goal was never really threatened. Paul Clark and Jon Hinks, who worked
extremely hard, were involved in some short, sharp passing moves but it was
the lack of movement that caused these moves to end with nothing to show for
them. At the break, Brazil were satisfied with the scoreline but not the way
they had played.

Brazil, despite realising where they were going wrong, carried on in the same
way after the break. The Bush, however, were increasingly getting into the game
and looking more dangerous when they had possession. By the
time The Bush equalised, on the hour mark, the pitch had become very cut up
and slippy and it was getting harder to play decent football. This obviously
did not suit Brazil’s passing game but didn’t affect The Bush’s long ball
style.

The match looked like it was heading for a penalty shootout when Brazil
failed to deal with an 85th minute corner and went 2-1 down. Going behind
kick-started Brazil and they started to play properly after that. Ewan
Paterson was pushed up front as Brazil desperately sought a late equalizer.
The Bush were hanging on but Brazil still couldn’t create a clear cut chance.
Churchley had the best chance when he headed, man of the match, P Clark’s
corner wide of the far post.

Although they are now out of the cup Brazil can take heart from dominating a
game against the league leaders without playing well.