12/11/2005
NFA “K. B. Sheet Metalwork” Minor Cup 2nd Round
IJLW Brazil
Wilkinson, Mitchell, Churchley, Walker, Haigh, Day, Honeywood, Freath, Ho, Goodliff, Bull.
The match was almost cancelled for the second week running but eventually went ahead on a saturated pitch, after a last minute pitch inspection. Brazil were not overawed by their opponents, despite being placed two divisions below the Northern Alliance side.
The home side had the bulk of the possession early on but Brazil matched them, preventing any good chances. On a large pitch, Brazil found a lot of space to counter attack and the pace of Les Goodliff and Matty Bull up front meant that the visitors were always in with a chance.
Two soft goals, where the forwards got ahead of their markers, and a good finish from a tight angle effectively killed the game off before half time. Instead of collapsing, Brazil responded well and almost got a goal back before the break when Bull’s free kick was well tipped over.
The second half was tough for Brazil, playing uphill with no substitutes, but the whole team battled well. Bull, Goodliff, Steve Ho and Dave Churchley all had long range shots but the best chance fell to Rob Day, who made a lively debut on the right. Bull picked out Day’s run into the box. His shot was hard and accurate but well saved by the goalkeeper.
BT, despite having the majority of the possession, rarely threatened the Brazil goal. Their best chance of the half came when Mark Freath’s excellent sliding challenge in the box was adjudged to be a foul by the otherwise very good referee. Justice was served when Lee Wilkinson, dropping to his right, comfortably saved the weak spot kick.
Bull was deservedly name as the man of the match.