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1st May 2010
West Yorkshire Alliance Div 2 Brighouse Old Boy Res 2 – 2 East End Park Res
In the final match in their successful promotion campaign Brighouse Old Boy Reserves bowed out with a two all draw with their nearest rivals East End Park. In the double header at Hipperholme, which saw their first team colleagues receive their championship trophy, Brighouse started of at a hectic pace and dominated proceeding in the first half hour. Grasping hold of midfield Vaughan Wagstaff, Michael Wadsworth and Andy Taylor lead the push forward and with Shane Roberts plus Peter Kuleczko proving too hot to handle on the flanks chances were soon being created. Paul Taylor, leading the way up front, added to his tally as the leagues highest scorer soon after when he sidefooted the ball home from a Kuleczko cross. Further chances came with Taylor getting the lions share of them but it took a clever bit of play from the centre forward before Brighouse could double their lead. A deft backheel on the edge of the box allowed Kuleczko the space and time to place the ball past the East End keeper. East End Park did not give up however and they looked dangerous on the break although, the back four of Neil Fitzjohn, Dan Reddy, Mark Barlow and Graham Tait, backed up by the increasingly confident Ban Briggs in goal dealt with all their attacks with aplomb. Changes were made at halftime to give everyone a chance to play in the final match and this seem to unsettle the Brighouse team. A combination of this and an increasingly effective East End effort lead to Brighouse conceding two goals in the first fifteen minutes. The first a header at the back post, the second a close range shot which gave Briggs no chance. Two goals apiece, game on. Brighouse woke from their slumbers and started to play as they had in the first half and, although the game opened up, Brighouse had the better of the chances. Through balls by fullback substitute Alex Bembridge allowed Taylor and Richard Rothwell to challenge the East End defence but unfortunately both efforts weren’t converted. Bembridge also had a similar chance but with similar consequences. A cross from Rothwell, a diving header from Taylor went close and five minutes before the final whistle, from a corner, Reddy had a golden opportunity to claim the victory but a volley was mistimed and, to the frustration of the Brighouse supporters and manager Julian Prior, the ball went wide. Still, nothing was going to upset the celebrations of a team who had fought hard throughout the season and got their just rewards. A different ball game next season, a much awaited challenge! | ||
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1st May 2010
West Yorkshire League Div 2 Brighouse OB 3 -
This was the final game of the season for both teams, but both Stanley, who have shown an excellent run of form in the last two months, and Brighouse, who had won the league the previous week with an emphatic win over their close rivals Swillington, were determined to put in good performances to end their season on a high.
From the start, the Old Boys took control with their centre midfield pairing of Reece Bray and Glen Lee dominating. However, despite the home side holding most of the possession, the Stanley defence was looking strong and chances were few and far between. As the half progressed, Stanley began to get into their game and were regularly finding their forwards who were holding the ball up well. On the 20 minute mark, Stanley opened the scoring when a long ball from their defence found one of the strikers who expertly controlled the ball then turned and hit a powerful 25 yard drive into the bottom corner of the net past the despairing ‘keeper Gareth Betts.
The Old Boys then really kicked into gear, upping the pace, particularly down the
flanks with full backs Michael Barlow and Matthew Roy pushing forward at every opportunity.
With 10 minutes to the break, good work on the left by Roy forced a corner. Bray’s
quick thinking short corner then found Roy who beat his man and hit a pin-
The Old Boys were forced to make a second change at half time when centre back Andy Pearson had to end his season after reporting a recurrence of a hamstring injury that he had picked up during Monday’s cup final at the Shay. He was replaced by Sam Ferguson, who was available for the first time in a month after recovering from a heel injury.
The home side really ran the show in the second half, with their twin strike-
Credit must go to Stanley who never gave up and indeed began to put pressure on the Old Boys defence, but centre back Andy Burton once again marshalled his troops well and it was only with a minute left on the clock that Stanley got their deserved consolation when a rare lapse by ‘keeper Betts allowed them in.
After the final whistle, Brighouse Old Boys were presented with the 2nd. Division Championship Trophy by members of the West Yorkshire League Management Committee, and the celebrations began in earnest!
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24th April 2010
West Yorkshire League Division 2 Brighouse Old Boys 5 -
Brighouse Old Boys clinched the Second division title with a resounding victory against a Swillington team who still had promotion aspirations of their own. Knowing they had a Halifax FA Cup Final on Monday they made a number of changes with Glen Lee and Neil Butcher on the subs bench with Martin Newham and Mike Pearson coming into the line up.
Playing down the slope Brighouse took the game to the visitors from the off and they took the lead after five minutes when Mike Pearson's clever through ball released Rob Kenny to drive the ball past the oncoming 'keeper. They almost doubled the lead immediately when Matty Roy's cross was headed just wide by Adie Kelly. Brighouse continued to press with James Fletcher and Reece Bray bossing the middle, and wingers Rob Kenny and Newham causing problem with their pace down the flanks well supported by marauding runs from fullbacks Mike Barlow and Roy.
But despite creating numerous chances they had to wait until the 25th minutes when Adie Kelly's cross was nicked home by the irrepressible Kenny. The third quickly followed after a strong run and cross was fired in the net in style by Fletcher. The game was more or less put beyond the visitors on the stroke of half time when
Andy Burton's ball out of defence found Kenny who completed a fine hat trick with
an expert finish to give them a 4-
As expected Swillington came out strongly but once again the Old Boys defence were in mean mood with centre backs Andy Pearson and Burton marshalling their defences expertly and with the midfield closing down and pressing the visitors were restricted to long range shots which 'keeper Gareth Betts dealt with comfortably. Brighouse were always dangerous on the counter attack with Mike Pearson a constant threat with his pace and non stop running. On the hour mark the visitors did pull a goal back from a corner.
