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Sunday 29th April 2007
Gorleston Rangers 3 Brandon lads 1
ISYL Open Cup Semi-Final
Sunday 22nd April 2007
Whitton SC 1 Brandon Lads 3
Brandon Lads AFC newly crowned league champions visited
Whitton SC with only 11 players available to select from won
their 19th league game of the season.Having to shuffle the
pack and introducing a new strike force of Last and
Langston, Brandon started the game in cruise control in hot
conditions. Langston opened the scoring from close range
only for Whitton SC to hit back from some poor defending
from a corner. Walters restored the lead in the second half
from 20 yards with a trade mark effort. Thompson ensured
victory late on with a scrambled effort from 3 yards.
All in all a comfortable win with only 11 players and hot
weather conditions.
Brandon will need to be at their best next week to beat
Gorleston to progress into the Open Cup Final for the second
year running.
Sunday 18th April 2007
Stowupland Falcons 0 Brandon Lads 8
Brandon travelled to Stow Falcons know that they needed
a win to ensure they were league champions, with some
influential players missing they knew they had to be on
their game. They started very slowly and could not get
into their stride, it took 10mins but the break through
came, Thompson put Beard through and he coolly volleyed
over the keeper to make it 0-1. The second soon came
when a good cross saw Bick finish well. the third came
from a long shot from Walters. Even though 0-3 up
Brandon did not play their flowing football, the make
shift defence of Haley, Langston, Taylor and Lock looked
solid and restricted the Falcons attacks.
half time 0-3
Brandon started the second half with a point to prove,
the passing was crisp and the movement was excellent, it
was soon 0-4 when F. Joe was put through and he finished
well, F. Joe made it 0-5 with another excellent finish.
The team were now playing some great football, F. Joe
added another for his hat trick and Wilcox made it 0-7
with a great finish. Sanders game off the bench to make
it 0-8 with a 35yrd free kick that was unstoppable.
Brandon have now secured the Suffolk and Ipswich
division 1 league title, congratulations to the boys as
it is a well deserved victory. we wish them good luck in
the open cup semi final on the 29th and hope they can
retain that trophy once more, well done boys.
Thursday 12th April 2007
Stow Town B 2 Brandon lads 3
Brandon travelled to Stowmarket knowing that only a win
would do if they wanted to secure the league title.
Brandon started the brightest and on a really big pitch
under lights, they were passing the ball magnificently
and they soon took the lead when some good 1 touch
passing down the left saw Last coolly finish. Brandon
dominated possession but could not break down the stow
defence, Langston came close but the keeper saved
well. Towards the end of the half and a long ball
forward from the stow defence put the winger through,
Last caught him but was deemed to have fouled him out
side the box. A good ball in and a mix up in the defence
saw Stow level the game. Brandon came out and started
the second half well, still passing the ball well, the
midfield of Wilcox, Walters, Thompson, Langston and Bick
controlled the game. From having all the ball Brandon
could still not break down the defence of Stow. Stow put
another long ball forward, Sanders failed to clear, the
forward carried the ball, beat Gathercole and finished
well. This rallied the boys and chances started coming,
Beard went close and Walters had a great shot that hit
the bar. Stow did their best to help count the clock
down and break up the smooth passing of Brandon. Brandon
levelled with 15mins to go when Walters made a great
run, passed to F. Joe and he coolly finished. Within
5mins Brandon took the lead when Thompson had a long
range shot that went in off the bar. In the last
minute Stow had a corner and could have scored only for
Last to clear off the line.
Brandon played some nice football, it was a new
experience playing under flood lights and on such a big
pitch, credit to Stow who never gave up and battled
well. Brandon can start to celebrate now knowing that
the league title is only 1 point away.
Sunday 1st April 2007
St.Johns 2 Brandon Lads 6
ISYL Open Cup 1/4 Final
Brandon go
through to the semi final of the Open Cup, thanks to goals
from Sam Last x 2, Nat Lock, James Walters, Max Beard & an
own goal.
