Mens 2nd XI
Matches
Sat 31 Jan 2015  ·  Premier
Preston Men's 1s
2
3
Brooklands HC
Mens 2nd XI
Men’s 2 increase lead at the top

Men’s 2 increase lead at the top

Steven Andrews3 Feb 2015 - 12:55
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After 2 hard fought victories last weekend Brooklands 2nd travelled to Preston for this top of the table clash.

With the weather trying to cause more disruption to the fixture list, the away fixture luckily went ahead as planned on a bright but cold day in Preston.

The weather did play a part straight from the whistle, with the low bright sun making it very difficult for both teams and the umpires to see over long (and some short) distances. As expected with the game being of such importance, there was an intensity and edge to both teams play and a number of physical challenges went unpunished in the opening exchanges. There was not much between both teams for large parts of the first half, with a majority of play cancelled out in the middle third of the pitch and the teams went in 0-0 at half time.

Brooklands started the brighter of the 2 teams, and some better movement and positive attacking play allowed Brooklands to apply more pressure to the Preston defence. The deadlock was then broken when a fierce pass from Sidebotham was expertly deflected in by a bemused Jeff’s from 5 yards. His best finish of the season but much work is needed on his celebrations!.

The pressure continued and after a break down the left from Capper, Andrews picked the ball up in the D, fired in a cross only to be deflected by the keeper straight to Gilbody who calmly slotted home to extend the lead.

Preston then threw everything at Brooklands, and following some excellent work from Little to bring out the ball from the back, he was clearly fouled in the process which went unpunished resulting in Preston scoring. 2-1. Vigorous complaints from the entire Brooklands team ensued, but to no avail and the goal stood. This then set the tone for the remaining period of the match, with a number of controversial decisions and fouls going unpunished for both sides. Preston then were awarded a corner, and with the sun directly in the eyes of Richmond and the Brooklands defence, the prospect of facing the league’s leading corner specialist was not one anyone would envy. Wilson stepped up and duely fired into the roof of the Brooklands net to make it 2-2 with only minutes remaining.

This however was not the end and what has been a hallmark of the Brooklands performances this season the team never gave up, and although a draw would have been sufficient Brooklands pushed hard for the win.

Then after a mazy run by capper and interplay with Andrews, Brooklands won a long corner. Andrews sensing the opportunity took the free hit quickly and drove at the Preston defence eliminating 2 defenders before firing a bullet pass to Craig Johnson who dived full length to deflect the ball passed the Preston keeper. 3-2.

With seconds now remaining Preston never gave up and drove at the Brooklands defence straight from the restart, with Virabi somehow managing to avoid a Yellow card for consecutive fouls. From the free hit in the 25, the Preston player renowned for his physical approach drove at Andrews on the edge of the circle, who was alleged to have committed a foul worthy of a penalty corner. Feeling aggrieved by this highly debatable decision at such a critical moment in the match, Andrews made his feelings very clear to umpire. Somehow managing not to swear, he gave the umpire an adrenaline fuelled tongue lashing, which resulted in a yellow card for the remaining 10 seconds of the match. Preston then had one last chance to draw level, but the corner routine broke down and the game ended 3-2 to Brooklands, who extended their lead at the top of the Northern Premier league.

Overall Brooklands experience at big moments told, in what was a fairly even contest. Formby are next up for Brooklands as their march towards the title continues.

Match details

Match date

Sat 31 Jan 2015

Kickoff

13:30

Competition

Premier
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Mens Main Sponsor - Cresta Court Hotel
Club Sponsor - Edmond Shipway
Kit Provider - Hawkinsport
Kit Sponsor - Adidas