Subs Lee, Butcher and Luke Johnson were introduced to freshen things. This paid dividends when Johnson's cross was deftly headed home by Butcher, the same player almost scored a second but his powerful header from Kenny's cross hit the post and rebounded into the goalie's hands. They had to be satisfied with a 5- | ||
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17th April 2010 Halifax and District FA Cup Semi Final Brighouse Old Boys 3 Elland Utd 0
Brighouse Old Boys booked date in the final of the Halifax FA Cup for the first time in the club's history against West Riding Premier opponents Ovenden West Riding with a good win against Halifax Premier League leaders Elland Utd. On a dry bouncy pitch both sides took some time to settle down, but it was the Old Boys who created the early chances with Rob Kenny's cross being headed just wide by Adie Kelly, and it was the same player who fired just wide from a James Fletcher cross.
Elland came back into the game with the pace of Mark Heppenstall and Kelsey causing problems for the Brighouse defence and almost grabbed the lead when a shot from the latter just went wide. It was slightly against the run of play when the Old Boys took the lead on 25 minutes after a swift counter attack released Kenny and his expert cross was fired home by Neil Butcher. Brighouse then took command of the game with Glen Lee and Reece Bray dominating the mid field and they extended the lead after another flowing move resulted in Fletcher's cross picking out Kenny and his superb header looped over a despairing Elland 'keeper.
The third goal came on the stroke of half time when fullback Matty Roy broke out
of defence and went on a powerful run into the Elland area and his pass picked out
Lee who finished coolly from twelve yards to give Brighouse a 3- As you would expect from a side leading the premier league Elland came out in the second half all guns blazing but they came against an Old Boys back four of Mike Barlow, Andy Burton, Andy Pearson and Matty Roy who were on top of their game and in no mood to give anything away, and with 'keeper Gareth Betts dominating his area they were uanble to turn their pressure into any real chances.
Having riden the early storm the Old Boys began to get on top and could have extended their lead when Fletcher was brought down in the area the ball broke to Butcher but his powerful drive struck the post and came out. On the hour mark Brighouse lost their infuential mid field general Glen Lee with a head injury and youngster Alex Bembridge was introduced into the fray with Fletcher taking over the central midfield duties. But in fairness this didn't disrupt the Old Boys who continued to press forward and looked the most likely to score with a number of chances especially one from Kelly which was brilliantly saved by the Elland 'keeper.
Elland kept working hard but really couldn't make any real impression against Brighouse
who eased to a 3-
West Riding Alliance Div 2 Altofts Res 0 -
This came when the leagues leading goalscorer Paul Taylor followed a long ball through the Altofts defence, the ball sat up nicely and Taylor volleyed home from thirty yards out. An early substitution followed when the ageless Marko O' Boyle had to come off, replaced by Edwin Prior on the left. The move didn't disrupt the push forward by Brighouse and a second goal followed soon after. Taylor causing problems in the Altofts defence, a shot hitting the hapless Altofts keeper, rebounding to Pearson who tucked the ball away into the corner. A third looked a distinct possibility but further chances, one by Pearson the second by Taylor were put wide. In the second half the spirited Altoft youngsters took the game to Brighouse and the defensive abilities of the Brighouse defence had to be called upon.
A towering performance by Dan Reddy, ably assisted by Mark Barlow kept chances down to a minimum and with stand in fullback Tuite and the adventurous Graham Tait foiling the Altoft's wingmen the athletic Ben Briggs was rarely tested in the Brighouse goal. A switch involving Taylor going back to midfield, bringing the fresh legs of Richard Rothwell on up front saw Brighouse through and when Barlow pulled a hamstring in the last fifteen minutes Sam Ferguson, although carrying an injury himself, helped seal the victory for Brighouse.
So, a seaon’s efforts bearing fruition, promotion to the upper eschelons of the West Yorkshire Alliance league, division one presenting a fresh and much needed challenge to this aspiring club. Celebrations will follow.
Halifax League Div 1 Hebden Royd Red Star Res 1 -
Brighouse Old Boys (BOBs) final game of the season perhaps typified their whole campaign. A good performance, often outplaying their opponents but unable to capitalise on the possession with goals.
On a dry bare pitch it was BOBs who played the better football, particularly in the first half, contrasting with Hebden's more physical and direct style. The midfield four of Charlie McMoran, Adam Williams, James Coates and Darren Hirst dominating their opponents and providing good possession for forwards Steve Ashford and Shane Roberts. However, the Hebden defence held firm and limited BOBs to a couple of half chances and efforts from distance.
At the other end the defence of Eddie Shaw, Matthew Lumb, Phil Coombes and Paul Fitzjohn withstood the Hebden attacks and goalkeeper Rob Moore was only called upon to collect a few crosses. However, in the last minute of the half BOBs failed to clear a ball into the box and the ball fell kindly for Hebden and Daniel Bailey swivelled to volley the only goal of the game.
BOBs started the second half poorly and Hebden dominated possession for the first 20 minutes, but the BOBs defence stayed strong and despite the possession Moore didn't have to make a save. As the half progressed BOBs got back into the game and substitute Neil Jones down the left and McMoran put the Hebden defence under pressure and with Williams and Hirst backing up play from centre midfield it looked like an equalising goal was inevitable. However, the Hebden defence, marshalled by their man of the match Andrew Butterworth, kept the BOBs attack out to hold on for victory.