Sunday 25th
March 2007 Brandon Lads 3 Bury Rangers 0
Brandon
Lads AFC secured victory against league rivals Bury Rangers
with a comfortable 3-0 score line. With no early advantage
to either side Bury Rangers had the opportunity to take the
lead courtesy of an awarded penalty after Gathercole fouled
the on coming forward. Gathercole made up for his mistake by
saving the resulting penalty.The second half started in the
same manner as the first until Beard set up Walters from 25
yards to smash home an unstoppable drive. Brandon settled
down to play some neat football with Beard involved for the
second time setting up Joe from close range.The third goal
scored by Thompson on the volley was again supplied by
Beard.
Sunday 18th
March 2007 CFC Ipswich 0 Brandon Lads 12
Brandon travelled to Ipswich looking to make up for the
defeat last week, they started brightly and soon took
the lead when Taylor fired home from close range.
Brandon struggled to play football in such high winds
and a lot of the through balls went straight into the
keepers hands. Brandon soon made it 2 when Beard raced
through and finished well. Last added the third with a
good long range effort. Walters and Wilcox were
dominating the midfield and Weeks, Sanders and Last
looked solid at the back. Just before the half and Lock
put Wilcox in and he ran through the defence to finish
well, lots more chances created but the CFC keeper did
well. With changes being made at half time saw the
introduction of Gritty, Haley and Bick who settled in
well, it was not long before it was 5 when F. Joe
finished well. It was soon 6 when Beard fired home,
Wilcox made it 7 with another good finish. With the team
playing against the wind it seemed to keep the through
balls away from the keeper, F. Joe was put through again
to make it 8, he soon got his 3rd and 4th to make it 10.
Beard added his 3rd of the day and Haley finished off
the scoring from the spot. This was a good performance
from the team and a positive response from the defeat.
Brandon only need 2 more victories to secure the league
title.
Sunday 11th
March 2007 Thetford Ind 1 Brandon Lads 0
Brandon travelled to Thetford hoping to gain revenge for
points dropped earlier this season, Brandon started the
brightest and had a good chance from a free kick but
Sanders hit the ball against the wall. Thetford started
to take control of the game and dominated. They pressed
the midfield hard and stopped Brandon playing. Mid way
through the half and Brandon were a goal down after a
great finish from the forward. Brandon could not get
into the game and were put under constant pressure.
Thetford almost doubled the lead but Haley cleared well.
Half time 1-0. Brandon played better in the second half, they started
to control the game but could not break the defence
down. Thetford indies were dangerous on the break and
nearly took the lead but Gathercole saved well on his
line. Mid way through the half and F. Joe ran the ball
past 3 defenders and put a nice cross in only to see no
Brandon player to finish. Walters and Wilcox were given
no time in the midfield to play their passing game. With
no more chances being created by both teams Indies saw
the game out.
This was a good lesson for the boys as it showed no
matter how good players are, hard work and determination
is crucial if you want to succeed. credit must go to
Thetford Indies for they way they played and they
deserved to beat Brandon. hopefully the boys will take
this on board and improve on their commitment and
determination for the big games.
Sunday 4th
March 2007 Brandon Lads 5 Stow Town A 0
Brandon
Lads AFC continued their unbeaten league record with a
second half performance & Hat-Trick from Willcox against a
battling Stow Town A. The first half saw very few chances
for both sides as Stow Town worked hard to stop the flowing
football usually seen from Brandon. The back five of
Gathercole, Last, Sanders, Weeks & Gritty ensured a score
line of 0-0 at half time. The second half started in the
same manner until 10 mins in when Walters unleashed an
unstoppable 25 yarder. This enabled the team to relax and to
play football, Willcox scoring his first from close range.
The introduction of Haley & Taylor for Gritty & Lock proved
to be positive as Taylor set up the next two goals, one for
Joe from close range and the other for Willcox, for this
second with the added skills to score from 20 yards. Willcox
completed his hat-trick thanks to great work from Beard on
the left wing to cross low into the box for Willcox to drive
low into the net. With a derby match scheduled for next
Sunday against Thetford, Brandon will know a solid
performance will be required. With an extra incentive of
knowing the league title will be within touching distance.
Sunday 25th
February 2007 Bury Town A 1 Brandon Lads 6
Brandon travelled to Bury without goal keeper Gathercole,
Sanders deputised for him between the sticks. Brandon
looked shady but soon settled down on the horrendous
pitch and started to play some football. They soon took
the lead when a corner from Walters was converted by
Langston. This settled Brandon and the defence of Healy,
Gritty, Last and Weeks was coping well with any attack.
