Braves Vs Lytchett Red Triangle

Braves 1 - Lytchett RT 3

Our defence was caught wanting a few times but generally the boys did a good job in covering off each other and marking the opposition. The fact is, albeit the Braves had more chances at goal we were unfortunate whereas Lytchett had their 'eye in' on the ball and they seized the opportunities when they could.

I lost count of how many times we hit the cross bar or sliced it slightly either side of the goal...the boys frustration at their missed opportunities started to creep in and, perhaps understandably, they started to 'niggle at each other' up front.

Thanks go to Steve Donachy for refereering the match at short notice and for reminding the boys on both sides that they should be respectful towards one and other...the more the boys can be reminded of this the more all of them will enjoy taking part in matches.

Chris Birrell secured a penalty goal and it was great to see the boys celebrating in style...that's what football should be all about! I had to laugh when Ben Blades mum mis-heard me shout "great to see you celebrating, now get up there and pull it back"...she thought I said "that's enough celebrating, get on with it and pull it back"...I might be a bit of an ogar on the side-lines (as my wife keeps reminding me), but I'm not that bad!

Man of the match was Ben Stocker who made some great saves and showed some real determination in diving on the ball whilst the Lytchett attackers were bearing down on him...well done Ben.

All in all an exciting game with some real skill being shown on both sides. Braves continue to go from strength to strength and with some fine tuning around positioning (especially when we're taking some free kicks) and covering of defensively we'll stand a chance of doing well in future matches.

Broadstone Braves Vs Blandford United Raiders

Braves 6 - Blandford 1

Despite being a bit slow to start and a bit of player to player critiscm creeping in in the first half, the match was generally well played by the Braves.

Our defenders; Mark Donachy, Sam Klein, Alex Sharp and Jack Williams, worked well together and held off a number of determined efforts by Blandford.

A team re-shuffle meant that Josh Powley and Joe Jordan were strikers and Chris Birrell and Luke Woodhouse played mid-field. The combination worked well with everyone one of them having a number of opportunities at goal.

The mid-fielders filled the gap nicely and one the majority of opposition goal kicks enabling us to drive forward, up and over the Blandford defence and creating numerous opportunities.

Jack Williams debut, having been away from the game with an injury for a number of months, was great! Well done Jack, nice to see some nifty knock forwards and your pace coming back...

Ben Blades and Ollie C-J put in a sterling effort on the wings, I lost count how many times Ollie and Luke put in a 'one two' move and drove it up the right wing...fantastic!

Goal scorers were Luke Woodhouse (2), Joe Jordan (3) and Josh Powley (1).

Man of the Match was Ollie Cornellius-Jones for his determination on the pitch, winning numerous balls despite often being out numbered and passing the ball forward so as his team mates could secure a goal...well done Ollie!

Next Sunday we play Lytchett Matravers (away), I've a feeling this will be a tough match but if we maintain our form we should do well....

Great effort today boys!!!

Thanks to John Jordan for doing the line (again) and special thanks to Steve Donachy for stepping in to be referee at the last minute...both unbiased and very professional, thanks very much!