Best for BOBs were Ashford, Hirst and Lumb. | ||
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10th April 2010
West Yorkshire Alliance Div 2 Old Headingly Reserves 0 -
Brighouse Old Boys shocked league leaders Old Headingly Reserves by beating them by the narrowest of margins winning by one goal to nil at their home territory. On the hottest day of the year Brighouse started off brightly and immediately put the Headingly goal under threat with centre back Mark Barlow having an early chance from a corner by Paul Taylor.This was not converted and Old Headingly started pressing the Brighouse goal with their neat brand of passing football.
Brighouse had to compete with this and Vaughan Wagstaff, Adam Williams and Neil Fitzjohn in centre midfield had to concentrate on breaking up the Headingly flurry of attacks. Strong defending by Barlow and fellow centre back Dan Reddy was necessary to keep them out ably supported by the skilful pairing of Steven Tuite and Marko O' Boyle at full backs. However chances that came their way were spurned and Old Headingly were to rue these missed opportunities later on. Seemingly, Brighouse were overawed by the occasion, they didn't play well and kept giving possession away and were somewhat fortuitous to come in at half time level.
A more positive confident approach was asked for and delivered and this changed the whole course of the game. Centre midfield got hold of the ball, allowing the formerly quiet wingmen Peter Kuleczko and Alex Bembridge get into the game and these two plus the mobile centre forward Paul Taylor started making inroads into the Headingly back four. Then the breakthrough, smart play by Fitzjohn making space for a pinpoint pass to Taylor up front, he rounded the keeper and placed the ball into the net to the delight of the Brighouse team and supporters.
However Old Headingly aren t on top of the table through coincidence and putting three up front they continually pressed the Brighouse goal. Brighouse's back four, united in defence, kept them at bay but when breeched a series of two or three stunning point blank saves by man of the match Ben Briggs kept the Headingly attack out. The heat was beginning to tell and it was a relief to Brighouse when Richard Rothwell came on up front, Taylor back in centre midfied, to present a threat and a fresh pair of legs to the Old Headingly defence. The game finished with Brighouse on top and a valuable three points to push them nearer to their aim of promotion. A good day out for Brighouse but they still need to concentrate and not get complacent in the three remaining matches.
West Yorkshire League Div 2 Brighouse Old Boys 5 -
Brighouse Old Boys (BOBs) basked in the sunshine as a hard fought victory over Boston Spartans, coupled with the defeat of closest rivals Leeds Gryphons, put the league title back in their own hands.
Playing up the slope in the first half BOBs dominated possession throughout the half
with Rob Kenny on the right hand side involved in most of the action. However, it
wasn't until 20 minutes into the game that BOBs made their dominance tell when Andy
Burton released Kenny, his cross found Matty Roy who gave the keeper no chance with
a left foot volley. There should have been a second goal minutes later but Adie
Kelly's scuffed shot allowed the keeper to save. More chances followed and an interchange
of passes between Kelly and Kenny released full back Michael Barlow who jinked between
two defenders and let fly from 20 yards, surely this was 2-
Far from wilting in the sunshine this sparked Boston into life, but despite a period
of possession they were unable to break through the BOBs defence of Barlow, Burton,
Andy Pearson and Luke Johnson, and Gareth Betts in goal was largely untroubled throughout
the half. Shortly before half time Glen Lee broke up a Boston attack and carried
the ball to the halfway line before finding Kelly, who ran unchallenged and his shot
across the keeper found the bottom corner. 3-
The players knew the game was not won yet, but the attitude and desire of the Boston
players in the second half took them by surprise, and for the first 15 minutes of
the half Boston dominated and gave BOBs a few scares before getting a deserved goal
when BOBs failed to clear and Betts was given no chance by the Boston striker. However,
the three goal lead was restored immediately from the kick off as Martin Newham charged
down a defensive clearance and broke through three challenges before coolly lobbing
the keeper. This should have been the cue for BOBs to finish off their opposition
but Boston never gave up and their best player turned the BOBs defence inside out
with a mazy run and side-
BOBs were under pressure now and Lee and Reece Bray in centre midfield had to be at their best to withstand their counterparts. Manager Phil Garbe replaced Roy with Mikey Pearson for the last 20 minutes, giving BOBs attack a new impetus, and his strong running gave the team some immediate respite. James Coates replaced Newham and with fresh legs BOBs dominated the last 10 minutes and should have added to their goal tally, but a combination of wasteful finishing and good saves by the Boston keeper left if for Kelly complete the victory and his hatrick in the last minute.
A tough game was no more than BOBs had expected, and as news filtered through of
Leeds Gryphons loss they toasted a deserved 5-
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3rd April 2010
West Yorkshire League Division 2 Barwick 0 -
Brighouse took another positive step towards promotion with a hard fought win against
a Ba rwick team who were a completely different team from the one beaten 7- dominating the early exchanges, and it was the latter who almost made the breakthrough when his goal bound shot from the edge of the area was cleared brilliantly off the line by the home centre back.
They had the next chance when good link up play between Martin Newham and fullback Luke Johnson resulted in a teasing cross which was just put wide by the onrushing Adie Kelly. The home side battled back and began to enjoy more of the possession but were unable to make any in roads against the Old Boys two banks of four, with the back line of Michael Barlow, Andy Burton, Andy Pearson and Johnson snuffing out any danger so much so that'keeper Gareth Betts didn't have a save to make.
