Tyneside Amateur League Division 2: 8th
NFA Minor Cup: 2nd Round
North East Amateur Shield: Quarter Final
John Hampson Memorial Trophy: Group Stages
Player(s) of the Year: Dave Churchley and Al Andrew (6 moms each)
Players’ Player of the Year: Steve Toms
Top Goalscorer: Ricky McClure (9 goals)
Most Appearances: Dave Churchley (28 apps, 100%)
Players used: 36
14/12/2002
Tyneside Amateur League Division 2
IJLW Brazil
Andrew, Paterson, Churchley, Kennedy, Davison, G Clark, M McClure, P Clark, Belcher (Harrison 75), Hinks (Haigh 60), R McClure.
Going into the match, Brazil were confident of coming away with a victory having been extremely unlucky not to have won the previous meeting with South Beach. A slow start by both teams, on an extremely slippery muddy surface, gradually became almost constant South Beach pressure. South Beach opened the scoring after 15 minutes and didn’t take long to double their advantage, with a nice lob, as their attackers outnumbered Brazil’s defenders. The pace of South Beach’s attacking was impressive but, generally, Brazil’s defence managed admirably. Brazil had no clear-cut chances in the first half. Their best efforts all came from the McClure brothers. Ricky McClure’s 20 yard left-footed shot was stopped, almost casually, by the feet of the South Beach keeper. A Paul Belcher free-kick was headed wide by R McClure and Mike McClure sliced his long range volley well wide, much to his brother’s dismay.
The second half continued in the same vein, with South Beach creating all the chances. They scored two more quick goals and it could have been more, if it wasn’t for some resolute defending. South Beach’s attackers outnumbered Brazil’s defence on numerous occasions. On one such occasion, they had two strikers through on goal but Dave Churchley somehow managed to get back and make an excellent saving tackle.
The introduction of Brazil’s substitutes gave them more urgency and determination and they started to trouble South Beach’s defence a little. A strong run from Shaun Haigh presented Belcher with an excellent chance from close range but he miss-hit his shot and it was cleared by a defender as it trickled towards the goal. Brazil did eventually score and it was the pick of the goals. R McClure chipped delightfully into the top corner from 25 yards, to further extend his lead at the top of Brazil’s goal scorer charts and earn himself a man of the match award. The darkness descended with quarter of an hour left to play but no side had any clear chances in this time, or if they did I couldn’t see them.
IJLW Brazil Christmas Night Out
IJLW Brazil
Churchley, Belcher, R McClure, M McClure, Kennedy, Paterson, Harrison.
The night began, obviously, in The Northumberland Hussar, as Brazil continue to support their sponsor. The turnout was much like the afternoon’s performance – disappointing and with a lot of players not making the effort. Mark Harrison joined the action late for the second time that day but at least he brought a few guests to boost the numbers. Although the occasion was not as grand as had been planned, those that attended did enjoy themselves.
7th December 2002
Tyneside Amateur League Division 2
IJLW Brazil
Andrew, Paterson, Churchley, Kennedy, Davison (Haigh 70), Belcher (Toms 50), M McClure, P Clark, Hinks (Greenwood 60), Harrison, R McClure.
The pitch was covered in puddles but, as the ball still bounced, the match went ahead but was reduced to 40 minutes per half. On a better surface it could have been a really good match as both sides tried to play an attractive passing game. Social had the better of the early exchanges but Brazil’s defence held firm with some timely tackles and blocks. On the couple of occasions Social did break through, Al Andrew made good stops. Social came closest to scoring when a free kick was blasted just an inch wide of the post after the female referee had thought that Dave Churchley’s tackle was dirty. Brazil’s defending of corners was much better this week. When Social did manage to send a header goalwards, Paul Belcher cleared off the line at the back post. Brazil had their chances too. Ricky McClure’s volley from the edge of the area was well saved. R McClure then hit a free kick through the wall but straight at the keeper, after a well worked dummy by Belcher. Paul Clark should have given Brazil the lead towards the end of the first half. Mark Harrison’s cut back fell to Clark’s weaker left foot, though, and he sliced the shot wide. Although Social had dominated possession, a 0-0 score line was probably fair at half time.
