08/04/2006
Tyneside Amateur League Division 2

IJLW Brazil
Wilkinson, Ellis, Churchley, Walker, Davison, Harrison, Creighton, Honeywood, Haigh, Katirai, Bull.
Subs not used: Freath, Hetherington.

The heaviest rainfall of 2006 greeted the players as they made their way out onto the pitch. With Mark Freath and Simon Honeywood taking an erroneous detour via the road to Scotland, Brazil started the match with ten men. As the rain turned to hail, Brazil started to dominate proceedings. A temporary respite from the elements was soon followed by the snow.

The arrival of Honeywood boosted Brazil and allowed Matty Bull the freedom to push further forward. The breakthrough followed soon afterwards. Shaun Haigh’s long throw in was flicked on by Matthew Creighton. James Katirai found time to take a touch before blasting the ball into the roof of the net. Chance after chance followed as Brazil tore apart their opponent’s defence. A fine run from Shaun Haigh preceded an inch-perfect pass into Mark Harrison’s path. Unfortunately, his first touch was too heavy and the chance was lost. A goalmouth scramble led to Inter Dental’s keeper making two good reaction saves before the ball was finally put the wrong side of the post. The second goal wasn’t long in coming. Matty Bull’s corner was met by Creighton’s head, as he ran towards the front post. The defender on the line sliced his clearance and Creighton claimed the goal.

By now the snow was coming down thick and fast and settling on the ground. Craig Ellis, Bryan Walker and Gary Davison (on his comeback from injury) all tackled well to stop Inter Dental’s possession amounting to anything and on the three occasions that they did manage to get past their man, Dave Churchley was there to stop them in their tracks.

The half time interval was kept short and Brazil recaptured the initiative immediately. Haigh’s through ball sent man of the match Creighton off on a great run down the left wing. He pulled the ball back from the goal line to where Honeywood had burst forward from midfield. His first time finish left the keeper with no chance as he scored his first goal for Brazil. Moments later, the referee had no choice but abandon the match. The snow had obscured all of the lines on the pitch and was so thick in the air that the ball was hard to spot.