25/09/2004
Tyneside Amateur League Division 2

IJLW Brazil
Andrew, McClure (Freath 45), Churchley, Kennedy, Davison, Paterson, Creighton, Mitchell (Marquiss 65), McGurk, Harrison, Thompson.

It took three soft goals to give in-form Killingworth the points against a plucky Brazil side. The hosts saw most of the ball early on but Brazil were quick to pressurize them all over the pitch and didn’t allow them any good chances. As the game progressed chances inevitably came and Al Andrew (Brazil’s first ever married player), making his first appearance of the season, made a couple of good reaction stops from close range. Brazil passed the ball well out of defence and through the midfield but they were quite prosaic in the final third and never really looked threatening.

Just as it looked like as if the first half would end goalless, Brazil’s first real mistake was made. A hopeful cross into the box found Killingworth’s right winger marked by two Brazil players. Somehow he managed to get between the Brazil men, get the ball under control, take a couple of touches and shoot into the bottom corner all without a challenge being made.

The second half saw more of the same; Killingworth dominated but struggled to turn their possession into goals. A great battling effort from Brazil was wasted when two more sloppy goals were conceded in a couple of minutes midway through the half. Firstly the unmarked player at a short corner was allowed to dribble unchallenged into a shooting position and secondly a horrendous mix-up gifted an open goal to the striker.

Brazil’s best chance of the match came late on when an excellent move saw Ewan Paterson run into the box and shoot over the bar. John Marquiss showed some skilful touches, on debut, but failed to make a real impact on the game. Man of the match was Matthew Creighton for his fine performance in the centre of the park.

This result leaves Brazil joint 8th in the table, having played two of the top three teams already. They have however scored only once in the four league games. This is a worrying statistic that needs to be addressed if they are to gain a respectable league position this season.