The second half took on the same pattern as the first, Social put Brazil’s defence under a lot of pressure and Brazil tried to counter attack. It didn’t help Brazil that almost every time the ball went into Social’s half, Harrison was caught offside. Steve Toms made a welcome return after a fairly serious knee injury and this allowed Ewan Paterson to push forward into midfield. It was Paterson that had Brazil’s best opportunity of the second half. He beat the offside trap and managed to poke the ball past the advancing keeper but just the wrong side of the post. To be fair to Paterson though, he did well to get to the ball before the keeper in the first place.
As the game went on, Social’s dominance grew and Brazil were constantly under pressure at the back, despite M McClure’s tackling in front of the back four. An inswinging corner was sneaking in at the front post but Gary Davison didn’t mind getting his knees dirty to deflect the ball wide. Brazil’s centre backs, Churchley and Mark Kennedy, made a number of strong tackles and blocks and it looked like Brazil might be able to hold on for a point. A goal mouth scramble ended up in the back of the net though and Brazil brought on their last substitute and changed to a 3-4-3 formation to look for a late equaliser. Churchley, the man of the match, pulled his hamstring but had to play on as there were no more substitutes and he, Kennedy and Toms continued to be in the thick of the action.
The final score was 1-0 to the home side and, although they lost, Brazil were pleased with their defensive performance against a team with serious hopes for promotion that had scored eight the previous week.
30th November 2002
Tyneside Amateur League Division 2
IJLW Brazil
Andrew, Paterson, Churchley, Kennedy, Davison, G Clark, M McClure, P Clark, Belcher (Goodliff 55), Hinks (Greenwood 70), Harrison (Toward 80).
Skipper, Dave Churchley decided to start the match kicking in the opposite direction to usual, as Brazil sought their first home league points of the season. After just five minutes, though, Brazil found themselves a goal behind as Rutherford’s big midfielder powered home a header from a corner. Brazil could have already scored by then though, Graeme Clark’s low corner was smashed wide of the near post by Paul Belcher, who didn’t realise how much time and space he had. Both sides worked hard throughout the first half and seemed to cancel each other out as there were not many chances at either end. Jon Hinks headed a G Clark corner into the ground and Mike McClure had an 18-yard drive well saved after Belcher’s clever square pass. At the other end, Brazil’s keeper, Al Andrew, wasn’t tested. The only time Rutherford got through, Andrew put off the striker and Ewan Paterson was on hand to clear from inside the 6-yard box. The visitors led by a goal to nil at the break.
Brazil began the second half as the better side, kicking in their preferred direction. The introduction of Les Goodliff added an extra dimension to Brazil’s attacking play, as his pace was too much for Rutherford to handle. The impact was immediate and the scores were levelled when Mark Harrison’s short pass on the edge of the box was hit low into the bottom left corner by Paul Clark. A couple of minutes later it looked as though the fight back was complete when Jon Hinks volleyed McClure’s cross into the same corner of the goal. The referee, who’s performance was generally poor all afternoon, incorrectly ruled the goal out for offside. By now Brazil were dominating though, and it wasn’t long before they took the lead. McClure rounded off an excellent move by blasting the ball past the Rutherford keeper. Brazil also had chances for Goodliff and P Clark.
