HT: 0-0
West Riding County FA Veterans League: Bradford League Division Two:
Winter / Spring Season 2023,
17th April 2023
Venue: St Mary's School, Menston, Ilkley
GOALS:
N/A
ASSISTS:
N/A
Bramhope MFC Vets Team Line Up:
GK: Alex
LB: Stu
CB: Nicolson (c)
CB: Jonno
RB: Dougie
LW: Joyce (me)
CM: Goach (vc)
CM: Hugh
AM: Kundi
RW: Spanner
FW: Dorey
Roll On Subs:
MID: Tom Griff (vets debut)
LB: Joe
However, a hard fought and well earned goal-less draw sees Bramhope remain in second place with the same number of points as Bradford Boys but Bradford having a game in hand. There is just one more game left for Bramhope which is against Prospect FC Vets and hope to win the title is now all but over.
Despite this, Bramhope did themselves proud with a valiant effort and stopped Bradford Boys beating them for the first time. Bradford Boys have always been Bramhope's kryptonite and once again they fielded a strong team with a couple of ex-professionals in their ranks.
However, Bramhope also fielded a strong team which also saw a vets debut of Tom Griffiths. Bramhope was set up by manager and captain Nicolson to defend with structure as a team keeping shape and allowing Bradford Boys to have most of the possession. This was a good move as Bramhope, although enjoying less possession were able to reserve energy to create some positive attacks.
The first half saw a golden chance for Joyce after a brilliant run down the right hand side by Dorey who beat the offside trap and produced a wonderful ball across goal and Joyce who ran in from behind failed to connect with the ball in what was the perfect opportunity to take the lead. Much to Joyce's frustration, he managed to chase the ball to the bi-line to keep it in play but distributed a heavy the ball to team-mate Goach which resulted in a goal kick - opportunity missed.
We also saw some brilliant play by Kundi through the middle linking up well with Goach and Hugh but Bramhope could not quite find that killer ball.
Jonno had a magnificent volley that smashed the bar and some more threatening counter attacks down both flanks featuring midfielders Spanner, Joyce, Goach, Kundi and Hugh on several occasions.
Tom Griffiths also produced some brilliant attacking play from midfield on his vets debut whilst Joe came on from the bench to make an impact from left back.
The first half also saw impressive defensive duties from the ever assured back-line of Stu from the left, who also played some of the game on the right, skipper Nicolson with Jonno at centre back and Dougie primarily at right back.
Second half saw a vital block by Stu, which his heroics not only stopped a shot on goal but injured his ankle in the process. Dougie made several clearances whilst Joe was strong with defensive headers. Nicolson and Jonno were driving the ball to midfield from defence and was a well structured formation that managed to limit Bradford Boys to pot shots although they earned several late corners. Goalkeeper Alex was a strong presence in goal and earned his clean sheet.
Going forward in the second half, vice captain Goach shifted a purposeful ball out to the left for Joyce who dribbled into the box but his shot was saved and later Joyce switched to the right wing and had a blistering run down the flank from a great ball by Hugh. Dorey and Spanner also produced some inventive play going forward in the second half but chances were limited.
All in all, a good solid point and proof that Bramhope are improving against a proven quality outfit.
Me personally, I will be taking a short break from playing football for a couple of months atleast ready for the birth of my baby boy arriving and for the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon that I am running in May to avoid any injuries, but I will be back and hopefully rejuvenated haha, or maybe not? Haha.
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