The best chance of the half fell to Neil Butcher after Kelly flicked the ball on he broke free but his shot was well smothered by Barwick's keeper. On the stroke of half time Brighouse were awarded a free kick 30 yards out, Rob Kenny's stepped up to drive in a tremendous shot which crashed against the bar and bounced out to safety, leaving the game scoreless. Although they would have the slope in their favour Manager Phil Garbe was keen to stress the need for patience and discipline to breakdown a resilient home side.
As expected Brighouse took the game to Barwick with fullbacks Barlow and Johnson becoming more of an attacking force, and the powerful Kenny starting to make his mark on the game, and it was the same player who broke into the area but his cross just evaded the onrushing Butcher. On the hour mark subs Matthew Roy and leading scorer James Fletcher were introduced to put more emphasis on attack and it almost paid off when Kenny's cross was met by Fletcher but his header was well saved by the Barwick 'keeper. Brighouse were applying all the pressure now but a combination of last ditch defending and good goalkeeping were keeping them at bay.
The break through finally came with 20 minutes remaining, and when it came it was a goal worthy of winning any match. Reece Bray won a terrific tackle on the centre circle and then burst forward going past two defenders before crashing an unstoppable past a startled 'keeper. The home side tried to hit back but were coming up against a team who were determined not to give up their advantage. With goalkeeper Betts dominating his area, and outstanding centre backs Pearson and
Burton winning everything again Barwick didn't create a chance, but with the score
at 1-
This was a good performance by the Old Boys in a game they controlled from the start, best for Brighouse in a fine team show were Bray, Pearson and Barlow.
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27th March 2010 BRIGHOUSE OLD BOYS 5 -
The Old Boys went back to the top of the table following this emphatic win over one of the form sides in the league. Prior to this game, Glasshoughton, in addition to some good results in the league, had just ended an impressive cup run where they had taken noticeable scalps from higher divisions, but the Old Boys knew the importance of getting a result to keep their promotion push on track, so a tight game seemed to be on the cards.
However, Brighouse started the game the strongest and despite playing against a strong
wind they immediately had their opponents on the back foot with some fast, accurate
passing and strong running from Rob Kenny and Martin Newham down the flanks. After
10 minutes, a through ball from centre back Andy Burton found Kenny on the right
and from his powerful cross the ball was expertly brought under control and instantly
fired in by veteran striker Neil Butcher to open the scoring. The second came 5 minutes
later when Kenny was once again put through, this time by mid-
The Old Boys continued to have the upper hand throughout the rest of the half, but
with only 3 minutes left to the break, Glasshoughton won a corner and when the home
side’s defence only half cleared, the ball was blasted in to bring them back into
the game and the half ended at 2 -
Playing with the wind behind them in the second half, the Old Boys were in no mood
to allow Glasshoughton back into the game and within 10 minutes of the re-
Brighouse then introduced second sub Danny Lund into the game, replacing the tiring
Butcher, who had put in yet another strong performance. A change in their formation
then allowed full-
With only four league games left in the season for the Old Boys, this fine win in an overall very strong, confident team performance leaves them in prime position to achieve their target of promotion to the first division. However, they must guard against complacency in what is still a very tight battle between four teams with three to go up. | ||
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20th March 2010
Halifax FA Cup Brighouse Old Boys 7 -
Due to the persistent heavy rain, this game almost never went ahead as firstly the Brighouse pitch was declared waterlogged and then, although both teams agreed to play on the Wadsworth pitch, that too became waterlogged. However, in stepped the referee Arnie Thorpe who arranged for the game to be played on Savile Park moor. Both teams then contributed to play what was an excellent game of football, despite the atrocious conditions.
The Old Boys won the toss and elected to play up the sloping pitch, against what
at times was a strong wind with driving rain, but they quickly settled into their
game. With forwards Neil Butcher and Martin Newham working hard to keep the ball
in their opponents half and, with good support play from their mid-
However, Wadsworths then started to get their game together and the Old Boys defence of Neil Fitzjohn, Andy Burton, Andy Pearson and Luke Johnson were finding themselves under increasing pressure, especially from several long through balls that were catching them square. The Wadsworth side could also count themselves unlucky not to equalise when from two free kick crosses in quick succession, they had two clear headers on goal, but the first went straight into the arms of the Brighouse ‘keeper Gareth Betts and the second narrowly went wide of the upright.
The second half began evenly with both teams working hard to keep possession, but
after 15 minutes, the Old Boys doubled their lead when an in-
The Old Boys then began to dominate the play and their fourth goal once again came
from a Kenny assist, when he found Fletcher to fire in his second goal of the game.
The fifth goal was really a complete fluke when full-
Although in the end this was a comfortable win for the Old Boys, Wadsworth United
at times played some excellent football and the score- A special mention needs go to the referee Arnie Thorpe, who controlled the game extremely well throughout. Also, without his quick thinking and planning the game would never have gone ahead in the first place!