Brazil’s defence comfortably dealt with Rutherford’s forwards, even when they started pushing extra men up. On the only occasion they got through, a fine low strike levelled the scores at 2-2. Rutherford celebrated like they had just won the league and, with over a quarter of an hour still remaining, this turned out to be premature. The sticky pitch was making it difficult for Brazil to play their attractive passing football but it was also working in their favour. Rutherford had several players that found running on that surface very difficult and even had to resort to bringing on their fat, mouthy manager for his fresh legs. Brazil’s fitness held up to the conditions, which gave the home side the advantage as the match moved into the closing stages. An outrageous foul on Andy Greenwood, by Rutherford’s manager, gave Brazil a free kick about 30 yards from the goal. Greenwood picked himself up (and was surprisingly unhurt) and lined up as if to shoot. Rutherford’s keeper must have thought he was bluffing, as he obviously wasn’t expecting a shot. Greenwood let fly with his left foot and the keeper reacted late as the ball squeezed underneath him. There was still time for a late scare when Rutherford were awarded a controversial penalty in the 88th minute. Andrew dived the right way and managed to bundle the ball around the post. Although this was his only real save, it was deemed important enough to earn him the man of the match award. Brazil hung on to take maximum points and move 7 points clear of the relegation zone.
16th November 2002
Tyneside Amateur League Division 2
IJLW Brazil
Barlow, Davison, Churchley, Ingleson, Kennedy (Haigh 70), Paterson, M McClure, P Clark, Belcher (Hinks 45), M Harrison (P Harrison 85), R McClure.
After making the worst possible start, finding themselves a goal down in the 1st minute, Brazil gradually began to take control of the game. Ricky McClure had a couple of tame efforts before clipping the crossbar with a shot from outside the box. Paul Belcher could have turned in Mark Ingleson’s free kick but, in a crowded and muddy penalty area, he couldn’t get a firm enough contact on his shot. On the half hour mark, Mike McClure’s diagonal through ball was met by Mark Harrison’s sliding toe-poke to bring the scores level.
As Brazil’s domination increased, South Beach were restricted to attacking on the break, using the pace of their forwards. Debutant goalkeeper, Pete Barlow made a fine one-on-one save and Dave Churchley cleared the rebound shot off the line, so the score remained 1-1 at the break. At half time, Brazil changed to a 4-4-2 formation to try to keep their shape better across the pitch.
Brazil continued to dominate in the 2nd half but again South Beach were first to score. They counter-attacked quickly and the shot from the edge of the box just crept in. South Beach’s travelling fans came out with “Why are you called Brazil? You play more like San Marino!” Brazil responded positively, playing some of the best football they’ve played all season, and soon silenced the boisterous crowd. Ewan Paterson’s deep cross was volleyed in from a tight angle at the back post by Paul Clark. R McClure then showed what a good touch he has for a big man. He went on a mazy run through the entire South Beach defence but couldn’t get enough power on his shot to beat the keeper. Just moments after that, R McClure gave the home side the lead. He beat two defenders then unleashed an unstoppable left-footed shot into the top of the net. A minute later, R McClure got his second as he latched onto a loose ball and fired home into the bottom corner. Brazil were 4-2 up and looked as though they were heading for their first home win of the season.
South Beach had other ideas. As the sun got lower in the sky, their long balls became extremely difficult to defend. South Beach scored two quick goals to level the scores and would’ve gone ahead if Barlow hadn’t stopped another one-on-one. Brazil were still dominating and still creating chances. M Harrison and R McClure both had chances. A corner from Clark, the man of the match, was pushed out by South Beach’s keeper. Churchley span around and volleyed goalwards but the keeper reacted brilliantly to palm it away. Churchley’s powerful diving header, from Paterson’s corner, was blocked, unknowingly by a defender. The way the game was going, there looked like there could be only one winner until the referee made a ludicrous decision. South Beach’s striker miscontrolled the ball and it rolled over the goal line so he cut inside and dived over the defender’s leg. The referee, who was 20 yards away and facing the defender’s back, awarded a penalty! South Beach scored the spot kick, to take a 5-4 lead, with just 3 seconds of the match remaining.
9th November 2002
Tyneside Amateur League Division 2
IJLW Brazil
Andrew, Paterson, Churchley, Davison, Charge, G Clark, M McClure, P Clark, Belcher, Harrison, Goodliff.
