HT: 0-1
West Riding County FA Veterans League: Bradford League Division Two:
Winter / Spring Season 2023,
27th February 2023
Venue: Marley Activities and Coaching Centre, Keighley
GOALS:
Stu
ASSISTS:
Joyce (me)
Bramhope MFC Vets Team Line Up:
GK: Alex
LB: Dougie
CB: Nicolson (c)
CB: Jonno
RB: Joey
LW: Joyce (me)
CM: Pugh
CM: Hugh
RW: Danny T
FW: Stu
FW: Spanner (vc)
It was a flat performance from Bramhope FC in a game that on paper Bramhope were expected to win, however, Addingham were game and took an early lead despite Bramhope looking more dangerous early on through attacking outlets Spanner, Stu and Joyce linking well.
However, Addingham caught Bramhope on the counter attack and despite a good save from goalkeeper Alex moments before the goal, the ball fell to the Addingham striker in the box who managed to slot home.
At 1-0 down, Bramhope did not panic and saw several attacks cause problems down both flanks and through the middle from some good through passes by midfielders Hugh and Pugh.
Spanner and Joyce were linking up well down the left hand side and both got in behind the Addingham defence on more than one occasion but could not find that killer chance. Pugh and Stu both had shots on goal whilst a Pugh cross saw a Joyce header guided straight into the Addingham 'keepers hands. Joey produced an impressive long powerful throw in that caused havoc in the Addingham box.
Despite looking threatening at times, Addingham were feeling confident on the counters but left back Dougie was an assured figure forcing out several thrown ins and was also able to get forward and start some nice attacks himself as well in the first half.
Captain Nicolson, suffering from jet-lag was courageous in defence as always and made some brilliant tackles to stop Addingham attacks through the middle. Jonno, Nicolson's assured partner kept driving forward into midfield to help link up play with Hugh and Pugh.
We also saw the debut of Danny T playing at right wing and was a livewire from the right hand side.
Spanner and Danny T linked up well from the right but Addingham did well to snuff Bramhope attacks out.
However, a stroke of luck came for Bramhope after a Pugh pass saw Joyce come in from the left and dribble to the edge of the box and hit a powerful driving shot that deflected off an Addingham defender to fall to the feet of Stu who hit a beautiful left footed shot past the 'keeper into the top left hand corner.
Whilst Stu and Bramhope celebrated the equalizer, the Addingham winger was down for a few minutes due to the Joyce shot hitting him in the privates, ouch, thankfully for Addingham he was up and running soon after.
The game became a real seesaw affair and there were counter attacks but both sides. Addingham earned a couple of corners to add some pressure to Bramhope but Jonno headed away two corners whilst Bramhope also earned a couple of their own which debutant Danny T took. Stu had a late effort attempt looking to lob the keeper and Addingham also hit the outside of the post and a a couple of long range efforts well covered by Alex and the defensive line.
Both sides looked for the victory late on but it ended in a draw that was probably deserving for both sides in what was an open and competitive game. Thankfully for Bramhope, the results when their way and remain top of the table (see below). Bramhope should have probably looked to test the stand in goalkeeper more as their regular goalkeeper never turned up and apparently went to the other league venue - St Mary's by mistake.
Next up for Bramhope Vets is a tough fixture in two weeks against Bradford Moor YSA Veterans. Bramhope are also in talks with the British Transport Police Vets team and looking at a potential friendly late in March.
INSTAGRAM: @joycinho
TWITTER: @rjsports1 @joycinho @rjrugbyleague
SPIRITUAL TWITTER: @JoyceParanormal