22/01/2005
North East Amateur Shield 1st Round

IJLW Brazil
Wilkinson, Creighton, Churchley, Walker, Kennedy, Paterson, Freath, Hinks (Harrison 65), Haigh, Bull, Smith.
Subs not used: Katirai

Brazil continued their current run of good form and dominated the first half against an improving Wardley team. The Brazil goal was never under any threat in the first half, thanks to the home side’s impressive defence. At the other end Brazil created numerous chances but came closest when Jon Hinks hit the bar from 25 yards and Paul Smith forced a smart save from Wardley’s keeper with a low left footed shot. Just as it looked as if the teams would go into the break on level terms, a moment of inspiration from Matty Bull changed the complexion of the game in the home side’s favour. He received a pass from Ewan Paterson, turned and lobbed the keeper from thirty yards to give Brazil the lead.

After the break, Brazil’s defence was even more impressive. Dave Churchley received the man of the match award for his fine performance at its heart. Wardley never looked like threatening Brazil’s lead. The home side threatened throughout, with Mark Freath having a fine shot tipped onto the crossbar. A long ball from Lee Wilkinson allowed Bull to extend the lead with his second goal of the match.

An injury to Hinks forced a reshuffle in the line-up with Smith moving to an unfamiliar role on the right wing. He coped admirably despite receiving abuse from the travelling supporters for sporting a 1940s hairstyle. A freak occurrence let Wardley back into the game. A gentle header failed to bounce and eluded the normally excellent Wilkinson and trickled over the goal line. Paterson would have been able to get back to clear it had he not slipped over in his attempt. With Brazil still leading and time running out, Wardley threw on more forwards which served to allow Brazil more space to play with the ball. Half-chance after half-chance came and went until Shaun Haigh burst clean through onto goal with only the keeper to beat. He managed to shoot on target but it was saved well. The rebound fell to Bull who, for the second week running, just failed to complete his hat-trick when a desperate lunge from a defender deflected his shot wide.