Wardley’s pitch was in a decent condition, considering the amount of rain that had fallen, and was nicely sheltered from the wind. Brazil, who had struggled to find 11 fit men, started slowly but improved as the game progressed. By the mid-point in the 1st half, Brazil were dominating the game. Wardley lacked any width whatsoever and Brazil were exploiting this by making dangerous attacks down both flanks. Down the right, Ewan Paterson was pushing on to support Graeme Clark and, on the left, Les Goodliff was drifting out wide to help Mark Harrison. This left Paul Belcher as Brazil’s furthest forward player on a number of occasions and it was to him that Brazil’s first clear chance fell. Belcher’s shot, however, was straight at the keeper.
Wardley were posing no threat in open play so, although their goal was against the run of play, it was no surprise that it was from a corner. Al Andrew parried the original header but Wardley’s longhaired captain bundled the rebound into the net. Brazil fought back and created more chances before the break, despite losing Paul Clark for five minutes with a bloody nose. Belcher and G Clark both had shots cleared off the line and Mike McClure dragged his effort wide from the edge of the area.
The second half was more open as players on both sides began to tire from running on the heavy ground. Brazil were playing deeper and attacking on the break and it was from one of these situations that they levelled the score. G Clark broke down the right and crossed into the box. The ball was half-cleared before Belcher could get a clean strike on it but was picked up by M McClure, 25 yards out. After a touch to control it he fired it into the top right corner, leaving Wardley’s keeper with no chance. With 17 minutes remaining, Brazil scored again. M McClure won the ball, deep in Brazil’s half, and fed Harrison on the left wing. Harrison, with yards of space ahead of him, kicked the ball on and galloped after it. He was too quick for the full back, which gave him the opportunity to cut inside and send a right-footed curler into the top corner. Brazil led but there was still time for a lot more action.
Wardley used up the last of their substitutes and pushed men on so that they had five up front. After their tiny centre back had been booked for a nasty tackle on Belcher, Wardley managed to scramble an equaliser. Following another vicious challenge, this time on Anand Charge, there was a minor scuffle. Charge reacted badly to the foul but was then assaulted by the Wardley midfielder. In a difficult situation, the referee decided to send both players off. Wardley had another man booked, for arguing with the referee, and Andrew was very lucky to stay on the pitch after appearing to commit a professional foul. Brazil’s remaining defenders, Paterson, Gary Davison and Dave Churchley all made some important tackles, interceptions and clearances and Andrew earned the man of the match award for making several very good saves. By the end of the game, he was really struggling after injuring his left knee whilst making the save of the match to deny the Wardley skipper his hat trick.
2nd November 2002
NFA Minor Cup 2nd Round
IJLW Brazil
Andrew, Davison (Paterson 45), Churchley, Kennedy, Haigh, G Clark, M McClure,
P Clark, Myciunka (Belcher 80), Hinks, R McClure (Harrison 65).
The Bush cut it fine, arriving just moments before the referee was going to
cancel the fixture. As a result, the start time was delayed by half an hour.
Brazil dominated the entire 1st half, but without creating as many chances as
they would’ve liked. Brazil’s movement off the ball was poor and so there were
not many options when they had the ball. There were good moments though. Gary
Davison’s early cross was headed against the bar by Ricky McClure and Dave
Churchley saw his left footed shot drift wide, having skipped past The Bush’s
fat midfielder. In between these chances, Brazil opened the scoring after 20
minutes. Mike McClure slid a neat pass inside the left back and into R
McClure’s path. R McClure, Brazil’s lone striker, had no problem in beating
the static keeper to give the home side the lead.
The Bush were restricted to a few unconvincing counter attacks and the Brazil
goal was never really threatened. Paul Clark and Jon Hinks, who worked
extremely hard, were involved in some short, sharp passing moves but it was
the lack of movement that caused these moves to end with nothing to show for
them. At the break, Brazil were satisfied with the scoreline but not the way
they had played.
