1st May 2005

  Brandon in their first 5 a-side of the post season had a good start against a strong host team.  Brandon took a 1-0 lead with a Harry Rampley goal, sadly the second half saw Bressingham fight back and Brandon lost 1-4.
  Brandon next played a Harleston 'A' squad and won by 1-0, they could have, and should have, scored more goals but their finishing let them down.  Harleston 'A' didn't really threaten.
  Brandon needed to win their last game to progress and against an inexperienced Harleston 'B' squad they went 13-0 up half way into the first half.  Brandon took it easy from then on knowing the win was secured.
  The final saw Brandon pitted against hosts Bressingham and Brandon fell behind to a well taken goal, but were well in contention into half time.  After the break Brandon were stunned by Bressingham scoring three very quick goals from the kick off to kill Brandon's hopes.  FINAL: Bressingham 5  Brandon 0

17th April 2005

Brandon Lads 0 Needham Phoenix 2
Brandon played their last match of the season at home in glorious sunshine looking to finish on a high.  They did not have the best of starts, gifting the Needham forwards two early goals when they were left unmarked and in acres of space.  Lewis Norton came on to settle the back line and Brandon seemed to spark into life.  Jacob Bogle, starred in midfield with his nifty footwork and went on to give a stellar performance along with midfielders Sean Hills, Sam Chappell, Jordan Kemp and Jordan Scott who pushed into the Needham half and passed well.  Another highlight of the match was the improved performance of Jack Field, playing a very strong role in breaking down the Needham attack.
After the break Harry Rampley came on and caused a few problems for the visitors, with Brandon looking like they may get on the score sheet.  Adam Kostecki came on as substitute in the midfield and went close and Sam Warren, starting his first match, did a good job of marking the Needham forwards.  Reece Kennedy, playing his first match in goal, played really well too and will be one to watch for next season.  He even got the nod to go forward in an attempt to score when Brandon had a last minute corner, alas it was not a fairy-tale ending for him nor the squad who finish bottom of the league.  Joint MoM goes to Jacob Bogle and Jack Field.

Manager Darren Norton would like to thank ALL the parents who have supported the squad throughout the season and it is testimony to all concerned that the squad have finished the season with as much enthusiasm as they had at the start of the season.  Some great memories too, thank you.

10th April 2005

Stow Town 2  Brandon Lads 0
Brandon visited Stow Town and put on a fine performance.  Brandon enjoyed some early possession and created chances, with the action taking place in the Stow half, Charlie Power and Harry Rampley were allowed to make inroads into the home team’s area from the midfield.  Midway through the half the home team made a rare attack, which seemed to bobble around Brandon’s goal mouth and with them unable to clear, a Stow player found the ball at his feet and banged it in for the lead.  Brandon continued to attack.  Lewis Norton put through Jordan Scott, who had found space on the left to hit a low drive at the Stow goal which beat the ‘keeper, only to be denied by the post.  Another positive for Brandon was the performance of Sam Chappell who did some fine work on the right, backtracking to defend and surging forward to support the attack.
After the break Brandon looked uneasy and were called upon to defend.  Brandon ‘keeper Isaac Allen, was vocal in marshalling his defenders, and Daniel Jobson came on to steady things at the back for the visitors but the outstanding corner kicks of the Stow #4 troubled Brandon, and it was to one of these fine kicks that Brandon conceded another goal.  A high looping kick that Johnny Wilkinson would have been proud of, seemed to catch the slightest of headers to push it into the net.  Credit to Brandon though, they fought back, Jordan Scott again hitting the post and with Harry, Charlie and Jordan Kemp combining well to put pressure on the Stow defenders it looked like they would be rewarded with a goal. 
Brandon should be proud of this fine attacking performance, and with some good play from Sam Chappell, Jordan Scott in his first start, and Reece Kennedy making his debut and they will look to carry their form into the last match of the season at home to Needham.

... oh, and  ... "wonderfully reffed by James Gooding !!"

20th March 2005

Bramford Utd 6  Brandon Lads 0
Brandon visited Bramford in this top versus bottom clash and were hoping to continue their good run of form.  They endured an awkward start, going a goal behind early through not backtracking and failing to clear the ball from their area.  The latter would haunt them throughout the match and with Bramford playing some good quality football the hosts extended their lead to 4-0 before the half.  Brandon’s first touch was lacking as players hurriedly swung at the ball and missed and also seemed unable to clear from danger.

