Date

After last weeks home win against Thornbury Falcons we travel away this week to take on Thornbury again. The win last week put us 4 points behind Thornbury but with 2 games in hand. Confidence should be good today as we chase another 3 very important points.

Including this game we now have 5 games left. 3 away and 2 home.  

1st Half
Bradley Stoke kicked off the first half looking for another 3 points. Thornbury Falcons quickly won possession and pushed towards our goal. They were awarded a free kick just outside our box but our defence proved too strong.

As we approached the 5 minute stage, Bradley Stoke began to play some very good football, James S broke free and the keeper made a great save to push the ball out for our first corner of the afternoon.

Bradley Stoke continued to take the game to Thornbury and another perfect pass by Ben M on 10 minutes set James S free, who again saw his shot saved by the keeper. 

On 14 minutes it was necessary for Ollie to leave the pitch after picking up an injury. He was replaced at the back by Joe Coles. Within minutes the ball was being pushed forward and we were unlucky not to open the goal account after James S put a ball through to Kye whose shot was saved by the keeper. 

On 21 minutes Bradley Stoke were awarded another corner. Ben M put a perfect ball onto the head of Will who pushed the ball into the running feet of Joe Cole who struck home his 6th of the season and our first of the afternoon. Thornbury Falcons 0 Bradley Stoke Utd 1.

With Bradley Stoke firmly in control, Thornbury were able only to make the odd break forward. Their closest was on 27 minutes when they broke through the defence but Fraser produced a first class save to keep the scoreline intact. 

On another serge forward the ball was pushed out to the wing to Ben V. Ben crossed the ball into the box allowing Wesley to beat the defender, heading the ball into the top corner of the net. 34 minutes had passed  Thornbury Falcons 0 Bradley Stoke Utd 2.

Within 1 minute, Bradley Stoke were again pushing for another goal as Kye saw his shot go just wide. In the final few minutes of the half, Thornbury were awarded a throw in. As the ball met a Thornbury striker he turned and twisted in front of goal before finally shooting hard past Fraser. Thornbury Falcons 1 Bradley Stoke 2.

As the half time whistle went, Bradley Stoke were left to reflect on a very good first half performance only spoilt by the slight lapse in concentration to allow Thornbury back in the game. Thornbury Falcons 1 Bradley Stoke Utd 2.

 
2nd Half
Thornbury Falcons brought the second half to a start following the team talks to both teams. 

In the early minutes, Thornbury began to push forward as they looked for the equiliser. 

On 5 minutes some great football by Bradley Stoke saw Will pass to Ben M who released James S whose shot went just over the bar.

On 10 minutes Bradley Stoke began to take control again. Within  the next 5 minutes or so Kye set up James S as the final ball went just over. 

On 15 minutes Ben V was yellow carded for an alleged illegal tackle. Within 2 minutes Bradley Stoke were again looking dangerous in front of goal as Kye saw his final shot go just wide.

The constant pressure paid off in the 22nd minute as Matt found James S on the wing. James made one of his runs to the line before putting the ball into the box. As Bradley Stoke players tried to get to the ball it hit a defender and went into the net for an own goal. Thornbury Falcons 1 Bradley Stoke Utd 3.

Within 2 minutes Bradley Stoke had again pushed up the field. Both Bens were involved as the ball was released to Kye who ran for goal. Kye shot but the ball sliced towards the corner post. Kye chased the ball and he passed it back to James S. James got his foot under the ball and aimed towards goal. The ball looped in the air before finally beating the keeper and landing in the back of the net. Fantastic goal. Thornbury Falcons 1 Bradley Stoke Utd 4.

And then a rare moment happened, after the referee made an unpopular decision which was questioned by Mark T, Will shouted out and I quote "The referee has made the decision, let's get on with it". Wow.......... one quiet dad !!!!!!!!!

In the last 8 minutes with Bradley Stoke firmly in the driving seat, Mark T changed the formation to 4-4-2 allowing Matt to go up front and Will to drop into defence. 

On 37 minutes, Thornbury were awarded a free-kick just outside the box. The Thornbury player smacked the ball through the crowded box and somehow it ended up in the back of the net. A late consolation goal, Thornbury Falcons 2 Bradley Stoke Utd 4.

The referee called time and the game came to a conclusion. An excellent team performance from Bradley Stoke. Good solid defence, a very active midfield and Kye creating all sorts of problems up front. This result now puts us 1 point behind Thornbury Falcons with 2 games in hand. Well done to you all. We hope Ollie gets better soon after the injury......Final score Thornbury Falcons 2 Bradley Stoke Utd 4

 Goals 1st Half  - Joe Cole (21st) Wesley Salter (31st)

 Goals 2nd Half - Own Goal (22nd) James Snook (37th)

 Thornbury Falcons               9

  Bradley Stoke Utd               2       

 This weeks award was chosen by Clive Winward (assisted by Carol) !

 Fanfare Please !!!!!!!!!!

 Fraser

 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 (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