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Halifax Saturday League Division 1 Denholme Utd 2 -
Despite their sides lowly position both sides produced an exciting, entertaining
game on a heavy pitch which cut up considerably as the game went on. It was the home
side, playing down the slope, who were out of the blocks first taking the lead after
only two minutes from a well worked corner which saw Paul Armitage drive home an
unstoppable shot from the edge of the area. Denholme kept up the early pressure with
Brighouse 'keeper Ben Briggs preventing them adding to the score with a good save
and a couple of timely interventions. The Old Boys began to settle with Adam Williams
and Phil Coombes beginning to exert their influence in the centre of midfield, and
the strong running of wing backs Steve Ashford and Shane Roberts making inroads into
the home defence. The latter having two terrific runs in the space of two minutes
resulting in crosses which strikers Adam Bedford and Adie Kelly just failed to get
on target. The pressure paid off when a long throw from Kelly was flicked on by Ashford
and Coombes was on hand to force home from close range to make the score 1-
Denholme hit back strongly and restored their lead when home winger Matthew Waring
broke free to fire in a superb cross which was forced home by Phil Poole to give
them a 2-
In the second half with the slope in their favour Brighouse came out in determined mood and really took the game to the home side. They got the deserved equaliser after 15 minutes when fullback Rob Moore's excellent freekick found Kelly who powered his header passed home 'keeper Ashley Hancer. Brighouse kept applying the pressure with Denholme relying on counter attacks which were comfortably handled by the back four of Paul Fitzjohn, Matthie Lumb, Mark Barlow and Moore who were determined not to give anything away at the back, well supported by 'keeper Briggs who was controlling his area with his usual authority.
Subs Scott Morris returning after a four month injury layoff, and Charlie McMoran
were introduced off and the fresh legs helped keep the impetus for the visitors.
They finally got their reward when Barlows excellent through ball released Kelly
who drove the ball home in fine style from the edge of the area. The home side rallied
but couldn't make any real headway and Brighouse made the game safe when third sub
Eddie Shaw blasted the ball home from close range from Bedford's cross to secure
a 4-
Best for Brighouse in a good hardworking team performance were Kelly, Coombes and Barlow.
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13th March 2010
West Yorkshire League Div 2 Brighouse Old Boys 2 -
This was an important win for the Old Boys, who needed to get back on track in their quest for promotion, following on from the previous week’s poor performance in the League Cup, losing 3 0 to Ripon City.
With several players unavailable on the day, Featherstone made their intentions clear
right from the kick off. Even though they were playing down the slope, and with a
strong wind behind them, the Colliery side elected to play a 4-
Although, as expected, the Old Boys began to dominate possession, with Reece Bray and Glen Lee running the show from midfield, the Featherstone plan was working with some dogged but well organised defending which was stifling the many attacks that the Old Boys were mounting, leaving the game at a real stalemate. However, five minutes from the break, another of many long clearances from the Featherstone defence bounced through the Old Boys centre back pairing of Sam Ferguson and Andy Burton and the lone Featherstone striker pounced. Although his shot appeared to have been well saved by the Brighouse ‘keeper Gareth Betts as he came out to block, his parry sent the ball high and it looped in just under the bar and the visitors had suddenly somehow managed to take a 1 0 lead into the half time break.
The second half was literally all Brighouse, with Featherstone very rarely getting the ball out of their own half. The Old Boys were really turning on the style with wingmen Rob Kenny and James Fletcher causing havoc down the flanks and forwards Neil Butcher and Mike Pearson beginning to get more space from a tiring Featherstone defence. However, the home side hadn’t counted on the opposition ‘keeper who was regularly pulling off some wonder saves from all angles and it seemed as though the Old boys were heading for an unlikely defeat.
However, with 20 minutes left on the clock, Glen lee won a free kick on the edge of the penalty box. Then, as the defence were lining up the wall, Lee asked the referee if he could take a quick kick. The ref said yes, and the next second the ball was in the back of the net and despite the opposition’s strong protests the Old Boys had drawn level. Shortly afterwards Brighouse then took the lead when a superb through ball from Ferguson found Fletcher, who expertly turned his man and slotted the ball into the bottom right corner of the net.
Right to the end of the game, The Old Boys continued to dominate, but the Featherstone ‘keeper, who, it turned out was normally their centre back, continued to pull off save after save, one in particular was a point blank tip around the post from a thunderbolt of a shot by Old Boys sub Martin Newham that would have had the pundits drooling on Match of the Day!
But the game ended with a deserved victory for the Old Boys, who have now played 21 league games, winning 17, drawing 1 and losing only 3. With only 5 games remaining, their promotion push is now well and truly on.
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Halifax Saturday League Division 1 Mixenden Utd 2 -
Brighouse Old Boys staged a great fight back to grab a draw to dent Mixenden's promotion drive. It looked so easy for the home side when they took the lead after two minutes after Damon Randal burst through to drive in a powerful close range shot which found the back of the net despite a brave attempt by Old Boys 'keeper Ben Briggs.
The visitors defence were struggling with the pace of the home forwards although they almost grabbed an equaliser after a flowing move found Steve Ashford out on the left of the penalty area his crisp shot beating the home 'keeper but just going wide on the far post. But it was the home side who were still on top with 'keeper Briggs making two good saves and after twenty minutes they doubled their lead, with the visiting defence pushing up they got caught with a ball over the top for Brian Whitehead to run on to and score.
But credit to the Old Boys who reorganised their defensive line to play deeper and with Adie Kelly, Phil Coombes and Ashford starting to apply their influence they were starting to get back into the game with the Mixenden side having difficulties of their own dealing with the pace of youngsters Shane Roberts and James Coates and the tenacity of Adam Bedford up front. Home 'keeper Ash Hall pulled off a number of good saves one in particular from a Kelly pile driver. He was finally beaten just before half time when Coates' corner was expertly headed home by Mark Barlow.
