Date

We travel across the city today to play Broadwalk. We last played them in a double fixture on 25th March 2007. The points were equally shared with Broadwalk winning the first game 2-0 and us beating them 3-1 in the second game. Broadwalk have had the better start to the season currently sitting prior to this game 3rd in the league compared to our 8th position. They have played 3, won 2 and lost their first game of the season last week away to Deerswood. Bradley Stoke have also played 3, winning 1 and losing the other 2. 

1st Half
Broadwalk kicked the game off and within 20 seconds pushed into our penalty area before firing the ball home. A disaster start giving Broadwalk the lead. Broadwalk 1 Bradley Stoke Utd 0.

Within 4 minutes after this shock start Bradley Stoke began to get themselves back into a pattern and started to push forward. However, within a minute a lapsed moment at the back allowed Broadwalk to get into the area and hit the crossbar. 

Kye was unfortunate not to get the equaliser on 8 minutes as a great goal kick from Fraser opened up the path for Kye. 

As the minutes ticked by Bradley Stoke continued to enjoy a good period of play. Both Bens in the midfield battled hard pushing balls out to Josh, Joe and James C. .

Broadwalk went close on 17 minutes but the defence held strong and cleared the ball away from danger. 

On 18 minutes we enjoyed a moment of sheer brilliance from Ben V in his new position in midfield. He managed a 'reverse moonwalk' finally clearing the ball up the field. 

As the 21st minute passed Bradley Stoke remained firmly in control and looked the better team despite still being one goal behind. Kye broke through the defence within a minute but shot just wide.

The persistence paid off in the 27th minute. Wesley took a throw in and found Ben running down the wing. Ben put the ball square into the box. Kye picked up the ball and passed to Joe who fired home for a very well deserved goal. Broadwalk 1 Bradley Stoke 1.

On 33 minutes, Kye found the back of the net but it was deemed as offside although the referee initially gave the goal. However after consultation with the lineman it was given as offside. A very harsh decision.

As we headed towards the half time whistle, Bradley Stoke again experienced a series of poor decisions together with some very 'over' physical play. However, credit to Bradley Stoke for staying composed and accepting the decisions that were both given and not given. On 38 minutes Fraser made a good save and in the last few seconds Bradley Stoke were luckly not to concede as a further goal mouth scramble took place. Broadwalk 1 Bradley Stoke 1.
 
2nd Half
No changes at half time as Bradley Stoke kicked off the second half.

In the early stages both teams battled hard for possession  

On 6 minutes after an alleged illegal back pass to Fraser Broadwalk were awarded a freekick just outside the box. Bradley Stoke packed the area and defended the goal well. 

On 10 minutes Wes was replaced by Dave after picking up an injury in the first half. As the players were exchanging Broadwalk made a run down the wing before putting the ball into the box. As Ollie tried to clear the ball it came off his foot into the back of our net. A very unfortunate own goal and certainly nothing to worry about Ollie, you're still a legend !!!!! Broadwalk 2 Bradley Stoke 1.

Broadwalk continued to bring the game to Bradley Stoke and Fraser was certainly the busier of the keepers. However, good strong defending from Josh, Sam, Ollie and Kieran helped to keep the scoreline the same. 

Within 2 minutes Kye again got the better of the Broadwalk defenders before shooting just wide. Dave, Joe, James and the two Bens continued to battle hard in the centre of the park.

On 23 minutes Braodwalk again began to pick up the momentum and again good saves by Fraser together with back up from the defence kept the ball out of the net.

As we moved towards the last 10 minutes Bradley Stoke again began to fight back but lacked that final bit of luck in front of goal.

In the final minutes both teams created a number of chances but no further goals were to follow. As the final whistle went this proved a very frustrating afternoon. It is, without doubt, key decisions certainly cost us a point if not all three. However we can only reflect on what could have been. Broadwalk 2 Bradley Stoke Utd 1

 Goals 1st Half  - Joe Cole (27th)

 Goals 2nd Half - None

 Broadwalk                  7

  Bradley Stoke            0

 This weeks award was chosen by Will Tozer :

 Fanfare Please !!!!!!!!!!

 Ben V (playing in new position)

 Well Done

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

 James Clayton, James Snook, Kye Worner, Ben V 

It's nice to get the award but don't forget you still need the other 10 players !!!!!!

Any queries or comments please email on:

dave.salter@blueyonder.co.uk

Thanks

Dave Salter