Top vs Bottom clash today. Bedford Park Rangers had scored only one goal in their previous three matches, and had nul points to show for their efforts. However, warming up for the match, they looked up for it. The attitude of the coaching staff and the boys was top-rate, also.
In the match, though, it was one-way traffic. It was hard for the non-expert to tell exactly what was wrong: certainly the energy and commitment seemed to be there, and they didn't seem to get downhearted. Also their goalkeeper seemed very sound (it didn't appear as though he could have conceded 13 in one game, and 22 in three games).
However, Brickhill created more chances, and converted more of those. It wasn't pretty, but they led 1-0, then 2-0, then 3-0. One for Elijah and two for Fred at an early stage. BPR got one back, but were 5-1 down by half-time.
In the second half it was hard to keep count, and in the end it was a crushing 13-1 victory for top-of-the-table Brickhill. Hat-tricks for Elijah and Niall. Two each for Fred and Luke. Ewan and Greg were also on the scoresheet. BPR were gracious in defeat.
As you might imagine, there wasn't much for Harry to do although BPR might have had one or two more goals if their luck had been better.
100% record from the first 4 games certainly ensures Brickhill carry a clear lead into the next game - their first home match. Westoning, who will be much tougher, are the opposition.
BEDFORD PARK RANGERS 1 - 13 BRICKHILL
Sunday, 30 September 2007
Sunday, 23 September 2007
A close won thing
A third consecutive trip to Luton today - this time to face Sundon Park Rangers. When Harry & I arrived 45minutes before kick-off, Sundon already had a full squad of 16 (the maximum allowed) in highly organized pre-match training. Obviously they meant business, and wanted the opposition to know it.
When our 2 Sams arrived with just minutes to go to kick-off (having been talked in by mobile phone), we had our full 15 available. The match, in fact, was underway a minute or so before the official 10:30 time-slot.
The first half was not a thing of beauty. Brickhill quickly made a defensive error and fell 1-0 behind, only to find an equalizer within 60seconds - either Angus or Fred may claim the goal. Greg added a second after 12 minutes, to see Brickhill edge in front.
Unfortunately, we conceded either side of half-time to be 2-2 at the break then very quickly 3-2 behind.
Now, it seemed, Brickhill woke up and Ewan made it 3-3 with a powerful strike which Sundon's excellent keeper couldn't stop. And almost immediately, Elijah sprung onto Sam's long ball to make it 4-3.
Brickhill's trademark 6-3 victory looked possible when Greg scored his second header of the game (5-3) and then with a few minutes to go, Elijah made a break from the half-way line and was one-on-one with the keeper. It seemed he must score, but the goalie kept his cool.
Instead, Sundon now found a 4th and it was a nail-biting conclusion to the match as they pressed and pressed for a way to level the match. 3 corners in the last minute of the match were somehow all defended and the whistle finally signalled a 5-4 away win for the Hawks who will have a great chance to make it 4 wins from 4 next weekend against struggling Bedford Park Rangers.
SUNDON PARK RANGERS 4 - 5 BRICKHILL
When our 2 Sams arrived with just minutes to go to kick-off (having been talked in by mobile phone), we had our full 15 available. The match, in fact, was underway a minute or so before the official 10:30 time-slot.
The first half was not a thing of beauty. Brickhill quickly made a defensive error and fell 1-0 behind, only to find an equalizer within 60seconds - either Angus or Fred may claim the goal. Greg added a second after 12 minutes, to see Brickhill edge in front.
Unfortunately, we conceded either side of half-time to be 2-2 at the break then very quickly 3-2 behind.
Now, it seemed, Brickhill woke up and Ewan made it 3-3 with a powerful strike which Sundon's excellent keeper couldn't stop. And almost immediately, Elijah sprung onto Sam's long ball to make it 4-3.
Brickhill's trademark 6-3 victory looked possible when Greg scored his second header of the game (5-3) and then with a few minutes to go, Elijah made a break from the half-way line and was one-on-one with the keeper. It seemed he must score, but the goalie kept his cool.
Instead, Sundon now found a 4th and it was a nail-biting conclusion to the match as they pressed and pressed for a way to level the match. 3 corners in the last minute of the match were somehow all defended and the whistle finally signalled a 5-4 away win for the Hawks who will have a great chance to make it 4 wins from 4 next weekend against struggling Bedford Park Rangers.
SUNDON PARK RANGERS 4 - 5 BRICKHILL
Sunday, 16 September 2007
Same Again
Match 2 of the Chiltern League campaign today, and the 2nd of many Sunday morning trips down the A6. A majority of the teams are based in and around Luton. Bushmead were the opposition today, playing at the Sixth Form College.
The official website is not yet carrying results, so we are somewhat in the dark about Brickhill's exact standing in the league. There were rumours of some big scores last week, so in all likelihood someone is further ahead than our +3 goal difference.
