26/08/2006
John Hampson Memorial Trophy Group B
IJLW Brazil
Katirai, Ellis, Churchley, (Walker 30), Liddell, Drozdowicz, Creighton, Johnston, Ho, Haigh, Myhill.
The referee failed to turn up on time, having spent a while wandering around Blaydon with no idea of where he was going. Whilst the team where warming up, waiting for the referee to arrive, Lee Wilkinson suffered a freak injury. After diving to collect Shaun Haigh’s shot, he reeled in pain as blood poured from his leg. Cleaning the blood away revealed a long, very deep gash. Bryan Walker took Wilkinson to hospital (where he received 10 stitches) meaning that Brazil had to start the match with 10 men, with Shaun Haigh covering at centre back and debutant Craig Myhill up front on his own.
Blyth used their one-man advantage well, passing the ball around and encouraging their spare man to push forward. A clumsy challenge in the box, followed by an exaggerated dive, resulted in the visitors being awarded a penalty. Although miss-hit, it was right in the corner leaving James Katirai with no chance.
Walker’s return allowed Brazil to revert to their favoured 4-4-2 formation and start to put Blyth under some pressure. Myhill’s free kick was hard and on target but from slightly too far out to trouble Blyth’s goalkeeper.
After the break Brazil were more dominant and created numerous chances. Haigh, Gordon Johnston, Matthew Creighton and Steve Ho all had shots but they all either lacked direction or power. It wasn’t all one-sided, though. Brazil had to defend well and Katirai was quick off his line to snuff out potential danger. Craig Ellis had another good game at full back, as did Henry Liddell in his first time there for Brazil. The one time Katirai was beaten, Dave Churchley was on hand to hook the ball clear before it reached the goal line. Churchley went on to be named as man of the match, ahead of Creighton.
This was the last match for Brazil in this season’s John Hampson Memorial Trophy. The league campaign kicks off on Saturday 9th September.