After the break a reshuffled Brandon side made some inroads into the Bramford area, with the assistance of the sloping pitch, which saw some good attacking play from Jordan Kemp, Harry Rampley and Charlie Power who combined to threaten for goals, but Bramford had seemingly done enough to not worry anyway.  Other positives from the match were the continued progression of defender Jack Field into a solid defender, despite getting a touch on the ball for an unlucky own goal, and Isaac Allen - as usual the dependable ‘keeper diving at feet in his area.  Brandon, having played the top two teams in as many weeks will now concentrate on their last two matches, with the probability that one win may be enough to prevent them finishing bottom of the league.

13th March 2005

Moreton Hall 1  Brandon Lads 0
Brandon visited Moreton Hall knowing that they would be up against the league’s best passing team and therefore would have to be on top form.  The match started predictably enough with Moreton Hall very quick on the break and catching Brandon’s midfield out of position.  At times defender Daniel Jobson faced overwhelming odds having to contend with three Moreton attackers on his own as the Brandon midfield trotted back, but he did a fine job breaking down the play and Isaac Allen in goal was in fine form to collect any shots on goal.  Midway into the half Moreton gave the visitor’s a scare when a well-taken free kick from the edge of the area just skimmed over the crossbar.  Brandon were held back by their lax marking and Moreton capitalised when one of their players showed great vision, and with a weighted pass picked out a player unmarked on the other side of the area who then slotted home to take the lead.
After the break Brandon had a few more chances to get back on level terms, notably with some good passing from Jay Tosar and Jordan Kemp to release Harry Rampley up front, but again the midfield were slow to support and then get back and mark when they lost the ball.  Moreton exploited these holes and at times had four free players surging unmarked toward goal.  Again, Jobson and Lewis Norton were called upon to get the tackles in and this they did, although Norton at times was a little too enthusiastic.  Brandon’s MoM Isaac Allen was heroic with his scrambles to dive on the ball in his goal mouth when under pressure and Moreton seemed frustrated at not getting another goal past him.  Brandon should be proud of their performance, with Jack Field getting his first start in defence and Sam Warren featuring toward the end, neither looked nervous, and since Christmas the team are noticeably improving with every match, but against a very good passing team they will rue their poor marking.

27th February 2005

Thetford Independents 2  Brandon Lads 3
Whilst other matches were called off due to snow this one went ahead due to the oustanding effort of Andy McIntosh, the Thetford Independents’ manager, who spent time before the kick off clearing the snow from the pitch.

The Brandon Lads started very shakily in defence and seemed precarious at times, allowing themselves to be turned and caught out of position too many times.  The hosts soon capitalised and took the lead with a fine shot that ‘keeper Jordan Kemp could do little about as it rifled into the back of the net and Thetford added a second very quickly which made Brandon wonder if it was just the tip of the iceberg.  An immediate double substitution seemed to settle the defence and midfield for Brandon with Lewis Norton being notable in the centre for getting the vital tackles in.  Brandon now seemed revitalised and took command of the midfield with wide players Luke Sheppard and Charlie Power getting their fair touches of the ball with the former having a half chance on goal.  Harry Rampley chased and battled for the ball as Brandon’s lone forward and it paid dividends when he slotted home to give Brandon hope just before the break.

After the restart Brandon continued to control the midfield and never looked back.  Harry Rampley added another goal early on to erase the Thetford lead and could have had more.  Jay Tosar and Sam Chappell came into defence and midfield respectively to bring on fresh legs and it was Brandon’s fitness that paid dividends.  Brandon were in the ascendancy now and Isaac Allen got forward to assist Rampley and both had their chances to take the lead and it was Rampley who was destined to be ‘Hatrick Hero’ when he coolly placed his shot after being put clear past a tired Thetford defence.  Brandon did not have it all their own way though with Norton coming off injured and a spirited fight back from Thetford at the end that had the visitor’s anxious with the final moments being fought in the Brandon half, but the Lads held out to claim the three points.

20th February 2005

Moreton Hall P Brandon Lads P
(Rearranged fixture, 13th March)

13th February 2005

Brandon Lads 0 Needham Phoenix 2 (aet)
‘Twas High Noon at the Ipswich and Suffolk Youth League Vase Semi Final, the combatants, Needham and Brandon took to the field with the bitterly cold wind biting into their bones.  As the clock struck noon the battle commenced with the home team, Brandon, looking sharper, and Harry Rampley made use of his first touch for an attempt on goal which brought a save from the Needham keeper.  Needham replied soon after but Brandon’s keeper, Jordan Kemp, was on top form and saved well.  The pendulum swung briefly toward Needham, but Daniel Jobson and Sam Chappell were valiant in defence and were going to let nothing past them.  Brandon’s midfield trio of Lewis Norton, Charlie Power and Luke Sheppard dug deep and chased every ball and it was a reluctant Luke who came off to the sideline to warm up but his replacement, Jordan Scott, was up for the fight and scurried down the left causing problems for the Needham defence.