It was soon 0-2 when a great run from Wilcox and he
passed to Last who fired home from outside the box.
Before the half it was 0-3 when F. Joe hit a cross which
was converted close range from Beard. More chances went
begging but Brandon deserved the 0-3 half time result.
The second half started as the first finished and
Brandon dominated, a mix up at the back and a weak shot
went through Sanders legs to make it 1-3. this spurred
the boys on and it was soon 1-4 when Wilcox had a great
run and finished well. More chances went begging, Wilcox
came close, Walters had a good shot saved. F. Joe soon
made it 1-5 when put through from Wilcox and he took
around the keeper and slotted it home. Wilcox made it
1-6 when a great cross from Walters was converted.
More chances went begging but a final score of 1-6 was a
good result.
Sunday 18th
February 2007 Brandon lads 5 CFC Bury 0
Brandon entertained second place CFC knowing that only a
win would do. Brandon started the brightest and
controlled the game from the start. Walters and Wilcox
dominated the midfield, Sanders and Weeks controlled the
back line well. Brandon had a lot of the ball but could
not break down the defence of CFC. Mid way through the
half and a free kick was awarded in the Brandon half,
Sanders played a 40yrd early ball, the defence of
CFC was asleep and Beard was put through and he coolly
finished to make it 1-0. It was soon 2 when some good
play down the left from Lock, and Last to Beard who put
a good cross in, F. Joe controlled the ball with his
back to goal and turned and put the ball into the bottom
corner. Brandon relaxed and CFC were dangerous on
the break, Sanders, Weeks, Last and Gritty kept the
attack of CFC at bay, and Gathercole was very vocal in
goal.
Half time 2-0
The second half started as the first and Brandon were
dominate, Langston replaced Lock and what a half he had.
Walters and Wilcox were running the game and attacks
were coming thick and fast, F, Joe was put through but
some good defending kept him out. 10 mins into the half
and a ball over the defence saw Langston hit a un
stoppable volley into the top corner to make it 3-0.
Brandon relaxed and soon made it 4, Walters hit a nice
cross to the far post and Langston was there to volley
home again. This saw the introduction Haley and Taylor,
they both settled in well and played some good football.
Brandon now dominated the game and Gathercole was never
troubled in goal. the 5th came when some good work from
Wilcox and Walters in midfield and Wilcox put F. Joe
through, the keeper came out and he pushed the ball
passed him, in followed Langston who fired his shot into
the roof of the net to make it 5-0.
this was a great result from the boys and probably the
best team performance of the season. credit must go to
CFC who never gave up and are worthy of there place in
the league. Brandon must now take this performance
forward to the remaining fixtures of the season.
Sunday 11th
February 2007 Brandon Lads 7 Achilles 2
Brandon went into this after a run of good results, it
was not long before they took the lead when Beard fired
in a cross and F. Joe finished well to make it 1-0.
Brandon then fell asleep and were playing poorly,
Achilles pressured the Brandon players well and never
let them get time on the ball, they were rewarded when
the Bandon defence couldn't clear the ball and an
Achilles player fired a un stoppable shot past
Gathercole. Brandon were now playing some of the worst
football we have seen in a long time, another mix up at
the back and Gathercole fired his clearance against the
Achilles forward only to see the ball rebound into the
goal. The rest of the half was very scrappy, 5 mins
before the break and F. Joe was put through again and he
finished well to make it 2-2. Just before the break and
another mix up in defence and the Achilles forward was
clean through but Gathercole gathered well at his feet.
half time 2-2.
After some stern words at half time Brandon came out to
prove a point. the defence of Sanders, Gritty, Last and
new signing Weekes got to grips with the pace of the
centre forward. Walters and Wilcox were dominating the
midfield, Beard and F. Joe were now playing as a
partnership. Brandon soon took the lead when F. Joe was
given the ball, he beat the defender and fired his shot
into the top corner. The next 10mins was time for Beard
to show how good a player he is, he was put clean
through from Walters and he finished well. Within
minutes he scored again after good work from Wilcox and
Lock and he fired his shot home. Brandon were now
dominating and Achilles only had a long ball to the lone
striker which the defence were coping with well. F. Joe
soon got his 4th of the game when Walters played Wilcox
in, he beat 2 players in the box fired his shot goal
bound and F. Joe was there to make sure it crossed the
line. Gathercole in goal was vocal throughout the second
half and Weekes was playing well for his debut. Taylor
replaced the hard working Langston and Haley came on for
the much improved Gritty, both players settled in well
and contributed to Brandon's attacks well. Beard
finished off his hat-trick with a super team goal,
Brandon played the ball out from defence, Walters passed
to Wilcox, he then hit a 40ryd pass for F. Joe to run
onto, he crossed the ball, Beard controlled the ball and
then passed it into the net to make it 7.