The second half began with both sides striving to get on top, the Brighouse back four of Rob Moore, Mark Barlow, Chris Sykes and Charlie Mc Moran were now playing well snuffing out the home side attacks with timely interceptions and good tackling. The visitors thought they had equalised when Bedford's rasping drive which was heading for the corner of the net was brilliantly saved by the Mixenden 'keeper Hall. With Brighouse battling hard with Kelly and Coombes starting to boss the game one or two of the home players were getting frustrated resulting in Damon Randal being booked and within two minutes being sent off. The visitors took immediate advantage as Mixenden reorganised coombes' pass released Ashford and his cross cum shot beat the home 'keeper. The game settled down with both sides going for the winner but it was Brighouse who looked most likely having two good penalty appeals turned down both against the unfortunate Roberts who after the second had to leave the field injured. Sub Paul Fitzjohn almost claimed the glory but his powerful drive was blocked on the line, and then Barlow almost nicked the winner but his powerful header from yet another pin point Coates corner just went over the bar. This was a well earned point from a battling Old Boys performance best for Brighouse were Kelly, Briggs and Sykes. | ||
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6th March 2010 | ||
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West Yorkshire League Cup BRIGHOUSE OLD BOYS 0 -
In contrast to their previous round’s thrilling cup-
The game started evenly enough with both teams cancelling each other out in mid-
The rest of the half continued in the same vein and Brighouse front man Neil Butcher
was becoming more and more isolated, with his team mates really sitting too deep.
With 10 minutes left to half time, an innocuous looking diagonal cross from a Ripon
free kick was not dealt with by the Old Boys defence and an unmarked Ripon defender
fired in from close range to increase the lead to two. Just before the break, Brighouse
were somewhat unlucky not to receive a penalty when mid-
The Old Boys began the second half on a much more positive note, with Lee pushing
further up-
However, the Old boys never gave up. Andy Pearson went on in midfield to replace
defender Steven Tuite, leaving three at the back, but despite now putting much more
pressure onto the Ripon defence, and even with Brighouse ‘keeper Gareth Betts coming
up-
The Old Boys now need to knuckle down to their quest for promotion in the league. The long winter breaks due to bad weather has clearly not helped their consistency and they must now quickly put this disappointing performance and defeat behind them.
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WY Alliance Div 2 Knaresborough Res 1 -
In a close game where Brighouse Old boy Reserves failed to capitalise on their chances Knaresborough narrowly played their way into the semi finals by one goal to nil.From the off, both sides played some neat penetrative football and it was Knaresborough who settled first threatening the Brighouse goal, centreback pairing of Dan Reddy and Adam Bedford plus fullbacks Marko O Boyle and Graham Tait having to be alert to the threat that they posed.
However it was Brighouse who created the better chances and could have taken the lead when Paul Taylor was put through after twenty minutes. Taylor failed to control a difficult high ball and the Knaresborough keeper had no trouble in collecting the ball. Getting a grip in centre midfield the triumvirate of Neil Fitzjohn, Vaughan Wagstaff and Martin Newham started dominating the proceedings, putting Knaresborough on the back foot and creating chances for the Brighouse team. The best one, a freekick from O Boyle, a powerfull header by Bedford, an excellent save from the Knaresborough keeper.
Just as the game seemed to be going Brighouse's way, Knaresborough scored against the run of play, a ball through the centre allowed the Knaresborough left winger to sprint through and he placed the ball into the bottom left hand corner giving Jason Kirby in the Brighouse goal no chance. A change at halftime brought Sean Kirby into midfield and early in the second half it was his precise through ball that put Newham through on goal, again an excellent chance thwarted by an excellent goalkeeping save. Pushing forward, Brighouse inevitably left gaps and only the athletic stops by Kirby and resolute defending by Brighouse defenders kept Knaresborough from increasing the lead.
For the final fifteen minutes Brighouse pushed three forward, playing three at the back and could have scored the equaliser when Danny Lund came close with a shot from the edge of the six yard box. The game ended with Knaresborough wasting time, desperately clinging onto their narrow lead. A disappointment for Brighouse but, at least it won't divert the team away from their main goal of obtaining promotion this season.
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27th February 2010
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Halifax League Div 1
Stainland United 2 -
Brighouse Old Boys (BOBs) returned dejected from high flying Stainland United having been 'mugged' in a game they dominated for long periods and in which Stainland looked devoid of ideas. Despite the defeat confidence was restored following a couple of poor recent performances and if they can keep a settled side they should pick up plenty of points in the remaining five games of the season.
Typically, BOBs started slowly and could have found themselves two goals down in
the first 20 minutes as Stainland dominated. They were thankful to goalkeeper Ben
Briggs and full back Dave Hill for a point blank save and goal line clearance respectively.
But for the remainder of the first half BOBs dominated with the returning Michael
Wadsworth and Adam Williams holding their positions in centre midfield allowing James
Coates and Steve Ashford on the flanks to link with strikers Adam Bedford and Adie
Kelly and causing the Stainland full backs all kinds of problems. When Williams
was fouled on the edge of the Stainland penalty area Kelly stepped up to drive the
resulting free kick beyond the wall and the despairing dive of the Stainland keeper
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The early minutes of the second half were evenly contested, then BOBS picked up the
pace and with crisp one touch moves cut through the Stainland defence almost at will
but could not find a decisive second goal despite chances for Ashford, Bedford, Kelly
and Williams. BOBs continued to look the more likely scorers with the Stainland
forwards looking dispirited as any efforts to break through were easily dealt with
by Hill, Mark Barlow, Andy Burton and Charlie Mc Moran. The first time the defence
was breached goalkeeper Briggs kept out Stainland with another point blank save,
but could only deflect the ball to the Stainland winger for what looked like a tap-
This rejuvenated Stainland who now believed they could win the game, but the introduction of substitutes Michael Barlow and Paul Taylor for BOBs saw them regain control of possession and the game and seem the likely winners with Taylor missing two great chances with just the keeper to beat. However, when Bedford was wrestled to the ground the referee ignored the obvious foul and BOBs pleas for a free kick but he did give Stainland a free kick a few seconds later. As BOBs players asked the referee about the previous incident Stainland took a quick free kick that released Karl Jowett who outpaced the BOBs defence before scoring from a tight angle.