Immediately after the break Brandon looked uneasy, with Jordan Kemp being forced to make two quick saves, and for a while Needham threatened, but Brandon soon composed themselves and sensed that maybe, just maybe, they could win this battle.  Jordan Scott came close, but their keeper dived at his feet to save, Charlie Power took a run from the halfway line and struck at goal, a rejuvenated Luke Sheppard came back on and had a shot too and Harry Rampley got away from his markers many times and saw one effort go tantalisingly over the crossbar.  With Brandon in the ascendancy and looking to score, the whistle went to put this game into extra time.

The order from the sidelines was to keep warm and enjoy this period of extra time and the Lads responded.  Lewis Norton who had come off cold earlier went back into defence and along with Daniel Jobson did a sterling job and it was heartbreaking when Needham capitalised upon some Brandon confusion at the back to slot home.  With the advantage to Needham, Brandon dug deep and Lewis Norton’s shot from the edge of the area was parried to a pouncing Charlie Power who’s shot skimmed inches over the bar.  This was not over by a long way and Jack Field, coming on for a cold Daniel Jobson, was called upon immediately to serve in defence against a surging Needham.  Time was ticking away fast and Brandon had given their all, they were exhausted and tired and Needham’s second goal, just moments from time, sealed their fate.  The Lads played to a high standard of football and gave everything and thoroughly deserved their appreciative applause from the home spectators.

30th January 2005

Stow Falcons 2  Brandon Lads 0
Brandon travelled to a muddy Stow Falcons in this bottom of the table fixture and put on a disjointed performance.  The midfield was a scrappy affair with neither side really making any headway from the other side’s mistakes.   In fairness the going was hard for the little legs but too many times the Brandon midfield were caught out of position when Stow attacked.  Daniel Jobson did well in the first half as defender to snuff out most attacks, but the danger signs were there.  Isaac Allen also had a good game in the visitor’s goal, being quick off his line to dive at feet.  Stow didn’t have it all their own way though, they too made mistakes, but with Brandon’s attacks stumbling without any supporting play they weren’t made to pay for their errors.
Stow came out after the break looking the more determined and immediately put Brandon under pressure.   Both sides had their chances to break the deadlock, with Harry Rampley being put through for Brandon but the roll of the ball didn’t allow him a clear shot at goal and he went wide and Stow then beat the Brandon keeper with a powerful shot only to see the ball hit the crossbar.  With the game looking to be going for a goalless draw, the lone Stow forward was gifted acres of space to receive a long pass and with only the keeper to beat he slotted home to put Stow in the driving seat.  The home side then increased their lead with a goal from a corner that Brandon didn’t clear and claim all three points.

23rd January 2005

Brandon Lads P  Needham Phoenix P

16th January 2005

Brandon Lads 2 Hadleigh Utd 3
Brandon, hosting Hadleigh United, looked determined to start the New Year with a win.  They started well enough with good lengths of possession and shots on goal.  Hadleigh, who beat Brandon convincingly earlier in the season, were stung by a Harry Rampley goal to put Brandon ahead.  Following the goal, Brandon enjoyed some good pressure with midfielder Lewis Norton, never one to shy away from a tackle, throwing himself into every challenge and backtracking to defend.   With such good play from Brandon it seemed like a matter of time before they increased their goal tally, but sadly it was Hadleigh who scored next from the softest of goals, when a shot-come-cross looked to be going nowhere when Brandon’s keeper misjudged it and watched helplessly as it bounced through the smallest of gaps between him and the near post.
Hadleigh came out of the break looking more determined and it was Brandon’s turn to soak up the pressure.  Isaac Allen, playing his first game as Brandon’s ‘keeper, played an outstanding game, coming off his line to close down on the Hadleigh forwards on many times when they got behind the hosts’ defence.  Brandon’s chances were few, Sam Chappell did have a strike at goal that went near, but Hadleigh took the lead after Brandon could not clear the ball and lost possession in their area and then watched as a Hadleigh player pounced for the goal.  Hadleigh took advantage of their momentum and within minutes increased their lead by a well-taken strike.  Credit to Brandon though, they never gave up and chased the game.  Harry Rampley was rewarded with another goal after pouncing from a Hadleigh defensive mix up and then the chase was really on.  Unfortunately for Brandon their comeback was left too late and although Hadleigh did look nervous in the dying seconds they did take all three points.  A great game of football enjoyed by the dozens of spectators.

Player of the match, Isaac Allen.