this was a very good second half performance from
Brandon. The boys must take note that teams will come to
Brandon looking to upset their rhythm and try to
frustrate the quality that they have. They must
understand that they need to earn the right to play
pretty football at times and for some games they need
more grit and determination from the start.
Sunday 4th
February 2007 East Bergholt 0 Brandon Lads 8
ISYL Open Cup 2nd round
Brandon travelled
to East Bergholt with some players unavailable, thus giving
opportunities for the remaining squad. With Taylor, Haley,
Gritty & Bick all playing various roles throughout the 60
mins and all providing solid performances. Walters and
Willcox once again pulling the strings in the heart of
midfield. Goals from Gritty, Last, Beard, Langston 2,
Willcox 2. Gathercole making a rare appearance out on pitch
after Sanders volunteered for goalkeeping duties at half
time scored his first competitive goal for Brandon.
Sunday 28th
January 2007 Brandon Lads 8 Needham Mkt 0
Brandon went into this game after a 5 week layoff, this
showed as they took a while to settle into their stride.
Brandon dominated the early exchanges but did not really
create a lot good chances. After 10mins Brandon started
to get into their game, F. Joe came close when he raced
through on goal but a bad bobble in the pitch made him
put his chance wide. Brandon started to pass the ball
well and soon took the lead when some good work down the
left from Last and Lock, Beard hit a shot that the
keeper could not hold and Langston put the ball into the
back of the net. It was soon 2 when Beard coolly lobbed
the keeper. Chances were now coming thick and fast,
Walters came close, F. Joe pulled of a good save from
the keeper. The back 3 of Sanders, Gritty and Last
dominated any attack that Needham had and they played
the ball out with confidence. Bick was causing the left
back all sorts of trouble and set up Wilcox who shot
from distance for the 3rd. Beard added the 4th and
Brandon went in at half time 4-0.
The second half started as the first and Brandon took a
while to settle into the game, the introduction of Healy
and Taylor was made and they soon got into the game,
Taylor was linking up well with Last and Healy was solid
in defence. Needham could have scored when the striker
lobbed Gathercole only for Haley to clear off the line.
This spurred the boys on and they soon made it 5, Beard
raced clear of the defence and fired a shot home for his
hat-trick. Beard then made it 6 when his fierce cross
was deflected in off the defender. More chances came and
went and Brandon played some lovely football at times.
Lock then made it 7 after good work from F. Joe who
pressured the defender, Lock picked up the ball on the
edge of the area and fired his shot past the keeper into
the top corner. With only minutes left F. Joe was put
through and he fired a fierce left foot shot passed the
keeper to make it 8-0 and kept up his record of scoring
in every game this season.
This was another good performance from the boys after
such a long lay off, they travel away to East Bergholt
next week in the second round of the open cup.
Sunday 17th
December 2006 Brandon Lads 10 CFC Ipswich A 0
Brandon went into this game in vibrant mood and soon
took the lead when F.Joe was put through and he coolly
finished, it was soon 2 when Wilcox put F. Joe through
again to make it 2-0. Brandon settled and controlled the
game, Walters, Wilcox, Lock and Last were playing some
nice neat football and Langston was always causing
trouble, it was him that got the 3rd when he finished
from close range to make it 3-0. Walters then latched
onto a through ball and put the ball into the top corner
to make it 4. Beard then got into the action and
finished well to make it 5. The defence of Haley,
Sanders and Gritty defended well and set the midfield
off to start the attacks. Langston soon made it 6 with
another cool finish. F.Joe then completed his hat trick
with a good solo finish. Wilcox then made it 8-0 with a
great solo effort. More chances were created and Brandon
played some great football in this first half.
The second half started and this saw the introduction
Taylor who quickly got into the pace of the game.