With just a couple of minutes remaining Stainland were able to see out the game, relieved to have got anything from the game, and keep their promotion hopes in tact.
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20th February 2010 | ||
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West Yorkshire Alliance Div 2 Baildon Trinity Res 1 - In an impressive performance on a pitch which eventually resembled a ploughed field more than a football pitch Brighouse Old Boy Reserves beat their near rivals Baildon Trinity Reserves by four goals to one. It wasn't a day for "champagne football" rather, players who would put their bodies on the line to graft out a result. Baildon weren't a team who had come to lose however and they dominated possession for significant chunks of time, without really threatening, kept out by the excellent and controlled play of Graham Tait, Vaughan Wagstaff and Marko O Boyle in defence, backed up with the assured hands of Jason Kirby in the Brighouse goal. With the clever and skillful play of Neil Fitzjohn allied with the competitive passing game of Sean Kirby just in front of the back four the team was set out for the rapid counter attack on the break. This they did with consumate ease constantly testing the Baildon defence, Fitzjohn and Kirby acting as the springboard, the pace of Peter Kuleczko, Michael Pearson and James Coates supplying the finished product. Brighouse's first came when, Kuleczko's pace left the Baildon defence standing, a quick low cross from the left expertly volleyed home by the leagues leading scorer Paul Taylor. Just before half time, again a "smash and grab" raid by Brighouse, set Pearson free and he cleverly beat the keeper with a Robinho type scooped chip over the advancing keeper.Two nil at the break but the game was far from over as Baildon pressed hard at the beginning of the second half but with Wagstaff leading the defence and Tait and O'Boyle tackling hard in the muddy conditions Kirby was rarley troubled. Most of the danger seemed to be coming from the difficulty in getting a clean clearance in the sticky mud, the game sometimes generating into farce with players slipping and sliding in the mud although Kirby had to make a sharp save with his right foot on one occasion. With Baildon pushing forward the inevitable happened, Kuleczko broke away on the left, outpacing the tiring Baildon defenders and tucking the ball under the keeper to make it three. Baildon got a consolation goal fifteen minutes from time when the ball stuck in the
mud in the Brighouse penatly area and was poked home by the home side. Baildon pushed
forward and threatened to make the game difficult for Brighouse, but, the fresh legs
of the buoyant Shane Roberts and a change of formation, pushing the tiring midfielder
Kirby forward, seemed to do the trick and man of the match Taylor rounded up his
tireless performance by breaking away and scoring his second goal of the match. A
good competitive performance by Brighouse, adjusting their usual tight passing game
for the quagmire conditions, has confirmed them as one of the favourites for promotion
albeit with many battles to come. | ||
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HALIFAX FA CUP ROUND 2 BRIGHOUSE OLD BOYS 2 HALIFAX IRISH CENTRE 1
Just as the score-
The Old boys started the brighter, with several good moves finding their twin strike-
As the half progressed, the Irish gradually began to get into their stride and create
chances themselves, but the Brighouse defence of Steven Tuite, Adie Kelly, Andy Burton
and Luke Johnson also looked comfortable and the game became evenly balanced. However,
on the 25 minute mark, the Old Boys opened the scoring when, from a well-
The second half began as the first, with the Old Boys having most of the play and
creating several chances, but once again the Irish Centre began to fight back and
they then really dominated the rest of the game. It came as no surprise when a defence-
The final whistle came with an almost audible sigh of relief from the Brighouse team, but it was one of frustration for the Irish Centre, who had played at a standard that belies their lowly position in the league.
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Halifax League Div 1 Brighouse Old Boys 0 Denholme Utd 3
With a number of players missing due to West Yorkshire team calls, the Old Boys team were down to the bare bones but even allowing for that they turned in a disappointing perforrmance against fellow strugglers Denholme.
They started brightly enough and created the early opportunities with Eddie Shaw's jinking run and pass almost getting Adam Bedford in but his shot was blocked, and then a good midfield move involving inter play between Adam Williams and Chris Sykes released Steve Ashford but his shot went over.
But after 15 minutes they found themselves a goal down as Denholme broke, 'keeper
Ben Briggs made a fine save to prevent the first effort but the ball broke to the
centre forward who scored from close range. The home side responded with fullbacks
Rob Moore and Charlie McMoran getting involved to support the attacks but despite
having alot of possession the Old Boys weren't creating any real chances although
Mark Barlow was unlucky to see his header go narrowly over the bar from a corner.
So they found themselves 1-
The second half began with Denholme appyling the early pressure and 'keeper Briggs had to be alert to cut out a number of dangerous crosses. Brighouse were working hard but too many misplaced passes meant they couldn't their game going. They fell two down on the hour mark when a ball over the top allowed the Denholme forward to break away and score, although there was a suspicion of offside. Veteran Dave Hill and Paul Fitzjohn were introduced in to the fray and at least livened things up with their enthusiasm, but despite this they couldnt make a break through and with time running out the visitors grabbed a third goal.