All 15 squad players were available today (both physically and administratively), although both Romao and Sam were wearing #5 on their shirts due to late delivery of the new kit. The referee was consulted, and agreed to allow both to be on the pitch simultaneously if need be.
It turned out to be an excellent match, played in good spirit by all. Brickhill were generally better placed throughout, but the result was never a foregone conclusion.
New signing Josh opened up the scoring with his first competitive goal for the club. In truth, it was a cross not a shot, and the keeper should have held onto it. However, they all count. It looked like 1-0 might be the half-time score, but a flurry of action started with a Bushmead counterattack, and Harry was beaten by a very composed finish.
Now, Brickhill countered with a well-worked goal from Greg and then a beautiful volleyed effort from the edge of the area which gave Bushmead's goalie no chance at all. A second goal for Josh, and 3-1 up at the break.
In the second half, play was a little scrappy. Brickhill failed to take their chances and Bushmead pulled a goal back from a corner which wasn't defended at the back-post. One for the coaches to work on.
The opposition were now creating a number of chances and 3-3 looked likely, but goals from another debutant (Dominic), and from captain Ewan made the score 5-2. It still was not over, though, and sustained pressure from the home side resulted in a 3rd goal for them.
Finally, though, Brickhill closed out the game with a side-footed finish by Greg from Elijah's corner. 6-3 the final score - for the 2nd match in a row. Certainly if they win every match 6-3, the title is secure !
BUSHMEAD 3 - 6 BRICKHILL
The official website is not yet carrying results, so we are somewhat in the dark about Brickhill's exact standing in the league. There were rumours of some big scores last week, so in all likelihood someone is further ahead than our +3 goal difference.
All 15 squad players were available today (both physically and administratively), although both Romao and Sam were wearing #5 on their shirts due to late delivery of the new kit. The referee was consulted, and agreed to allow both to be on the pitch simultaneously if need be.
It turned out to be an excellent match, played in good spirit by all. Brickhill were generally better placed throughout, but the result was never a foregone conclusion.
New signing Josh opened up the scoring with his first competitive goal for the club. In truth, it was a cross not a shot, and the keeper should have held onto it. However, they all count. It looked like 1-0 might be the half-time score, but a flurry of action started with a Bushmead counterattack, and Harry was beaten by a very composed finish.
Now, Brickhill countered with a well-worked goal from Greg and then a beautiful volleyed effort from the edge of the area which gave Bushmead's goalie no chance at all. A second goal for Josh, and 3-1 up at the break.
In the second half, play was a little scrappy. Brickhill failed to take their chances and Bushmead pulled a goal back from a corner which wasn't defended at the back-post. One for the coaches to work on.
The opposition were now creating a number of chances and 3-3 looked likely, but goals from another debutant (Dominic), and from captain Ewan made the score 5-2. It still was not over, though, and sustained pressure from the home side resulted in a 3rd goal for them.
Finally, though, Brickhill closed out the game with a side-footed finish by Greg from Elijah's corner. 6-3 the final score - for the 2nd match in a row. Certainly if they win every match 6-3, the title is secure !
BUSHMEAD 3 - 6 BRICKHILL
Sunday, 9 September 2007
First of Many
Today was Brickhill's first game in the Chiltern League, 3rd division. In this match - away at Luton Borough - Sandra only had 11 league-eligible players due to late registrations, so a full turnout of those 11 was needed simply to avoid starting the season with a fine for not fielding the correct number of players!
Karen & I were away overnight, so Harry went to the match with Cameron. We managed to arrive in time for the 2nd half. By then, the score was 1-1. Brickhill had opened the scoring, but had played most of the half with 10 men when Fred picked up an injury and could not continue - no subs available.
They later conceded an equaliser to a fluke deflection, but had apparently had the better of the chances overall despite the one-player handicap. Playing uphill in the second half, Brickhill quickly fell behind to a super strike from the edge of the area. It looked like the match may start to fall away from them but a few minutes later, a well-worked opening resulted in Elijah hammering in diagonally into the far corner from just inside the area. 2-2.
Fred now felt able to return to the game, and was immediately involved in a move that saw Brickhill take the lead with a lovely pass-and-volley goal for Niall. 4-2 was the score soon - a tap-in for Greg. All the pressure was from Brickhill who were relishing their superiority. Elijah defeated the offside trap with a quick burst into the box and fashioned a beautiful chip past the unfortunate Luton keeper. 5-2.
With about 10 minutes to go, the win looked secure. However, Luton were very quick on the break and soon found an opening to pull one back with a well-finished strike from their powerful No.12. At 5-3 down, Luton may have had a chance but a goal-mouth scramble resulted in a 6th and final goal for the away side.
LUTON BOROUGH 3 - 6 BRICKHILL
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