Wessex Premier Division.

BRADING TOWN 1 v 0 Poole Town.

As reported by WES ESSEX.

Brading Town enjoyed one of their best ever victories in beating Wessex league leader’s and last season’s champions Poole Town 1-0, in a gripping game at the Peter Henry Ground on Saturday.

For the first time this season Steve Brougham was able to name an unchanged starting line-up from the side that drew at Totton & Eling last Tuesday night. He was also able to name a full compliment of substitutes with Danny Hatcher, Will Quigley, Danny Reeve & Simon Armstrong all returning to join Ollie Buckett on the bench.

Brading kicked down the slope in front of a strong contingent of visiting supporters who made their present known with a number of flags behind Joe McCormack’s goal.

The first 45 minutes were largely dominated by Poole Town with McCormack  having to make a number of superb saves, but the visitor’s forwards were also guilty of not making most of their chances. The league leaders did not have everything there way though, with Vale and Przespolewski both going close after good runs. HT 0-0.

The second half was only ten minutes old when Brading took the lead. Przespolewski won the ball and pushed forward before putting in a low cross towards the back post where SPROOLES slid in with defender, he did not manage to get a proper contact with the ball, but enough to trickle past the wrong footed Poole keeper, who had time to scramble back and clear with his boot as the ball crossed the line. The referee initially waved play on, but he noticed the assistant’s flag and after a brief conversation the goal was given much to Poole’s dismay. The visitors immediately went on the attack and started to throw a number of high balls into the box, which suited the Romans defence as Fleming and Stuber dealt magnificently with them.

With Poole doing the attacking, it was Brading who nearly increased their lead when Przespolewski was put through clean on goal, only to see his effort beat the keeper, but go past the post. Minutes later the hard working Vale almost got the goal he deserved when he pounced on a ball over the top, but his attempted lob was easily gathered by the keeper. With 25 minutes left Hatcher came on for Sprooles and his impact was immediate, running at the Poole defence before having his shot comfortably saved. The tension was mounting as the minutes were ticking down and McCormack had again to be at his best in making a fine double save. Brading could have sealed the victory with minutes remaining when Hatcher broke down the right before crossing towards the penalty spot where it was met by a flying volley from Przespolewski that flew just over the bar. The final whistle was greeted by a large cheer from supporters and players alike in celebrating this unlikely, but deserved win. Every player worked their socks off for the cause and if this commitment and spirit is shown in future games Brading will move rapidly up the league FT 1-0.

Brading Town Man of the Match..DANNY VALE.

 Team..McCormack Phelps Stuber Fleming Ford Prezespolewski Rayner Miles Sunsburg Sprooles Vale.

Subs…Hatcher Armstrong Quigley Reeve Buckett.

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As noted by Stan Dupp.

A tremendous victory over league leaders Poole Town. After weeks of  bad luck, injuries, illness and suspensions, manager Steve Brougham was able to put out one of his strongest squads so far this season. The pre-match atmosphere in the club house seemed to be a Poole Town  victory (already) as their supporters took their full quota of drinks…..the reality was that Brading turned in a team performance of outstanding fighting qualities, something that the Poole side and their supporters were unable to swallow. It was sad to see that not one Poole player or supporter was able to make it to the clubhouse post-match….( apart from the one gentleman that came in and shook hands and said well played ) I re-call in losing 10-1 at Poole and every Brading player & supporter attending the post match bar….to be a good winner you have to be a good loser.

There is no ” I ” in team and there certainly wasn’t in the Brading side today.

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Hampshire Jun “A” Cup.

Inmar 1 v 6 BRADING TOWN RES.

BRADING TOWN “A” 1 v 6 Allbrook.

( Ben Armstrong )

Mid-Solent U16 League.

BRADING TOWN U16 “A” 0 v 10 AFC Portchester.

BRADING TOWN U16 “B” 1 v 1 Locks Heath Lions.

( Rob Gray )