Date

After last weeks Easter break plus the previous weeks game postponed due to the weather we travel away to Deerswood Youth. They currently sit two places above us but 10 points in front. They are 5th in the league having played 16, won 9, drawn 1 and lost 6. We have played the same number of games but have won 6, drawn 0 and lost 10. 

1st Half
Bradley Stoke kicked off the first half in warm sunny conditions. The first shot of the game was recorded by Deerswood within 2 minutes after their shot went just wide. 

As the game proceeded a fairly uneventful period of play took place with both teams trying to get into a settled pattern. On 9 minutes Deerswood won the first corner of the game which was easily cleared by Bradley Stoke. 

On 14 minutes Will changed positions with Joe C at the back 

Within 5 minutes Joe C put a perfect ball onto the foot of James who twisted and turned the defenders before firing the ball home. Great, simple build up and a great finish. Deerswood 0 Bradley Stoke 1.

After 3 minutes, Kye picked up a loose ball and fired at the goal but the keeper safely collected. On 22 minutes Deerswood lobbed a ball high into our area. The Deerswood striker struck the ball, hitting Ben V before going into the back of the net. A lucky goal that equalized the score-line. Deerswood 1 Bradley Stoke 1.

With 24 minutes gone, Bradley Stoke were again beginning to push forward. As a high ball was put into the box, James went up for the ball falling to the floor and landing on his neck. Following several minutes James left the pitch and was replaced by Kieran who made a welcome return following an injury. 

As we headed for the last 10 minutes of the first half, Bradley Stoke again found themselves under pressure. As the ball was delivered in, Ben V cleared the ball off the line.

The pressure by Deerswood continued winning their 4th corner of the game in the 36th minute, again matched by a very strong Bradley Stoke defence to clear. On 40 minutes another build up by Deerswood released the ball across the area into the box. As two Deerswood players tried to kick the ball in the net the ball was finally cleared out of the box. Within 1 minute Deerswood found a way through scoring past the last man. Deerswood 2 Bradley Stoke 1. 

Due to an injury picked up by Matt it was necessary for him to change jerseys with Fraser moving Ben V to right back and moving Fraser to midfield. On 43 minutes the refereee blew the whistle for the end of the first half. Deerswood 2 Bradley Stoke 1.  

 
2nd Half
Deerswood kicked off the second half with Bradley Stoke still struggling with a few injuries and very few options off the pitch. Deerswood started off the game very lively looking to extend their lead. Bradley Stoke looked tired at times and struggled to get the ball.

On 8 minutes, Deerswood was awarded a freekick just outside the box. As the shot was taken it cleared the wall going just wide. Within 3 minutes Bradley Stoke were also awarded a freekick just outside Deerswood's box. Will took the kick seeing his shot rise quickly over the crossbar.  

With 15 minutes gone, James C delivered a perfect ball from deep into the running path of Wes, who was unlucky to see his shot come off the keeper for our first corner of the afternoon. Good build up again followed with James C again delivering a perfect ball up the park and after some good passing Kye saw his shot go just wide. James S came back on for Kieran. 

On 20 minutes we endured a period of pressure from Deerswood. They were awarded a corner and as their striker struck the ball Matt made a perfect save to push the ball round the post for another corner. On the second corner another strike was made and this time Ben V cleared the ball off the line. As the third corner came in there was a scramble on the back post before the ball was finally headed in. Deerswood 3 Bradley Stoke 1.

From the kick off the ball was picked up by Fraser who persisted before letting go with a fantastic shot that looped over the keeper and into the back of the net. A great goal from our temporary midfielder. Deerswood 3 Bradley Stoke 2.

The forward play continued by Bradley Stoke as they chased the equalizer.  On 24 minutes Bradley Stoke were awarded a penalty and James Clayton stepped up forcing the keeper to push the ball over the post for our 3rd corner of the game. 

After a good period of play, Deerswood began to get back into a routine. On 25 minutes they broke fast and hard scoring their 4th goal of the afternoon with ease. Deerswood 4 Bradley Stoke 2.

On 32 minutes it was necessary for Ben M to leave the field after picking up an injury. Kieran again came back on to fill the spot.

As Deerswood continued to control the game they again broke in the 35th minute. As they broke they split both the midfield and defence scoring another goal to make any possibility of a comeback a dream. Deerswood 5 Bradley Stoke 2.

The final whistle sounded on 42 minutes which brought the game to a close. Perhaps in the end a flattering scoreline to Deerswood as for some periods of the game we took control and matched them. At other times we looked tired and heads went down. It was in these spells Deerswood scored their goals. Yes, we have a few injuries and yes we were playing a team 10 points (now 13 points) above us but even so, this defeat is hard to swallow. A couple of weeks off now before our final game of the season away to AEK Boco. Final score Deerswood 5 Bradley Stoke 2.

MANAGER'S PHOTO CORNER

After pictures taken a couple of weeks ago by Ken outside a city centre nightclub this week's photo was taken by my daughter who is convinced she saw Mark leaving Baileys Court........

 Goals 1st Half  - James Snook (19th)

 Goals 2nd Half - Fraser Organ (22nd)

 Deerswood Youth          7

  Bradley Stoke Utd        4       

 This weeks award was chosen by Ollie who was injured today.... 

 Fanfare Please !!!!!!!!!!

 James Clayton

 Well Done

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

 James Clayton (3), James Snook (4), Kye Worner (2), Ben V (2),  Fraser Organ (2), Will Tozer, Sam Maddocks

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