14/12/2002
Tyneside Amateur League Division 2
IJLW Brazil
Andrew, Paterson, Churchley, Kennedy, Davison, G Clark, M McClure, P Clark, Belcher (Harrison 75), Hinks (Haigh 60), R McClure.
Going into the match, Brazil were confident of coming away with a victory having been extremely unlucky not to have won the previous meeting with South Beach. A slow start by both teams, on an extremely slippery muddy surface, gradually became almost constant South Beach pressure. South Beach opened the scoring after 15 minutes and didn’t take long to double their advantage, with a nice lob, as their attackers outnumbered Brazil’s defenders. The pace of South Beach’s attacking was impressive but, generally, Brazil’s defence managed admirably. Brazil had no clear-cut chances in the first half. Their best efforts all came from the McClure brothers. Ricky McClure’s 20 yard left-footed shot was stopped, almost casually, by the feet of the South Beach keeper. A Paul Belcher free-kick was headed wide by R McClure and Mike McClure sliced his long range volley well wide, much to his brother’s dismay.
The second half continued in the same vein, with South Beach creating all the chances. They scored two more quick goals and it could have been more, if it wasn’t for some resolute defending. South Beach’s attackers outnumbered Brazil’s defence on numerous occasions. On one such occasion, they had two strikers through on goal but Dave Churchley somehow managed to get back and make an excellent saving tackle.
The introduction of Brazil’s substitutes gave them more urgency and determination and they started to trouble South Beach’s defence a little. A strong run from Shaun Haigh presented Belcher with an excellent chance from close range but he miss-hit his shot and it was cleared by a defender as it trickled towards the goal. Brazil did eventually score and it was the pick of the goals. R McClure chipped delightfully into the top corner from 25 yards, to further extend his lead at the top of Brazil’s goal scorer charts and earn himself a man of the match award. The darkness descended with quarter of an hour left to play but no side had any clear chances in this time, or if they did I couldn’t see them.
IJLW Brazil Christmas Night Out
IJLW Brazil
Churchley, Belcher, R McClure, M McClure, Kennedy, Paterson, Harrison.
The night began, obviously, in The Northumberland Hussar, as Brazil continue to support their sponsor. The turnout was much like the afternoon’s performance – disappointing and with a lot of players not making the effort. Mark Harrison joined the action late for the second time that day but at least he brought a few guests to boost the numbers. Although the occasion was not as grand as had been planned, those that attended did enjoy themselves.