12th December 2004

Brandon Lads 0 Stow Town 2
Brandon entertained Stow Town in their last match before Christmas and got into the festive spirit early on by not picking up their markers and allowing the visitors to take an early lead.  To their credit Brandon responded well by tightening their marking and getting to the ball first, they limited Stow’s options up front with Brandon’s midfield of Isaac Allen, Sam Chappell, Harry Rampley, Luke Sheppard and led by captain Lewis Norton, breaking up the play and creating some chances for themselves.
Stow Town came out in the second half looking to finish off their hosts and played some good attacking football, Brandon gambled on a solitary defender, which left them exposed and sometimes with defender Daniel Jobson taking on three Stow players, but he was up to the challenge and not much got past him.  Stow Town did extend their lead midway into the second half after a powerful shot that was almost saved by Brandon ‘keeper Jordan Kemp hit the back of the net.  Up to that point Brandon were very much in the game and chasing league points, and there was a glimmer of hope when Harry Rampley broke through the Town defence and unleashed a shot which skimmed past the post despite being pulled back by his shirt.  Some fine performances from all the Lads players and improvement is still visible every week.  Player of the match, Harry Rampley.

28th November 2004

Brandon travelled to second-placed Shotley Rangers, knowing that it would be a hard battle for league points on the wind swept hillside.  They started off brightly enough with Luke Sheppard’s shot going inches wide of the post early on.  Brandon had the balance of play and seemed to have caught Shotley by surprise as they surged forward in their attacks, and Brandon were rewarded with the lead after an Isaac Allen corner was turned into the Shotley net by Lewis Norton.  Brandon were playing some of their best football of the season so far, with Daniel Jobson looking very strong as Brandon’s sole defender and Harry Rampley getting forward and then running back to defend as Shotley countered.  The visitors went into the break confidently looking for the win.
The second half saw a determined Shotley fightback and it was not long before they put the Brandon ‘keeper under pressure and made him pay for ball watching.  Brandon were now on the backfoot and Shotley took their chance again against a stationary ‘keeper taking the lead after virtually dribbling the ball into net.  Brandon did try to fight back and occasionally threatened, but their spirit was lacking as they didn’t back track to defend in numbers as they did in the first half and Shotley claimed two more soft goals to wrap up the win.  Player of the match, Lewis Norton for his passing, tackling and defending.

28th November 2004

Luke Sheppard did not get a touch of the ball all match as the Brandon ‘keeper.  Some fine performances from midfielders Sam Chappell, Jacob Bogle, Charlie Power and Adam Kostecki kept the pressure on Shotley and held the home team in their half of the pitch all through the game, any balls that threatened the halfway line were knocked back into play by defender Jay Tosar.  Brandon did squander some chances but won 3-0, with goals from Adam Kostecki (2) and Jordan Scott.

21st November 2004

7th November 2004

Brandon Lads 0 Bramford Utd 3
Brandon hosted Bramford Utd and were keen to collect their first win of the season.  The match started well enough for the Lads with some fine passing from Lewis Norton and Jay Tosar in midfield.  In every aspect of the game they matched Bramford but as has happened all too much this season Brandon went behind.  Admittedly the goal was well taken from the Bramford forward and struck with power, but Brandon were unlucky to fall behind at this pivotal point of the game.
After the break Brandon could sense this could be their day and immediately Charlie Power ran through the visitor’s defence but just could not unleash a clear shot at goal.  Brandon had further chances, a well-worked throw in from Lewis Norton put clear Harry Rampley but his half chance could not be converted.  Brandon’s recovery was dealt a blow when another powerful shot cannoned into their goal from a Bramford forward, although their resolve stayed strong.  Isaac Allen ran well down the right wing all game and Daniel Jobson cleared up most attacks in defence.  Sam Chappell came on as sub to add an attacking threat, knowing that just one chance could be enough to open the door for the hosts.  Sadly it was not to be and the final blow came when a Bramford player tried a lob over Brandon’s ‘keeper Jordan Kemp, he managed to get his hands to it but it was not quite enough to keep the ball out of the net.  Again, this was a spirited performance from Brandon and one in which they matched their opponents, they left the pitch knowing that this was not their day, but a win will undoubtedly come very soon for them.

