11/09/2004
Tyneside Amateur League Division 2

IJLW Brazil
Wilkinson, Davison, Churchley, Walker, Haigh, Mitchell, Paterson, Greenwood, Slack, Harrison, Bull. Subs not used: Hinks.

Despite the strong wind, it was very hot out on the pitch. Social had most of the early possession but Brazil defended well and didn’t allow the hosts any clear shooting opportunities. Most of Brazil’s chances in the first half were limited to quick breaks. Three times Peter Slack found some space behind the right back; twice he was unfairly stopped by the linesman’s flag and the other time he forced a save from the keeper. The linesman seemed to be Social’s most effective defender whenever the ball was played over the top for Matty Bull or Mike Harrison. Andy Greenwood had a couple of long range shots but failed to hit the target.

Midway through the first half, Social took the lead when slack marking at a corner gifted their tall striker a free header. Brazil fought back and Bull’s opportunistic long range attempted lob appeared to be going in until it was held up in the wind, allowing the keeper to make a save. At the interval Brazil were confident that they could still get something out of the game.

The game got stretched in the second half with Brazil’s tiring players defending too deep, despite the efforts of their skipper, Davy Churchley, to bring the line up. The visitors seemed to lack the urgency required to get back into the match and allowed Social to dominate proceedings. Churchley and, man of the match, Bryan Walker defended solidly but were helpless to prevent Social extending their lead.

All of Brazil’s second half chances fell to Bull. Several efforts from distance were just off target and the keeper pulled off a couple of excellent saves. Brazil’s best chance came from a defensive corner. The cross was overhit and Churchley carried the ball out towards the right wing. He looked up and saw Greenwood in acres of space and gave him the ball. Bull’s excellent run met Greenwood’s inch-perfect pass but his first touch took the ball wide and a defender recoverd to make a clumsy challenge, which he got away with.

With time running out and the result beyond doubt, Social’s star player broke from midfield and thought he was going to get a goal but he hadn’t reckoned with Brazil’s captain. Churchley sprinted across the pitch and made a superbly timed, strong sliding tackle and even came away with the ball. Brazil should have had a late penalty for a blatent push in Harrison’s back at a corner but Social’s manager inveigled the referee as he shouted from the touchline and nothing was given.