Brandon's passing was not as good and the boys seem to
think the game was over and they took the foot off the
pedal. F. Joe went close when he hit the post and then
put the rebound wide. more chances went begging, Beard,
Lock, Walters and Wilcox all went close but poor
finishing let them down. Mid way through the half and
Beard added his second of the game when a shot from
Wilcox was saved and Beard crashed the ball home to make
it 9-0. CFC Ipswich then had a rare corner and a great
ball in that Gathercole could not keep hold of went into
the net. Brandon then rallied together a scored another
goal and Langstons first hat trick for Brandon, A quick
free kick put him through and he coolly lobbed the
keeper.
A good performance from the boys and they now sit
comfortable at the top of the table.
we would like to wish all the boys and their parents a
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Sunday 10th
December 2006 Needham 0 Brandon Lads 7
Brandon went into this game on a run of good
performances and it showed, within the first few minutes
F. Joe was put through and he coolly slotted the ball
past the keeper. Brandon were playing some lovely
football and the midfield of Wilcox, Walters, Langston,
Last and Lock playing some nice one touch passing and
putting some great balls through for the forwards. It
was not long before it was two when Langston hit a great
shot into the bottom corner. Brandon were now in
dominant form and created some more excellent chances,
it was soon three when Last hit a great cross that went
into the top corner, F.Joe soon made it four when his
deflected shot beat the keeper. The defence of Sanders,
Gritty and Heady were dominant and set the midfield up
for some great attacks. Lock had a great header rebound
off the bar and he followed up with the shot but it
cannoned off the post. Beard added the fifth just before
half time with a cool finish, he could have added
another but his shot came off the post. Wilcox came
close and Walters, Joe and Beard had good shots saved.
The second half started and Brandon soon added to the
lead when a Walters corner was volleyed home by Wilcox.
Brandon now relaxed and Needham created a few half
chances but Gathercole made light work of any shot they
had. Bick and Thompson were introduced and both added
some grit and termination to the side, Bick put some
good crosses in but the forwards failed to convert them.
The seventh goal came when a hand ball in the area
awarded a penalty and Sanders converted it with a cool
finish. More chances came but the boys took the foot of
the pedal and score remained 7-0.
Another good performance and the boys are now clear at
the top of the table and they hope they can build on
this.
Sunday 3rd
December 2006 CFC Bury 1 Brandon Lads 4
Brandon travelled to Bury to face unbeaten CFC for what
could be their strongest test of the season. On a very
small pitch the game at times looked scrappy, Brandon
started well and dominated the early exchanges of the
game. Beard came close with a great shot, Lock,
Langston, Walters and Wilcox dominated the midfield. CFC
took an early lead when the CFC player took an early
shot and left Gathercole with no chance. This spurred
the lads on and they soon levelled when a Sanders free
kick was converted with a good header from Thompson.
Brandon were now dominating the game and took the lead
when F.Joe put Beard through and he coolly finished past
the on rushing keeper.The second half started and CFC
Bury looked in high spirits, Brandon received the ball
and some good passing put F.Joe through who played the
ball to Beard who finished well to make the score 3-1.
This settled the lads and they started to dominated the
game. Gritty, Sanders and Last dominated the back and
cutout any attack that CFC had. Chances were coming and
Thompson came close with a good header, Langston hit a
volley that was well saved by the keeper. Mid way
through the half and F. Joe was put through, he took the
ball around the keeper and passed the ball into the net
to make it 4-1. Brandon could have scored more, Walters
came close, Wilcox had a few efforts cleared, and the
CFC Bury defender almost scored a O.G but it was cleared
off the line. The subs of Healy and Taylor played really
well when brought on and Last in defence was outstanding
throughout the game.
This was a big game for the boys and they played very
well on a tight pitch.
Brandon lads U12's would like to thank MR G's
Bowling alley for a great day out on 26th November
and for the sponsorship of a match ball for match
days.
