Brantham Badgers entertained Ipswich Lions on Sunday, with the game being played on the main pitch at Brantham. Badgers started the better sided with Guy Clubb getting through a lot of work leading the line. It was Guy who had our first real chance when he headed just over the bar from a corner. We looked strong in midfield with both Alan Backhouse and Greg Ranson making telling tackles. A good three man move ended with Craig Clarke going to the line and putting over a well timed pass but Sean Kearney running in blasted it over the bar from close range. Terry Percival was getting involved in the game and he made a superb stop and laid the ball out to Craig Clarke who flicked the ball into the area but an oncoming Guy Clubb just could get to it in time. Lions had their first real chance when the ball was played across the Badgers area and their number 9 missed an open goal from only 3 yards out, no wonder he held his head in his hands!!. Craig Clarke was getting forward whenever he could and he had a great shot on the run and the keeper could only parry it for a corner. Badgers were dominating the game but they just could not get that vital final killer touch. It came just prior to half time when the ball was laid back to Greg Ranson, who from a good 30 yards out, rifled the ball into the top corner. Badghers goalkeeper Paul "The Cat" Hammond made some very good saves and was not afraid to come out and clear the ball. Half time - Brantham Badgers 1 Ipswich Lions 0
The second half saw Justin "V-Man" Vince come on for Terry Percial and Justin soon got involved in a match that had become a little bit scrappy. Craig Clarke was then very unlucky to be cautioned when he got involved with a Lions defender, although how the Lions player, who was just as guilty, did not get cautioned is anybody's guess!. Ross Cracknell came on for Craig and looked to have put us further ahead with a well worked goal but a rather overkeen linesdman had his flag up, not for the first time I might add!. Brantham doubled their lead a few minutes later when they broke the offside trap and Ross Cracknell made no mistake with a well taken goal. It was soon 3-0, Graham Stiff putting in the perfect cross into the area, Ross Cracknell looked set to go it, but didn't, although he did take a defender with him and it was Guy 'Big-show' Clubb who slotted in at the far post. Badgers made it 4-0 when Ross Cracknell ran through a static Lions defence and with the Lions team appealing for offside Ross carried on and buried the ball into the back of the net in style. Brantham had several more chances with everybody playing their part . Lions were able to pull a goal back at the very end when djuring a hectic goalmouth scramble they got the ball into the back of the net. Paul "The Cat" Hammond had a top class game in goal, making some important stops when needed. Good to see that Paul also had his proper goalkeeping jersey on for this game, as if he had his 'figure-hugging' top on it may have well restricted his running out to make those vital saves at the right time!!!! All in all, a good result, and the main thing, a very good all round team performance with EVERY player getting involved and being part of a very good win. Keep the good work up Badgers!!
Barry Felgate (The Controller)
