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