A wave of positivity has come across Brooklands in recent weeks with performances that would have had them challenging for silverware if it wasn't for a poor run of form midway through the first half of the season. It seems as though the winter break has once again come at the wrong time for the Manchester Men.

After almost putting top of the league Surbiton to the sword, it was time to face joint top of the league, Beeston on a cold wet day. Just what the northerners are used to...... a day for a league upset perhaps?

The game started fast and Brooklands, like in the Surbiton game were fast out the blocks. A corner won by the big midfielder Aidan Khares was then saved by a diving Beeston keeper to deny captain Flanagan's flick. Another chance in the opening 5 minutes saw Stefan Ray-mills play a pass to the advancing midfielder James Sutcliffe who was denied a first Brooklands and premier league goal when the Beeston keeper got a stick on a cheeky chip. Positive signs from the Manchester men.

With only 5 minutes gone, a glorious opportunity presented itself. A block from Captain Flanagan set up the chance to counter, James Sutcliffe with a lovely weighted through ball enabled David Flanagan to get in behind the defence. With the pacey forward line itching to stretch their legs, Beeston obliged and left their keeper to deal with a 3 vs 1. With arguably two for the fasted men in the league bearing down on the Beeston goal, David Flanagan passed the ball round the keeper giving Sam Perrin an open goal to slot home. Brooklands had just opened up the leagues joint leaders with ease. 1-0.

The game was end to end with opportunities for both sides to score, however the goal must have felt so small for the Beeston side not just because of the stature of Brooklands Stopper, Chris Scott but his amazing ability to stop anything that came his way. Brooklands had the lead but Beeston had the chances to level on numerous occasions. Once again Scotty showing why he is regarded as one of the leagues top goal keepers.

A lead of 1-0 has been a feature of Brooklands season yet the thought of scoring to early sprung to mind, so it was vital that Brooklands took this lead into the second half or momentum could swing. Often those who go through a season consistently performing week in week out, go unrewarded and unnoticed, however today Oliver Clarke settled Brooklands nerves with a second goal and his customary 'one for the season'. After some nice play from James Sutcliffe found the stick of Oliver Clarke, it was inevitable that a corner, shot or goal would come from this attack. Fortunately, he won a corner which he then converted with a head-side deflection. A huge boost for Brooklands to go 2-0 up at half time and a small prize for himself after the consistent hard work in this first half of the season.

Coach Gannon asked for more of the same in the second half, dogged defence and calm, purposeful attacks. This had been the basis of the last 2 weeks and it was proving to be a fruitful formula.

With this in mind, the second half began and inevitably the game took a small swing in the favour of the home side. As Brooklands did in the first half, they came out the blocks hard, wanting to find an early goal. However the solid defence of Peter Flanagan, Oliver Clarke, Nick Little, Andy Jackson and Dan Vincent stood fast and blocked anything that came their way.......even if it meant taking one for the team. Dan Vincent taking a blow to the head for the cause.

This Dogged defence was broken just once due to a soft corner that was given away by an over excited Richard Slater. That lad loves chasing the ball so much he forgot you can't go through the back of someone to get it. A nice flick just left of the keeper gave Beeston a sniff of a result. 2-1

With a host of current and up and coming England players in the Beeston squad, it was vital to get the match ups correct, especially in midfield. Once again Stefan Ray Hills using his wealth of experience to nullify his England Capped opposite number. He was pivotal in ensure nothing came through the centre of the pitch but also present the forwards with opportunities to attack. All would be vital if Brooklands were to hang on to these 3 points.

The Beeston men threw everything they could at the Brooklands defensive unit and in doing so took it out of their own legs. This meant counter attack opportunities were rife in the latter stages of the game. With a tired and weary forward line struggling for legs, an inspired substitution saw Alex Humphreys, more accustom to drifting into the back line, asked to play as a forward. Some outstanding skills from the fast and tricky forward Peter Cornell saw space in behind for him to exploit, the ball was passed to Humphreys who was waiting on the penalty spot who flicked fast and high into the goal to make it 3-1. It would be a hard task for Beeston to come back from this.

A hard task, but they gave it a good go, they immediately went down the other end and won a corner. Once again Chris Scott stood in the way frustrating the Beeston men ever more. That frustration left them with no structure and a lack of motivation to get back and defend. To put the icing on the cake, Brooklands scored a 4th with some neat play from Cornell who found Ray Hills at the top of the D. With a one time pass to Humphreys once again in a goal scoring position, the skull capped Defender/Midfielder now forward, cheekily chipped the ball over the keeper. 4-1. Moments later the final whistle blew and queue scenes of celebration. 3 points in the bag and a huge win for Brooklands.

This is the first time Brooklands have beaten Beeston away in the league and a massive boost in terms of points. Their is now clear daylight between Brooklands and the bottom 2. The lads will be looking to take this momentum in the second half of the season and are looking to move up the table.

It's time for the guys to rest up before it all gets back underway in February.