Date

A re-arranged game today at home to YMCA Youth after weather cancelled the original game in November 2007. YMCA Youth has had a good season and prior to this game find themselves in 3rd place after playing 15, winning 10, drawing 3 and losing just 2. Last week they beat Hanham Youth away by 1 goal.  

With a maximum 6 points from the last two games, we must go into this game confident, despite the gap in league position and points. We are currently 7th in the league having played 14 games, winning 6, drawing 0 and losing 8. Our points tally is 18. With only 4 games to go including this one, important that we continue to get points in all our remaining fixtures.

1st Half
YMCA kicked off the first half on a cold, windy afternoon. After losing possession from the kick off, Bradley Stoke surged forward. James S released a perfect pass to Kye who saw his shot go just wide.

YMCA got themselves back in the game on the 3rd minute winning a couple of corners. Although the corners were perfectly delivered, Bradley Stoke successfully defended them.

On 6 minutes YMCA continued to have more of the play. After a shot was saved by Fraser on the 8th minute he quickly kicked the ball high up the pitch. James S headed the ball to set up Kye who again was denied by the keeper.  

As we headed towards the 16th minute both teams were battling hard to get that first goal. James S was again unlucky not to find the back of the net after another break forward. 

On 20 minutes Bradley Stoke were beginning to have a much better period of play winning our first corner

29 minutes Will off, Josh on.

Within a couple of minutes YMCA were again pushing themselves back into the game, but like us, the final ball was missing.

33 minutes Ollie on, Ben V off.

On 35 minutes YMCA were unlucky not to take the lead after they burst through putting the ball just over the bar.

On 38 minutes, Fraser produced one of his fantastic saves to keep the score at 0-0. As the final few minutes were played out both teams had chances to get a goal before the half was brought to a close. A very competitive game and some good football at times. Bradley Stoke 0 YMCA Youth 0.

 
2nd Half
Bradley Stoke kicked off the second half. Josh and Ollie made way for Will and Ben V.

From the kick off Ben M pushed a perfect ball to James S who made no mistake as he shot passed the keeper. Bradley Stoke 1 YMCA Youth 0. 

Within 3 minutes James S again was in the action as he released a perfect pass to Kye who saw his shot come off the crossbar. This pressure continued as again in the 7th minute Ben M again found James S who saw his shot go just over the bar. 

Bradley Stoke continued to control the game for long periods although we could not capitalise on the early goal. 

On 19 minutes, very much against the run of play and also the first real attack by YMCA they managed to split the defence and score past Fraser. Bradley Stoke 1 YMCA Youth 1.

Following this goal the response was again instant by Bradley Stoke who were very unfortunate not to take the lead after Ben M saw his shot go just over the bar. 

On 22 minutes following a heavy tackle on Will it was necessary for him to leave the field and be replaced by Ollie. Joe C moved to midfield and Ollie returned to defence. 

On 26 minutes in only the second attack of the 2nd half by YMCA they again broke through the midfield and defence before putting the ball over the head of Fraser and into the back of the net. A massive blow and certainly not deserved. Bradley Stoke 1 YMCA 2.

29 minutes saw Matt make way for Josh.

As the game progressed Bradley Stoke continued again to push forward winning a number of corners. In search of the equalizer all the team was pushed into the box to try and get the goal. Unfortunately despite going very close were were unable to get the ball home. 

In the final minutes of the half, Kye made a great run down the wing before passing the ball to James. As James took the ball round a defender he passed the ball to Ben V who struck the ball well but had to watch as it hit the post.

The final whistle was sounded and Bradley Stoke had to settle for no points. On reflection we played a team that is in third place and we matched them ball for ball apart from two chances in the second half that produced two goals. YMCA can count themselves very lucky to go away with the full 3 points. For long periods we controlled the game and created many more chances. Final score Bradley Stoke 1 YMCA 2.

 Goals 1st Half  - None

 Goals 2nd Half - James Snook (1st)

 Bradley Stoke Utd               7

  YMCA Youth                       4       

 This weeks award was chosen by 'mothers day' mum Sue with help from Nick in the 1st half.

 Fanfare Please !!!!!!!!!!

 James Snook 

 Well Done

MAN OF MATCH AWARDS......(as picked by parents & friends)

 James Clayton (2), James Snook (4), Kye Worner (2), Ben V (2),  Fraser Organ (2), Will Tozer

It's nice to get the award but don't forget you still need the other 10 players !!!!!! (not all matches played were covered)

Any queries or comments please email on:

dave.salter@blueyonder.co.uk

Thanks

Dave Salter