Sunday 19th
November 2006 Brandon Lads 8 Stowupland Falcons 0
Brandon started the game brightly and soon took the lead
when some good passing put Beard through and his low hard
cross was converted at the far post by F. Joe. Brandon were
now in a dominant mood and soon doubled the lead when Beard
coolly finished once put through by Walters. The midfield of
Wilcox, Walters, Thompson, Langston and Lock was controlling
the game, chances were coming thick and fast and Beard came
close, Thompson hit the post and the bar and Wilcox had a
great shot saved. Brandon soon made it 3 when some good
passes put in Langston who coolly finished. F. Joe made it
four with a good finish. Lots more chances were created but
some good goal keeping kept the score 4-0. The second half
saw the introduction of Haley and Last pushed up into
midfield, Brandon seemed to think that the game was over and
looked a little relaxed, chances were still coming and F.
Joe had two 1v1 saved well. The defence of Sanders, Cobbold
and Haley were dominant and shut out any counter attack that
Falcons had. Mid way through the half saw the introduction
of Bick and Gritty and this spurred the boys on, 4 more
goals were to come, Wilcox hit an unstoppable shot, Last
added the 6th, Beard scored another great goal and F. Joe
made it 8 and gave him another hat trick.This was a good
performance from the lads and once again with the chances
created it could have been a lot more.
Sunday 12th November 2006 Bury Rangers 2 Brandon Lads 3
Brandon travelled to top of the league Rangers who were yet
to lose a game knowing that only a win will do. Brandon once
again had to change the team due to influential players,
Last and Langston unavailable. Brandon took time to settle
into the game and the small pitch did not help, some good
player saw Brandon dominated the early exchanges. Ten mins
into the game and with little chances being created Rangers
hit a long and the striker was in to finish well. Brandon
then rallied and played some really neat football, Beard was
working hard down the left and the midfield of Wilcox and
Walters dominated. With loads of possession and half chances
created it was not long before Brandon levelled. A through
ball from Wilcox sent F.Joe through and he coolly lobbed the
on rushing keeper to score. The game was one way traffic now
and Brandon could have taken the lead only for some heroic
defending. Rangers looked dangerous on the break and could
have taken the lead but a good shot hit the bar. With ten
minutes left of the first half and Brandon were rewarded a
free kick 30yrds out, Sanders set the ball and hit an
unstoppable free kick into the top corner. The second half
started and Brandon soon started to dominate the game again.
The defence of Sanders, Cobbold and Healy were dominant. F.
Joe was causing the defence all sorts of problems and Lock
was working really hard down the left. Brandon furthered the
lead when Wilcox hit a shot that the keeper could not hold
onto and it went into the net. Brandon could have furthered
the lead but F. Joe hit the post. Sanders came close again
with another free kick, Thompson had a few chances that went
begging and Walters and Wilcox could have added to the lead.
Bury Rangers did not really cause any problems but with a
couple of minutes left the busy forward managed to squeeze a
shot past the ever impressive Gathercole to flatter the home
side.
In all a much improved performance from the boys, I am sure
that with some big games coming up and with the players back
Brandon will continue to improve.
Sunday 5th November 2006 Brandon Lads 4 Whitton SC 3
Brandon went into this game knowing that they have not
really played to their potential, with such a big squad the
team was changed around again and it took a while for the
players to settle into their positions. Whitton took the
lead when a long ball over the top was not cleared and the
striker finished well. Brandon then played some neat
football but at times gave the ball away in positions that
caused them trouble. Beard went close with a good strike,
Wilcox had a couple of chances but the shots went straight
to the keeper. Brandon levelled mid way through the half
when Walters latched onto a ball in the box and fired his
shot into the top corner. Brandon should have taken the lead
when F.Joe was put through but the keeper saved well. More
chances went begging, Lock was putting some good crosses
into the box and Taylor was working hard on the right. The
defence of Last, Gritty and Cobbold looked very shaky at
times, Sanders looked lost in his new roll but at times
played some nice passes. Brandon took the lead when they
played some neat one touch passes and put F.Joe through who
coolly slotted the ball past the on rushing keeper. The
second half started as the first finished with Brandon
having a lot of the ball but giving it away cheaply, Whitton
looked dangerous on the break and caused Brandon's defence
problems. the introduction of Bick and Langston gave Brandon
different options, Brandon got the third when F. Joe coolly
finished. Brandon at times are their worst enemies, with a
mix up at the back the Whitton striker coolly lobbed
Gathercole. This made Brandon shaky and with other chances
going begging, Bick missed from close range, F.Joe had a
goal disallowed due to an offside decision, Bick again hit
the bar from close range. Wilcox had a good shot saved by
the keeper. Brandon did make it four when F.Joe crossed for
Walters to power home. More chances were created but as in
previous weeks they were squandered. With five minutes to go
Whitton were awarded a penalty when Cobbold brought the
striker down in the box, this was converted and gave Brandon
a shaky last couple of minutes.This was a bad performance
from Brandon and the boys will come unstuck if they carry on
playing in this way, the plusses are that chances are being
created and it will not be long until these are going to be
converted.
