16/08/2003
John Hampson Memorial Trophy Group Stage

IJLW Brazil
Andrew, Davison, Churchley, M McClure, Charge, Paterson, Belcher (Toward 60), Toms, Haigh (McGowan 45), Gavan, McKay.

After conceding an early goal, Brazil battled their way back into the game against a side from the division above. Paul Belcher wouldn’t let Saints settle on the ball in midfield as he broke up numerous attacks with his hard (and sometimes illegal) tackling. As the game progressed, Brazil had more possession and gained more ground which relieved a bit of the pressure from the overworked defence.

Belcher’s chipped free kick was just out of the reach of Steve Toms as he lunged in at the back post. Brazil did even up the scores though. Andrew Gavan made a superb run down the right wing, beating two defenders with skill and pace, before cutting the ball back to edge of the box for Toms. Toms’s miss-hit shot fell kindly for the on-rushing Neil McKay who couldn’t fail to score his first goal for his new club. Brazil failed to build on their progress and conceded a second soft goal on the stroke of half-time.

With Shaun Haigh leaving during the interval to go on holiday, the resultant reshuffle left Brazil without any width in midfield. The full backs, Anand Charge and Gary Davison, compensated for this on the attacking front by getting forward into wide areas and putting crosses in whenever they could. It did leave Brazil vulnerable to Saints’s counter attacks though, particularly after Belcher had to go off with a painful knee injury, sustained during another hard tackle. Just before he departed, his delicate free kick almost set up Mike McClure who had made an excellent run to find some space in the box.

Although Brazil were looking good in possession, it was Saints that seemed to have more of a killer instinct. A cleverly worked short corner resluted in their third goal. Brazil fought back again though and reduced the deficit when Dave Churchley’s powerful and accurate header sent Ewan Paterson clear. He still had plenty to do but managed to score his second of the season at the second attempt.

Toms’s work rate and skill on the ball earned him the man of the match award again but it was not enough to stop Saints scoring two outrageous goals to leave them with a somewhat flattering scoreline. First, the left back (who had been the worst player on the pitch up to this point) hit a 45 yard volley which looped over Al Andrew, who appeared to have been distracted. The second was a beautifully weighted 30 yard chip which dipped just under the cross bar.

This result means that Brazil are now unable to progress in this tournament but there is still one match remaining for them to try to improve before the league starts.