Brazil, despite realising where they were going wrong, carried on in the same
way after the break. The Bush, however, were increasingly getting into the game
and looking more dangerous when they had possession. By the
time The Bush equalised, on the hour mark, the pitch had become very cut up
and slippy and it was getting harder to play decent football. This obviously
did not suit Brazil’s passing game but didn’t affect The Bush’s long ball
style.
The match looked like it was heading for a penalty shootout when Brazil
failed to deal with an 85th minute corner and went 2-1 down. Going behind
kick-started Brazil and they started to play properly after that. Ewan
Paterson was pushed up front as Brazil desperately sought a late equalizer.
The Bush were hanging on but Brazil still couldn’t create a clear cut chance.
Churchley had the best chance when he headed, man of the match, P Clark’s
corner wide of the far post.
Although they are now out of the cup Brazil can take heart from dominating a
game against the league leaders without playing well.
26th October 2002
Tyneside Amateur League Division 2
IJLW Brazil
Andrew, Davison, Churchley, M McClure, Haigh, G Clark, Lambert, P Clark, R McClure, Hinks, Goodliff.
Subs not used: Kennedy.
Brazil’s squad, ravaged by injuries, showed its strength in depth by still managing to field a strong line up. Despite the blustery conditions, Brazil looked dangerous when they got the ball down and played their trademark passing game. After 20 minutes Jon Hinks slipped a beautifully weighted through ball between the Saints’ centre backs. Ricky McClure timed his run to perfection to beat the offside trap and be left one on one with Saints’ keeper. He calmly placed the ball in the back of the net with his left foot. The goal stood, despite the animated protests from the Saints players. Saints were level within 5 minutes though. They were awarded a corner even though it was the Saints player that dribbled the ball over the goal line. Brazil’s marking was sloppy and, although Andrew saved the header, the rebound was put away. Brazil’s new-found resilience kicked in and they continued to impress with their short sharp passes. At the other end, Al Andrew made a couple of very good saves, including one from a Mike McClure lobbed own goal attempt, and Hinks and Dave Churchley cleared the danger from the corners, as Brazil looked to have learnt from the first goal.
Brazil’s second goal came from a lovely move. Shaun Haigh started it, at left back, by playing the ball up the line to Hinks who quickly knocked it in-field to Paul Clark. His pass into space was ideal for Les Goodliff to run onto and slot the ball past the Saints goalkeeper. Brazil had further chances for Goodliff and R McClure who was only stopped when the referee failed to play the advantage and blew up for a foul in Brazil’s favour. Saints are a good side, however, and they fought their way back in to the game and levelled the score before half time.
Saints started the second half as much the stronger team, going close to taking the lead on a couple of occasions. Brazil were just beginning to find their feet again when disaster struck. Tim Lambert passed to P Clark but, as he turned, his studs got caught in the ground and the referee stopped the match immediately. Lambert’s left foot was 90 degrees out of position so an ambulance was called to deal with the situation. Saints very kindly offered to abandon the match and arrange for it to be replayed at a later date. Brazil, after consulting with the referee, gratefully accepted the offer.
It would appear that Lambert has played his last game for the season as he has had an operation on a seriously broken ankle and is now recuperating in hospital, where he will have to stay for at least a week. If you would like to make a donation to the “Tim Lambert Recovery Fund”, cheques are payable to Dave Churchley.
19th October 2002
Tyneside Amateur League Division 2
IJLW Brazil
Andrew, Paterson, Churchley, M McClure, Haigh, G Clark (Davison 75), Toms (Toward 45), P Clark, Belcher (Harrison 65), Thompson, Goodliff.
Kick-off was delayed for 20 minutes as the Killingworth team waited for their lost players to turn up. This disruption threw Brazil’s match preparations into disarray. Having won their previous three games, Brazil were looking to build on this and gain their first competitive victory on their Winlaton-based home ground.