Sunday 29th October 2006 Stown Town A 0 Brandon Lads 8
Brandon started this game very brightly and soon took the
lead when Beard was put through and he finished well.
Brandon dominated the early exchanges and the midfield of
Sanders, Walters, Wilcox, Lockwood and Bick passed the ball
really well, it was not long before Brandon doubled their
lead when F.Joe coolly passed the keeper and slotted home.
With many chances being created Brandon soon scored another
when a good cross from Lockwood was turned into the net from
the stow defender. Any chance that stow had to come forward
was cancelled out by the back three of, Cobbold, Last and
Gritty. Many chances went begging but Brandon got the 4th
when Walters put F. Joe through and he coolly finished.
The second half started as the first finished, with the
introduction of Healy and Taylor, both slotting in well and
Taylor made some great runs throughout the second half.
Brandon soon made it five, with some good passing from the
midfield F. Joe got his hatrick. Walters fired home
the sixth. It was soon seven when Last bombed forward and
got onto a bad clearance to fire home. The front two were
now causing loads of problems and Beard should have scored
but the keeper did well to stop. Beard then hit the bar from
long range, a penalty was awarded by the referee and Beard
stepped up only to fire his shot onto the cross bar. Beard
then had a perfect goal ruled off side. Walters made
it eight with a great shot. Brandon played some nice neat
football but at times rushed the final shot, on another day
Brandon could and should have won by double the score but
they can take great credit form their performance.
Sunday 22nd October 2006 Brandon Lads 2 Thetford Indies 2
Brandon started this game very slowly and the visitors took
control in the early stages. Gathercole saved well after
good work from the Indies striker. Brandon could not get
into their flowing game mainly due to good pressure form the
Indies team. Chances came for Brandon and F.Joe was put
through 3 times but failed to make the most of these
chances. the first half was mainly contested in the midfield
and Indies came off on top with some good strong physical
play. Thompson should have put the home team ahead but his
downward header scraped the outside of the post. With half
time approaching Indies attacked and with a mix up from the
Brandon keeper aloud an Indies player to slot home from
close range, evading the challenge from Sanders. Brandon
started the second half well, the passing and moving was
good and they should have levelled when Langston crossed
only for Beard to head over. Indies then hit Brandon on the
break and with good link up play put the striker though and
he finished well to make it 0-2. The introduction of
Lock spurred the players on and with the attitude of never
losing to their closest rivals in over 4 years pulled a goal
back, Walters ran 40 yrds with the ball and then the ball
was put through to F.Joe and he coolly finished passing the
ball under the keeper. This spurred the boys on and there
was only one team in the game now, a mix up in the Indies
defence aloud F. Joe through and despite the challenge from
the defender he managed to score to level the game. Brandon
pushed on and played some great football, they should have
taken the lead when Wilcox had a great shot that was heading
into the bottom corner but the Indies keeper managed to keep
it out. Brandon kept on creating chances but the win never
came. The second half saw a much better performance from the
boys but with new players settling into the team we are sure
that better is still to come. Credit must go to Indies who
had a game plan and stuck to it well, the boys must learn
that every team that they play will up their game 20% as
they are playing such a successful side who have dominated
the league for the past 4 years.
Sunday 15th October 2006 Cornard Dynamos 5 Brandon Lads 0
Brandon travelled to Cornard in the Tesco under 13 county
cup short of influential players Wilcox, Thompson and Bick.
With the team having to swap positions to accommodate this
they started brightly with the early exchanges being even.