31st October 2004

Stow Town 5 Brandon 0
Brandon started the match with a rearranged midfield and endured a slow start.  Stow Town capitalised from their visitors’ mistakes and scored four unanswered goals from their talented forward.  Brandon’s own chances were sparse and they continued to allow the home team plenty of space to attack.
After the break Brandon reverted to their usual midfield line-up and seemed to be a different team.  From the kick-off they attacked the Stow goal, with Harry Rampley running well on the left and Isaac Allen taking charge of the right.  Isaac came the closest to scoring for Brandon after he broke from his marker to cannon his shot from outside the area to see it go just wide of the goal.  Brandon showed good spirit for taking the game to Stow in the second half and for not giving up, but Stow were happy to defend their well earned lead, which they increased by a well taken chance for them to advance into the semi-finals of the knock out cup.

24th October 2004

Needham Phoenix 3 Brandon Lads 1
The old football cliché goes “it’s a game of two halves” and this was certainly the case for Brandon away to Needham.  Brandon got off to a flying start with Isaac Allen’s powerful shot taking a slight deflection for the opening score in the first minute of play.  All through the half Brandon had many more chances to score as Needham gave their visitors a lot of space, with more attempts from Isaac, Sean Hills and Harry Rampley going oh so painfully close, only to be denied by a last chance clearance off the line. The Lads defensive duo of Daniel Jobson and Lewis Norton were very solid and even had occasion to get forward and knock the ball into the box, but Brandon just could not convert their chances.

17th October 2004

Brandon Lads 1 Moreton Hall 6
The match started off evenly enough, with both teams having their chances.  For Brandon, Isaac Allen and Harry Rampley worked hard to create chances.  Half way through the first half the visitors opened their account and added to it soon afterwards with another fine strike.  Brandon to their credit remained defiant and held their shape until the break.
In the second half the league leaders, Moreton Hall, took the match beyond Brandon by three quick goals and Brandon lost their shape and were finding it hard going.  Joseph Smith came on as substitute and added some pace in the midfield which worried Moreton Hall on occasions and the highlight for Brandon was the combination of Isaac and Harry, which paid off for the home team after they combined for Harry to nab a consolation goal.

10th October 2004

Hadleigh Utd 5 Brandon Lads 1
Hadleigh played with their backs to the wind in the first half and used it to their advantage.  They hit at goal from distance and opened the scoring with a cracking shot that beat the Brandon ‘keeper, Jordan Kemp, dipping in just under the bar.  Brandon had some good possession football, and created some good counter attacking football but could not turn these chances into goals against the wind.  The home team made it 2-0 before the half with a long range shot that took the slightest of deflections off Brandon defender Daniel Jobson to beat unlucky Jordan, who was having a cracking game in goal.
Brandon came out after the break hoping to benefit from the gusty wind, but again they were unable to make any headway into the opposition’s box, despite having some good midfield performances from Lewis Norton, Harry Rampley and Issac Allen.  Late in the match Hadleigh shattered any thoughts of a Brandon comeback when they broke through the Brandon midfield twice to score, with the best of the goals being a well taken shot from the edge of the area, against the wind, which cannoned into the back of the Brandon net.  Brandon did claim a consolation goal, through an Isaac Allen penalty kick, but will again be disappointed that their good performances did not reap any points.

3rd October 2004

Brandon Lads 1 Thetford Independents 1
Scorer: Isaac Allen

26th September 2004

Brandon Lads 1 Stow Falcons 1
Brandon enjoyed a good start to their home game against Stow Falcons, with Charlie Power and Harry Rampley working well up the middle.  Isaac Allen, having a good game down the right, opened the scoring after his shot powered through the Stow defence and the keeper could not get to grips with it.  Brandon continued to turn their possession into pressure, with much of the play in the opponent’s half, with both Charlie and Harry having their chances, but they were dealt a cruel blow when a rare Stow opportunity found the back of the net after a corner kick slipped between the keeper and the post.

19th September 2004

Brandon 0 Shotley Rangers 4
The Brandon Lads U8 squad started off nervously in their first ever competitive match and Shotley capitalised with a shot on goal that crept under the home team's 'keeper.  This seemed to wake Brandon and they slowly took control of the midfield, with Jordan Kemp and Lewis Norton taking control in the middle and Daniel Jobson mopping up any Shotley attacks that did make it through. 

After the break Brandon came out battling again, with Isaac Allen making in-roads into the visitor’s area.  Half way into the second half, Brandon were enjoying a good spell of play, when they looked to have made their task harder after Lewis Norton was adjudged to have fouled inside his area but the spot kick was saved by ‘keeper Sean Hills and the rebound was hit against the crossbar by Shotley.  Brandon could not exploit their run of luck and with minutes left to play a well-taken Shotley corner was met by an unmarked player with a shot on the far post to give the visitor’s a 2-0 lead.  In the dying minutes Shotley secured the win with two more goals and despite this, Brandon can be proud of their performance.

Lewis Norton Sean Hills

1st August 2004

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