26th October 2002
Tyneside Amateur League Division 2
IJLW Brazil
Andrew, Davison, Churchley, M McClure, Haigh, G Clark, Lambert, P Clark, R McClure, Hinks, Goodliff.
Subs not used: Kennedy.
Brazil’s squad, ravaged by injuries, showed its strength in depth by still managing to field a strong line up. Despite the blustery conditions, Brazil looked dangerous when they got the ball down and played their trademark passing game. After 20 minutes Jon Hinks slipped a beautifully weighted through ball between the Saints’ centre backs. Ricky McClure timed his run to perfection to beat the offside trap and be left one on one with Saints’ keeper. He calmly placed the ball in the back of the net with his left foot. The goal stood, despite the animated protests from the Saints players. Saints were level within 5 minutes though. They were awarded a corner even though it was the Saints player that dribbled the ball over the goal line. Brazil’s marking was sloppy and, although Andrew saved the header, the rebound was put away. Brazil’s new-found resilience kicked in and they continued to impress with their short sharp passes. At the other end, Al Andrew made a couple of very good saves, including one from a Mike McClure lobbed own goal attempt, and Hinks and Dave Churchley cleared the danger from the corners, as Brazil looked to have learnt from the first goal.
Brazil’s second goal came from a lovely move. Shaun Haigh started it, at left back, by playing the ball up the line to Hinks who quickly knocked it in-field to Paul Clark. His pass into space was ideal for Les Goodliff to run onto and slot the ball past the Saints goalkeeper. Brazil had further chances for Goodliff and R McClure who was only stopped when the referee failed to play the advantage and blew up for a foul in Brazil’s favour. Saints are a good side, however, and they fought their way back in to the game and levelled the score before half time.
Saints started the second half as much the stronger team, going close to taking the lead on a couple of occasions. Brazil were just beginning to find their feet again when disaster struck. Tim Lambert passed to P Clark but, as he turned, his studs got caught in the ground and the referee stopped the match immediately. Lambert’s left foot was 90 degrees out of position so an ambulance was called to deal with the situation. Saints very kindly offered to abandon the match and arrange for it to be replayed at a later date. Brazil, after consulting with the referee, gratefully accepted the offer.
It would appear that Lambert has played his last game for the season as he has had an operation on a seriously broken ankle and is now recuperating in hospital, where he will have to stay for at least a week. If you would like to make a donation to the “Tim Lambert Recovery Fund”, cheques are payable to Dave Churchley.