Cornard took the lead after 10 mins when the referee gave a
free kick and the direct shot from 30yrds which Gathercole
got a good hand too but could not keep it out. straight from
the kick Brandon had good possession and a freak long ball
sailed straight towards goal and Gathercole could not get a
strong enough hand to it and it went in for 2-0. Brandon
played some good short passes with the midfield of Walters
and Sanders dominating. Brandon created some good half
chances but went into half time 2-0 down.The second started
as the first finished with Brandon playing some neat
football and the home side using their strength and power to
play the ball over the top. The 3rd goal came when a mix up
in defence and the striker scored from close range. This
spurred the lads on and the should have scored a goal back
when Sanders hit a nice free kick only for the keeper to
save. Beard and F. Joe were linking well up front and caused
the Cornard defence some problems. With Brandon pressing for
a goal the Cornard team hit another long ball over the top,
the defence of Cobbold, Gritty, Haley and Last cleared only
for another 30yrd shot to sail over Gathercole. Brandon
rallied and the introduction of Taylor and Congola saw more
chances go begging, Last missed from 3yrds, Sanders had
another free kick cleared and the front two of Beard and
F.Joe had chances. Cornard scored another from long range
and had some more good chances to finish the game off. In
All a good solid performance from the boys and did not
really deserve to loose by a heavy score line.
Sunday 8th October 2006 Brandon Lads 5 Bury Town B 0
Brandon Lads AFC sponsored by AMAS & Lignacite secured their
second league victory of the season against a battling Bury
Town A. Brandon took the lead as early as the sixth minute
courtesy of F. Joe with a cool finish one on one with the
keeper. Bury were awarded a penalty mid-way through the
first half, only to miss the target. Bury continued to cause
problems and should of scored with a close range effort. The
second half Brandon began to play their football and they
were rewarded with a second thanks to sub H. Bick who scored
from close range after a M.Beard shot was saved. As the half
progressed Brandon piled more pressure onto Bury with J.
Willcox & J. Walters controlling the
midfield resulting in further goals with M. Beard, D.
Langston and J. Willcox.
A special mention to K. Haley, M. Cobbold, S. Last, C.
Gritty, P. Cordiori and A. Gathercole for their outstanding
defending over the last 2 games.
Sunday 1st Oct 2006 Brandon lads 4 Stow Town B 1
No report,
but goals scored by Fabien Joe x 2, Josh Thompson and Danny
Langston.
27 Aug
2006 Holland Tour V.V. SCO '63 2 Brandon Lads 7
Brandon Lads were soon in the lead with a well placed drive
from Willcox and this was followed by the first of Joe’s hat
trick of strikes. Langston added a third before half time as
the Lads dominated throughout with some crisp passing.
Gathercole, a safe pair of hands in goal, was rarely
troubled.
In the second half the Lads played their best football of
the tour. Joe was again on target soon after the restart and
Beard got onto the score sheet for the first time on tour,
although he constantly threatened the SCO-63 goal. Joe then
completed his hat trick while two other efforts hit the back
of the opposition net only to be ruled offside. In a late
rally, SCO-63 pressed forward to score twice, although
Cobbold, Haley, Last and Sanders were superb in defence and
prevented any further incursions. Bick, Taylor and Walters
maintained dominance across the midfield and the match was
sewn up with a late strike from Thompson.
26
Aug 2006 Holland Tour V.V. Heklelingen 1 Brandon Lads 3
Brandon Lads started sluggishly and early half chances fell
to Hekelingen, although Gathercole was in good form between
the posts. Some of the Lads were subjected to some
particularly heavy challenges but the boys took these knocks
in their stride and began to produce some attractive
football. In the second half, Hekelingen pushed forward
early on and a speculative long range shot looped over our
keeper and into the top of the net. Far from being
dispirited by this reverse, the Lads turned on their best
football of the match. Awarded a free kick outside the
opposition penalty area, Sanders converted with a fierce
shot to level the score. A neat move shortly after, with a
telling final pass from Thompson from the halfway line, led
to Joe slotting home from close range. The opposition
tackling then became even heavier and was largely left
unpunished by the local referee. The match was, however,
wrapped up with a smart half volley from Joe following a
Willcox corner. Various other chances went begging to the
visitors with Beard and Joe going close. Bick and Thompson,
who had made excellent contributions, left the field as
coach Phil Sanders reverted to a 4-4-2 formation, bringing
on Haley and Taylor. Rock solid cover was provided at the
back by Cobbold and Last, and Langston, Walters and Willcox
were a veritable engine room in midfield. All round, it was
a performance for Brandon to be proud of.
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