We’re Sadly Broke Sunday 14^th November 2004 ____________________________________________________________________

Game 1 - The line up was:

Joe B

Tom Sam B Oscar

Jordan Luke A Max

Rolling Subs: Jack Y, Callum & Joe C

A great attack down our left by ‘Stoke was halted after Sam chased and got in a good tackle. Then ‘Stoke attacked down our right and this time it was Oscar with a saving tackle. We did then get on the attack which saw a shot come in from Tom. ‘Stoke were quickly back on the attack and Sam & Tom combined to clear the ball for a corner. The corner came in and a shot on target was blocked by Tom. The pressure eventually told. A Bradley Stoke cross was met by an inrushing forward 0-1. They quickly won the ball back and attacked down our left and a shot found its way under Joby 0-2.

A series of cross-field balls right to left and back left our defence floundering and Joby beaten only for Jack to get back and clear off of the line. We finally saw some action down the other end as a run from Joe earned us a corner. They broke from the corner however and Jack was alert with three consecutive challenges and then with the help of Callum, the ball was cleared. Just before halftime a surging ‘Stoke run was crossed in but the shot was saved by Joby.

HALF-TIME: FRYS 0 BRADLEY STOKE 2

The second half started the same way the first had ended with Callum forced into some good defending.

‘Stoke attacked down our left, and although the initial shot was saved by Joby, they reacted the quickest and the follow up was buried in the net 0-3. They kept up the pressure and the next shot was blocked by Jack. We did have the occasional chance and a long-range shot from Tom was just wide.

‘Stoke came back at us again and forced a fine save from Joby. We attacked down the right with Callum, but he was forced out. ‘Stoke then came back and although Jack tackled they still shot and Joby pulled off a fantastic save. Tom then did an overhead clearance but the shot came back and Joby caught it well. Near the end and we attacked leaving Jack alone in defence. They broke quickly, past Jack and the shot gave Joby no chance 0-4. Right at the end we gave away a free-kick for handball but the shot was wide.

FULL-TIME : FRYS 0 BRADLEY STOKE 4

Man of the Match – Chosen by Dave Kipling for excellent play – Jack Yeoman

Game 2 - The line up was:

Jamie

James B Ethan

Luke G Sam P Josef

Sam K

Rolling Subs: Mark, Josh & Dan

As in the first game, ‘Stoke showed their intentions early and a shot in was well saved by Jamie in goal. They weren’t to be denied however and soon another shot gave Jamie no chance 0-1. We responded well however and soon forced a corner. It was swung in and met by Sam K with a stunning shot 1-1. ‘Stoke came right back at us and a dangerous ball across the face of goal was fortunately missed by all and we scrambled it clear.

They came at us again and a strong tackle was needed by Ethan to thwart them. This was soon followed by a good clearance from Spike. Dan & James then combined with some good clearances and then Mark defended well to stop them. ‘Stoke were still dangerous as a shot narrowly wide demonstrated. Sam K & Josh then passed well between them to put Dan through but he was crowded off the ball. Then, right on the stroke of half-time, they managed to get ahead again 1-2.

HALF-TIME: FRYS 1 BRADLEY STOKE 2

From kick off and some good tackling from Luke won him the ball. Unfortunately the change around had unbalanced him and he went in the wrong direction. He did pass however before he was tackled and Josh was able to go on the offensive, just losing the ball as he was about to shoot. ‘Stoke soon were on the attack however and a thundering shot flew past everyone 1-3. Under relentless pressure, there was always going to be injuries and at one point both James and Dan were down. Dan was so badly injured that he was unable to carry on and had to go home.

Mark was solid at the back under the pressure and produced another fine tackle and clearance. He wasn’t unable to stop the fourth however and ‘Stoke waltzed through us 1-4 and despite a great save from Jamie, ‘Stoke soon followed up again 1-5. Joe was the next down injured as a ball was crashed into his head. He was able to get up though and soon carried on. We did have a chance through Ethan but his fine shot was saved. Near the end and some excellent defending from James was followed by a great save from Jamie to keep the overall score this side of respectability.

FULL-TIME : FRYS 1 BRADLEY STOKE 5

Man of the Match – Chosen by Mark Yeoman for excellent play – Sam Kipling

OVERALL RESULT : FRYS 1 BRADLEY STOKE 9

Afterthoughts…………………………………………………………

A few players didn’t get a mention this week, not because they didn’t do anything, but because of the dominance by Bradley Stoke! We weren’t bad, but some quick, neat and accurate passing can cut any team apart. Today it was our turn.