16th November 2002
Tyneside Amateur League Division 2
IJLW Brazil
Barlow, Davison, Churchley, Ingleson, Kennedy (Haigh 70), Paterson, M McClure, P Clark, Belcher (Hinks 45), M Harrison (P Harrison 85), R McClure.
After making the worst possible start, finding themselves a goal down in the 1st minute, Brazil gradually began to take control of the game. Ricky McClure had a couple of tame efforts before clipping the crossbar with a shot from outside the box. Paul Belcher could have turned in Mark Ingleson’s free kick but, in a crowded and muddy penalty area, he couldn’t get a firm enough contact on his shot. On the half hour mark, Mike McClure’s diagonal through ball was met by Mark Harrison’s sliding toe-poke to bring the scores level.
As Brazil’s domination increased, South Beach were restricted to attacking on the break, using the pace of their forwards. Debutant goalkeeper, Pete Barlow made a fine one-on-one save and Dave Churchley cleared the rebound shot off the line, so the score remained 1-1 at the break. At half time, Brazil changed to a 4-4-2 formation to try to keep their shape better across the pitch.
Brazil continued to dominate in the 2nd half but again South Beach were first to score. They counter-attacked quickly and the shot from the edge of the box just crept in. South Beach’s travelling fans came out with “Why are you called Brazil? You play more like San Marino!” Brazil responded positively, playing some of the best football they’ve played all season, and soon silenced the boisterous crowd. Ewan Paterson’s deep cross was volleyed in from a tight angle at the back post by Paul Clark. R McClure then showed what a good touch he has for a big man. He went on a mazy run through the entire South Beach defence but couldn’t get enough power on his shot to beat the keeper. Just moments after that, R McClure gave the home side the lead. He beat two defenders then unleashed an unstoppable left-footed shot into the top of the net. A minute later, R McClure got his second as he latched onto a loose ball and fired home into the bottom corner. Brazil were 4-2 up and looked as though they were heading for their first home win of the season.
South Beach had other ideas. As the sun got lower in the sky, their long balls became extremely difficult to defend. South Beach scored two quick goals to level the scores and would’ve gone ahead if Barlow hadn’t stopped another one-on-one. Brazil were still dominating and still creating chances. M Harrison and R McClure both had chances. A corner from Clark, the man of the match, was pushed out by South Beach’s keeper. Churchley span around and volleyed goalwards but the keeper reacted brilliantly to palm it away. Churchley’s powerful diving header, from Paterson’s corner, was blocked, unknowingly by a defender. The way the game was going, there looked like there could be only one winner until the referee made a ludicrous decision. South Beach’s striker miscontrolled the ball and it rolled over the goal line so he cut inside and dived over the defender’s leg. The referee, who was 20 yards away and facing the defender’s back, awarded a penalty! South Beach scored the spot kick, to take a 5-4 lead, with just 3 seconds of the match remaining.