15/04/2006
North East Amateur Challenge Shield Semi Final
IJLW Brazil
Wilkinson, Mitchell, Churchley, Creighton, Kennedy, Harrison (Katirai 80), Honeywood (Hinks 50), Freath, Haigh, Day, Bull.
Subs not used: Cuggy.
Brazil’s fourth semi-final in five seasons ended with the same result as the previous three – Brazil will not be playing in the final. With three regular first team players unavailable, Brazil were still able to field (what, on paper, looked like) a strong team. The large pitch should have suited Brazil’s quick, passing game – giving their fast wingers and strikers plenty of space to play in – but, on the day, it worked against them. Too many of Brazil’s players appeared lethargic and were second to the ball against a committed Red Star side that were really up for the game.
Red Star had more of the ball in the opening period, playing with the wind behind them, but Brazil defended well and there were few chances at either end. Brazil almost broke the deadlock when Rob Day headed Matty Bull’s corner goalwards, but the keeper made a good save. Just as it was looking like the match would remain goalless at half-time, the linesman made the first of his major contributions to the game. Red Star’s goalkeeper’s long kick out went clear over the heads of Tom Mitchell and the Red Star winger and out into touch. The linesman awarded the throw-in in Red Star’s favour. It was quickly taken to their big striker who was then brought down illegally in the box. The resultant penalty was well tucked away right in the bottom corner to give the hosts an important lead going into the break.
Brazil shuffled their line-up at half time and came out much more positively. They still struggled to create many chances though as the forwards seemed very isolated. At the back, Brazil were looking solid and never looked like going further behind. With time running out on Brazil’s cup hopes, player/manager Dave Churchley made an inspired change. James Katirai was brought on up front and the formation was tweaked. Within a minute, the scores were level. Shaun Haigh’s throw-in was flicked on by Matthew Creighton to Katirai who headed past the keeper from close range. By now Brazil were well on top and it looked as though the visitors would go on to claim victory in extra time, as they had in the two previous rounds, if not before the 90 minutes were up. However, with five minutes of normal time still remaining, the linesman made his second decisive and controversial intervention in the match, spoiling the good work that had been done by the other two match officials. As Bull released a pass infield from the left, he was caught late by two Red Star players. As he got to his feet he gestured towards the referee to indicate that he had been fouled but accidentally caught one of the Red Star players in the back with his hand. The referee’s assistant interpreted this as a deliberate punch. Some pushing and shoving ensued and the linesman instructed the referee to dismiss Bull. Neither Red Star player was punished for his part in the fracas.
With ten men on a pitch of this scale things were looking grim for the visitors. They got from bad to worse in the opening period of extra time when Red Star took the lead. Being a man down, Brazil didn’t have enough players to mark everyone at Red Star’s corner. It was the unmarked man that headed the ball over the defender on the post into the top corner. In the second half of extra time, Brazil actually played some of the best football of the match, particularly down the right flank, with Jon Hinks, Day, Creighton and Katirai playing some neat short passes to feet. As Brazil pushed forward seeking an equalizer, they were caught on the break. The Red Star striker beat the offside trap and put the game beyond Brazil’s reach, although they did try until the end. The last action came right in the dying seconds. Brazil were awarded a free kick 40 yards from goal. The referee indicated that were only 15 seconds remaining so Churchley quickly fired in a powerful accurate shot. The keeper was forced into making a good save. The highlight of the match was a spectacular drag-back by Mitchell which left the Red Star winger both bemused and wrong-footed. Creighton was man of the match.
As expected, Blyth Town Reserves were victorious in the other semi-final, beating West Jesmond 2-0 away from home. This sets up a top against bottom final on 3rd May. I’ll have some spare tickets if you would like to go.
Other news:
No training until further notice.