09/09/2006
Tyneside Amateur League Division 2

IJLW Brazil
Katirai, Mitchell, Churchley, Ellis, Siddle (Dickson 55), Paterson, Honeywood, Johnston, Liddell, Harrison, Egan.

A tough opening league fixture awaited Brazil. With Blyth Spartans currently topping the Conference North, it was always going to be a safe bet that their ‘A’ team were going to be pretty good. Brazil were missing several regular players but this gave some of the new players a chance to establish themselves.

Blyth took the lead in the first minute as they broke down the right and scored after a lack of communication in the Brazil defence. Brazil steadied themselves and held their own for most of the rest of the first half (despite conceding an own goal midway through the half). Gordon Johnston was superb in midfield and Henry Liddell continued to impress on the left. On the few occasions Brazil got the ball forward, Mark Harrison and Matthew Egan linked up quite well. Egan’s pace scared the defence and they were forced to bring him down on several occasions.

James Katirai made a sharp save diving to his right and Craig Ellis slotted in well at centre back alongside Dave Churchley. However, two goals just before half time ended the game as a contest as the visitors went into the break leading by four.

In the second half, Brazil were better, not allowing Blyth to get in behind them on the flanks. A bizarre refereeing decision (by the otherwise very good official) gifted the visitors a fifth goal. After stopping play for an injury, he allowed Blyth to play on. With players out of position they ended up with three on one against Katirai. After superbly tipping the first shot onto the crossbar, Katirai could only watch as the rebound also hit the bar before the second rebound was put into the back of the net. The appeals for offside were disregarded.

Egan picked up a yellow card for a rash challenge (probably more due to the scream of the player he caught than the recklessness of the tackle). Simon Honeywood worked himself some space for a shot but the keeper held onto it comfortably. The closest Brazil came to scoring was after Ewan Paterson had been pushed up front. He returned a one-two to Honeywood who had his and Brazil’s second shot of the match.

Despite initially indicating that Egan would be the man of the match, the decision was changed and the accolade was awarded to Johnston for the first time as a Brazil player.