Brooklands shine with 4 goal rout

Brooklands shine with 4 goal rout

Buoyed by the win vs East Grinstead, the Brooklands men took a long trip down to the familiar enemy, Canterbury. With the border of France being closer than their own beds, this wasn't a game the lads wanted to lose. Those 5 hours back can feel a little longer after a defeat. With lots of new faces in the team this was a place many of the players were playing at for the very first time. This week, Coach Gammo called upon the services of Alex Humphreys. The debutante would play a key role in the centre midfield.

With a new found confidence and a week of focused training, Brooklands showed their dominance and strength with a sustained barrage of attacks. It seemed as though this may be the Canterbury Goal keepers day .A notable chance came from Aidan Khares, with the big power forward up to his usual tricks, he created an opening with David Flanagan, Flanagan breezed past two defenders and passed to the waiting Khares on the 90 degree angle, Khares power pushing the ball towards goal was denied by the outstretched stick of the diving keeper. Excellent chances were being created but Brooklands couldn't find the back of the net. With the came on a knife edge it looked like a break away chance would lead to a goal after a half of dominance, however with James Sutcliffe stuck to their most valuable player like glue, it would take something special. It almost did, the ever vigilant and nimble Chris Scott in goal denied a flash shot and Brooklands could breath a sigh of relief. The Georges road side continued to power forward with Sam Perrin, Brynn Cleak and Richard Slater hunting for goals. The goals didn't come but a barrage of Corners did. Tom lush coming the closest with a head side deflection that needed more of a touch to send it goal wards.The snick would have gone through the wicket keeper when he needed it to go to 1st slip, another chance gone. The half ended 0-0.

Coach Gammo had talked about process and how that would win us the game. The lads had stuck to the plan for the 1st half and it had created many chances, he insisted that if the team stuck to the plan, they would have the result and more importantly, points in the bag. He and Captain Flanagan asked for another gear and that's what the lads delivered.

The half started in the same fashion as the last with the Brooklands side dominating. With the defence solid, the midfield men of Warwick Ryan Beswick and Alex Humphreys were freed up to play a little more expansively with the forwards. Chances were being created however their seemed to be a little more purpose with these attacks. Once again, it was the story of the youngster, Tommy Ketchup Russell. With ketchup duties on the back burner for away games, Tom was able to concentrate on the job in had and produced some individual brilliance after some nice play down the left hand side. Some 3D skill over 2 defenders and a back hand 1-2 with Richard Slater, provided Russell with a gaping open goal to slot the ball into. He obliged and had his 1st premier league goal to his name. Relief for Brooklands and relief for Russell as he had finally opened his account. 'Its about time' were the words that came from father, Dave Russell. 1-0 Brooklands.

Brooklands had learned their lesson from the week before and went on the attack again. This time it was the turn of our Namibian import, Brynn Ringo Cleak. Some calm play from the back line of Andy Jackson, Oliver Clarke, Nick Little and Peter Flanagan meant the ball found its way into the path of Cleak. He had produced numerous shots in training that riffled into the goal it was time for one in a game, he struck the ball ferociously from a tight angle on the back hand. The ball was hit with such power that the keeper had no time to react and that was 2-0. Cleak's nerves settled and Brooklands had doubled their lead.

A period of sustained pressure meant more and more chances were being created. More unit play between Khares, Clarke, Cleak, Flanagan and Slater meant yet another opening emerged. the ball was passed into the D from the right hand side and Slater turned and shot, the keeper saved but for the ball to fall to David Flanagan, with one touch to round the keeper and another to back hand it home, the Georges road side were 3-0 up. This was what Gammo had ordered and the team were delivering.

The game was not over, still lots of time on the clock and it seemed Tommy Ketchup Russell was back for his second helping. Alex Humphreys was playing excellently showing his skill and passing ability along with some dogged defence. The attacking midfielder decided it was time for him to get in on the act and produced a sensational back hand pass that would have been harder to miss than score and the hungry youngster popped up just in front of the keeper to slot home for his second and Brooklands 4th. 4-0.

Canterbury did managed to gain a consolation goal from a corner that was flicked high into the goal, however we were later told that the Canterbury flicker had performed some sort of wizardry with a slower ball that deceived the nimble Chris Scott. Never the less 3 points in the bag and a great performance from all 16 players on the pitch. Notably the lack of attacking options from Canterbury came down to some great defending from the GB U23 international James Sutcliffe who is becoming a great prospect for both club and country.

It is worth a mention that Alex Humphreys received a blow to the head late in the game which ended up with him taking a trip to A&E, a slight concussion but all is well with him. A small worry after his previous head injury however he has been cleared to play and assured the team he will be ready come next weeks game.

This weeks Man of the Match however, must go to the Tom Russell for his two goals. He is beginning to show everyone why he is one of the most exciting young talents in the country. He and the team are looking to push on for next week when they take on the Beeston on home turf. This will be a game to watch. Game On.