So the end of yet another busy footballing week, see’s us in action in the First round proper of the FA Vase. We were playing host to an improving South Shields team, who currently reside in the http://www.northernleague.org/ Reading reports on their forum, it seems they struggled a bit last term.
Whilst the sun was shining brightly in the distance, the wind was blowing a gale across the ground, making playng conditions very difficult. The opposing fans came down in some good numbers, however there were only 179 officially in.
The opening exchanges saw both teams struggle with the conditions, however, it was Brid that seemed to settle quicker, and with their passing game, started to carve out the chances. Before Danny Buttle scored on 41, we could have had several, and Danny himself was guilty of missing a cracking opportunity. The opponents really didn’t hit any stride, they had about a 10 minute spell in the first half where they sort of threatened but it was easily sorted out by our keeper and back 4.
The contest was soon over in the second half, when Palms netted his 13th of the season, though he did have some excellent opportunities to have added more to that tally and get his 4th hat trick of the season to date, but alas it wasn’t to be.
Another brilliant team performance from the lads, hard to choose a MOM, but I went for Tom Fleming who led by example (though his tackling scares me to death, when he goes in studs showing a lot – but hey, Tom’s a great lad and we wouldn’t expect / want any different from him). the South Shielders who came to watch, were obviously disappointed with their teams showing, but with some patience and one or two additions to their team, they can have a very good season, it what is a difficult league.
Our reward for this effort ? Today we were drawn away to Scarborough, and we play them a week after our league encounter at home. Another of those massive “Landlord v tennant” games that became so synonymous with Wimbledon, Charlton and Palace back in the 90’s.