The pitch was in very good condition, despite the recent heavy rain, and Brazil started off playing their flowing passing game. It didn’t take long for Brazil to take the lead. Graeme Clark latched onto a wonderful through ball and never looked like missing as he coolly slotted the ball past the Killingworth keeper. Brazil continued to dominate and created several more good chances, mainly from corners. Three times Killingworth’s goalkeeper had to tip the ball over from under his crossbar as Gavin Thompson swung a corner in from the Brazil left. Paul Clark had a 20 yard drive excellently saved and Les Goodliff had a few opportunities.
Killingworth’s few first half efforts were all long range shots, as Brazil held them at bay well. The bad news for Brazil was that they were forced to withdraw Steve Toms at half time, after he had been the victim of three nasty fouls by Killingworth’s giant number 2.
Brazil, playing against the wind, sun and slope, found it much harder after the interval. Killingworth were using the elements to their advantage by playing long balls for their quick strikers to chase. Just as it seemed Brazil had started to cope with this tactic, the crucial goal was conceded on 60 minutes. Five minutes later, Brazil were 3-1 down. Player-manager Paul Belcher (who was named man of the match) sacrificed himself for a second striker as Brazil didn’t give up and went in search of a comeback.
The rest of the game was fairy even but with Brazil having the better of the goal-scoring opportunities. Goodliff had a couple more chances but again Brazil came closest from corners. Chris Toward headed wide a P Clark corner. From the next corner Dave Churchley managed to leap above the giant number 2 to head towards the far post but Mark Harrison guided it just wide. In the dying seconds, Ewan Paterson’s scrambled shot bounced just the wrong side of the Killingworth post.
Although this was a backward step for the improving Brazil side, it showed that they have come a long way since the start of the season. Brazil seemed to have lost the bite of the last few matches but they still managed to play some good football and create a decent number of chances. Even after the demoralising effect of conceding three goals in five minutes Brazil didn’t fold and came out as the stronger side.
12th October 2002
Tyneside Amateur League Division 2
IJLW Brazil
Andrew, Paterson, Churchley, Kennedy (Charge 60), Haigh, G Clark, Lambert, P Clark, Belcher (Toward 55), Hinks (Harrison 60), Goodliff.
In extremely harsh conditions, on a skiddy surface, Brazil, full of confidence after 2 successive wins, started very positively. Brazil played some wonderful football, looking particularly dangerous down the right flank. Paul Belcher and the Clark brothers, Graeme and Paul, were all at their creative best. Despite this, mainly due to some poor finishing, it took Brazil 20 minutes to score. P Clark squared the ball across the face of the goal and Jon Hinks, charging in on the back post, tucked away his first goal for Brazil. Although Brazil continued to dominate (P&G struggled to even get out of their half) it wasn’t until the 35th minute that Brazil extended their lead. This time it was P Clark at the back post to put away Les Goodliff’s cross. There was still time for Goodliff to get onto the scoresheet before the break, with G Clark providing the final ball.
Despite a comfortable 3-0 lead, Brazil knew that they could have had more and were expecting a tougher second half, playing into the wind. Goodliff, Belcher, and both Clarks either went close or missed chances they really should’ve scored.
Brazil continued to control the game after the interval and, 10 minutes after the restart, man of the match Belcher increased Brazil’s lead. His first effort was spectacularly saved but he had the presence of mind to follow it up and slot away the rebound. With a 4-0 lead and half an hour to play, Brazil took this opportunity to use their substitutes. Brazil continued to press forward seeking more goals. Their shape got a bit ragged after the changes and P&G did break through a couple of times. On one occasion, it looked as though P&G’s striker was one-on-one with Al Andrew until Dave Churchley made a superb saving tackle. Goodliff got himself booked for arguing over an offside decision but Brazil were still much the better side. Two excellent crosses from G Clark, on the right wing, allowed Goodliff and Mark Harrison to round off the scoring. The referee, who didn’t do a particularly good job, blew up three minutes early but, with a 6 – 0 scoreline, it didn’t really matter.