Saturday November 26th
North West Counties League First Division South
Brocton 3 Alsager Town 1
Brocton were using their third keeper in three games with Henry Smith taking over between the sticks. There was a debut for Will Whieldon, signed from Heath Hayes, on the subs bench. Alsager Town are a much changed side since the recent change in management with the majority of the players, recent additions.
Brocton started the game playing into the teeth of a very strong wide blowing towards the clubhouse end of the ground. It was the visitors that had the first opportunity after just 28 seconds. A clearance from Henry Smith went straight to Jonny Jones and his shot from distance was blocked by Kenny Devoir. Brocton’s first chance saw the overlapping Adam Weldon cross for Morgan Payne with his shot clearing the cross bar. Alsager were using the wind to their advantage with long throws from Matt Harrison putting pressure on the Brocton defence. In the 13th minute Jones hit a shot straight at Henry Smith who saved comfortably. Two minutes later, a run and shot from Sam Latham was blocked by Devoir for a corner. Christian Blanchette broke down the right for Brocton, but his cross was too close to keeper Martin Blain who gathered. Henry Smith pulled out a fine save in the 20th minute. Jones got the wrong side of the Brocton defence, but Henry Smith came off his line to save. Down the other end, Jake Thomas found space but couldn’t keep his shot down. Brocton had a great chance to open the scoring in the 35th minute. An excellent cross from Blanchette, picked out Reg Smith but his shot was over the bar. Sam Madeley headed wide for the visitors from a long ball over the top. Reg Smith created a chance for Connor Haddaway with Blain making an excellent stop. Two minutes into time added on, Alsager took the lead. Max Giani split the Brocton defence, Devoir held back and was beaten for pace by Madeley who slotted superbly past Henry Smith.
Half-Time: Brocton 0 Alsager Town 1
With the wind at their backs, it took just six minutes for Brocton to level the scores. A long clearance by Henry Smith, saw Blanchette shrug off the attentions of the defender and place the ball past Blain into the corner. It could have been two just seconds later. Another ball over the top of the Alsager defence picked out Payne and his shot was superbly saved by Blain. The conditions were certainly in Brocton’s favour and Connor Haddaway volleyed over from a decent position. Alsager should have regained the lead just after the hour. An inch perfect delivery from Myles Wady found Jonny Jones in front of goal. He met the ball but inexplicably hit his shot against the cross bar when it was easier to score. Brocton continued to drive forward with Payne shooting straight at Blain. Payne, having his best game for Brocton, fired over the bar before substitute Will Whieldon blasted well wide. Into the last ten minutes, and Payne created an opening, but his goal bound effort was well blocked by the Alsager defence. Brocton took the lead in the 83rd minute. Reg Smith raced clear of the defence on the right and his low cross was converted by Jake Thomas, albeit with not the best of touches. Alsager were far from out of it and the impressive Madeley raced through the Brocton defence, checked back and then curled over the bar. In the third minute of stoppage time, a long free kick from Alsager saw Henry Smith race off his line and beat Madeley to the ball. The referee deemed otherwise and awarded Alsager a penalty. Madeley stepped up and fired well wide of the goal. To rub salt in Alsager’s wounds, Brocton grabbed their third within a minute. An excellent long ball from Henry Smith found Blanchette who beat his defender and found the corner of the net with a superb finish.
Full-Time: Brocton 3 Alsager Town 1 Attendance:75
Brocton: Henry Smith, Adam Weldon, Jake Triggs (Jack Bostock 66), Kenny Devoir, Tom Vaughan, Ben Haddaway (Will Whieldon 63), Morgan Payne (Will Finlay 82), Jake Thomas, Reg Smith (Sam Scott 85), Connor Haddaway, Christian Blanchette. Sub (Not Used): Lewis Rowley
Alsager Town: Martin Blain, Adrian Kandeke (Max Buckley-Benbow 54), Matt Harrison, Lukas Jacobson-Murphy, Richard Barnes, Sean Tierney (Tom Hassall 60), Jonny Jones (Brad West (Tom Brookes 78) 69), Sam Latham, Sam Madeley, Harlan Rodgers-Morris, Max Giani (Myles Wady 57)
Yellow Cards: Reg Smith (Brocton), Kandeke, Tierney (Alsager Town)
Comments