Date

An important two weeks again as we play for the first time this season Thornbury Falcons, playing them this week at home and next week away. Thornbury Falcons currently sit on place above us in the league, 7 points ahead us but 2 games in hand. In view of this, these are the games we need to get some points from in order that the gap does not get bigger..

Thornbury currently have prior, to this game, 19 points, having played 14, won 5, drawn 4 and lost 5. Bradley Stoke are on 12 points having played 12, won 4, drawn 0 and lost 8. Thornbury Falcons beat Deerswood 2-0 last week. Deerswood currently sit one place above them in the league. 

1st Half
Thornbury kicked off the first half on a cold but very sunny afternoon. Both teams quickly entered into the game in the early minutes. On 2 minutes, James C produced a fantastic pass up to Kye who saw his shot go just wide. 

Within 2 minutes, James C again produced a solid ball into the box and again Kye was on hand, but the keeper made a save.  

As we approached the 6 minutes, Bradley Stoke looked in control although Thornbury had made two breaks forward which had resulted in 2 corners. 

On 12 minutes Ben V persisted down the wing which resulted in our 2nd corner of the game. Ben M again produced a perfect corner onto the head of Kye who saw his header bounce off the crossbar. Within 3 minutes James C had again picked up the ball and sent it up the pitch into the path of Kye whose shot went just wide. 

On 20 minutes the persistence paid off as Ben V delivered a perfect ball to James S. James looked up as the keeper was coming out. He chipped the ball over the keeper into the back of the net for his 6th goal of the season. Bradley Stoke 1 Thornbury Falcons 0. 

With Bradley Stoke firmly in control they were awarded a freekick deep in Thornburys half. Will stepped up and his shot went just over the bar. Kye and James continued to link up well with Will, Ben V, Ben M and Wesley all giving valuable support just behind.

On 32 minutes Kye was replaced by Kieran 

On 34 minutes Thornbury broke through looking for an equalizer, again the defence stood strong and the ball was returned to Bradley Stoke.

In the final few remaining minutes of the first half Thornbury made a few attacks forward but again Bradley Stoke matched them. The whistle went for the first half. Bradley Stoke 1 Thornbury Falcons 0.

 
2nd Half
Kye back on for Kieran.

Bradley Stoke kicked off the 2nd half looking to increase their lead and get a much needed 3 points. Within 1 minute James S had again made a great run down the middle before shooting just wide of the post.

On 5 minutes Thornbury went the closest yet after breaking down the wing and putting a perfect pass onto the foot of the striker running in. As he made contact the ball flew just over the crossbar. After Fraser retrieved the ball he quickly cleared up the pitch. Some good ball control finally got the ball to James S who released the ball for Kye to step and and fire home his 6th goal of the season. Great build up play and a great taken goal. Bradley Stoke 2 Thornbury Falcons 0. 

The response by Thornbury was instant as they pushed forward making Fraser make a fantasic save as he pushed the ball over the bar. The persistence by Thornbury paid off as they broke again before scoring in the 9th minute. Bradley Stoke 2 Thornbury Falcons 1.

Within a couple of minutes Bradley Stoke was awarded another freekick which was delivered perfectly onto the head of Kye who saw his header go just wide.  

As we headed for the half way point of the 2nd half, Thornbury began to pick up their game play but again the back four of Ollie, Matt, Sam and James C stood tall and battled every ball back up the park.

On 24 minutes James S again became the provider as he found Kye free in front of goal. Kye, composed as normal shot hitting the inside of the post before going into the back of the net. Bradley Stoke 3 Thornbury Falcons 1.

Within 3 minutes Bradley Stoke were again unlucky not to increase their lead further after Will released James who saw his shot hit the crossbar.

Thornbury tried to get themselves back in the game but Bradley Stoke remained equal in all departments. As the final few minutes ticked by some tired players continued to give it their best but as the whistle was sounded Bradley Stoke took the 3 points and reduced the deficit to 4 points difference between the two sides. Next week we travel to Thornbury to play them again. Lets hope we have not only raised our game today but also our confidence and belief. Well done today lads. Bradley Stoke 3 Thornbury Falcons 1.

 Goals 1st Half  - James S (20th) 

 Goals 2nd Half - Kye W (6th, 24th)

 Bradley Stoke Utd                 3

  Thornbury Falcons                 5        

 This weeks award was chosen by Mark T/Dave S 

 Fanfare Please !!!!!!!!!!

 Kye & James Snook

 Well Done

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

 James Clayton (2), James Snook (3), Kye Worner (2), Ben V (2),  Fraser Organ, 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