It was a poor performance by the Old Boys with too many players off their game, best for the home side were Ashford, Briggs and Hill.
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13th February 2010 | ||
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West Yorkshire Alliance Div 2 Brighouse OB Res 4 -
Eventually a comprehensive victory although Brighouse Reserves had to overcome a skillful and challenging side in the shape of Ilkley Reserves. Cementing their top of table place Brighouse didn't have it all their own way and early in the second half they looked vunerable to the quick counter attacks of Ilkley. They overcame this to establish an uncatchable lead and run out winners by four goals to one. A positive and bright beginning, Brighouse quickly dominated possession and the majority of chances fell their way.
With the youthfull pairing of Jasmes Coates and Shane Ward on the flanks plus the non stop play of Wayne Cummings, allied with the polished style of Martin Newham and knowledgable tactics of Neil Fitzjohn Ilkley struggled to cope with the clever football played by Brighouse. The first goal, scored by Newham, came when the Ilkley team failed to cope with a cross by Coates and the energetic forward stroked the bal home from the edge of the area.
The second followed quickly after when Coates pounced on the ball to turn the ball home from close range and the omens looked good for the home team. However after half time Ilkley came back into the fixture and scored after a strong run by the Ilkley right back lead to a mix up in the Brighouse goal and the ball was scrambled home. Under pressure Brighouse responded well and with Marko O Boyle, Dan Reddy, Danny Lund and Graham Tait backed up by the assured keeping of Jason Kirby shoring up the Brighouse defence Ilkley's efforts came to nothing.
Slightly against the run of play Brighouse scored a third when the leagues leading scorer Paul Taylor put the ball away with a left footed shot under the advancing Ilkley keeper. Game over in reality, Brighouse once again took control and Ilkley couldn't mount a serious challenge in the final quarter. The fourth and final goal, another effort by Taylor, sealed the victory and three points for Brighouse ending the game as they started dominating the possession and share of chances. A good performance against a good Ilkley side bodes well for the final run in for one of the promotion top spots. | ||
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WEST YORKSHIRE LEAGUE DIVISION 2 Leeds Gryphons 2 -
This top of the table clash was a thriller, pitching clearly the best two teams in the division in a match in which both teams showed levels of skill and pace that should enable them to move on to much higher levels in the future. However, it was a day when a controversial goal was to effectively hand the win and three important points to the home side.
The Gryphons were first to settle into their game, controlling possession and putting
Brighouse on the back foot with some piercing passes, but the Old Boys back four
of Steven Tuite, Andy Burton, Andy Pearson and Luke Johnson held firm and gradually
the away team began to turn the tide. Rob Kenny on the right and Matty Roy on the
left were both starting to put pressure on the home defence with several runs and
crosses feeding their twin strikers Glen Lee and Mike Pearson. On the twenty-
There followed a ten-
The Brighouse team re-
The rest of the game was one of the Old Boys pushing forward for the equaliser. They first of all introduced Neil Butcher and Adie Kelly into the attack, but despite the increased pressure their real chance came when a poor Gryphons clearance was pounced on by full back Johnson, but his powerful 25 yard shot was superbly tipped over the bar by the Gryphons ‘keeper. In a final throw of the dice the Old boys took off defender Tuite and threw on James Fletcher as an extra striker. Although still not fully recovered from an ankle injury, with minutes left on the clock Fletcher then had two powerfully hit free kicks that narrowly went over the bar.
In the end it was not to be the Old Boys day and they had to accept defeat, although neither side really deserved to lose this enthralling game of football between two excellent teams. In a magnificent team display, best for Brighouse were Burton, Bray, Andy Pearson and ‘keeper Betts.
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Halifax Saturday League Division 1 Martin's Nest 3 -
Brighouse Old Boys should have got something out of the local derby but once again their failure to turn possession and pressure into goals was again their downfall against Martin's Nest whoses experienced players gave them a lesson in finishing. Brighouse took the game to the home side from the off with the midfield trio of George Sharp, Phil Coombes and Adam Williams bossing the game they created the early chances. Firstly Sharp's astute pass released Adam Bedford and his lob beat the onrushing 'keeper just cleared the bar, Steve Ashford then went close with a couple of efforts but for all their dominance they could not get a goal.
Then on the half hour the 'Nest grabbed the lead with more or less their first real
attack of the game Steve Payne breaking away with the Old Boys vainly appealing for
offside to slip the ball past the advancing 'keeper Ben Briggs. This unsettled the
visitors and the same player was released again but this time he was thwarted by
brave 'keeping by Briggs who saved at his feet. Brighouse settled down and continued
to apply the pressure creating a number of chances that were either hit straight
at the 'keeper or missed the target so they found themselves 1-
The second half was more even with both sides working hard to get control, again the early chances did fall to the Old Boys but once again the final ball let them down. On the hour mark the home side with veteran Micky Drennan having more influence on the game doubled their advantage when Leighton Armstrong broke through to score from close range. Old Boys 'keeper Briggs then had to make a superb full length save from the same player. Brighouse kept plugging away and continued to press but despite throwing men forward could not make the break through, and with time running out Jack Barker broke through and was brought down in the area by Mathie Lumb, the same player got up to score from the spot.
Whilst the scoreline probably flattered the home side they deserved their victory purely on the fact that they took what chances they had whilst the Old Boys despite playing some outstanding attacking football were not clinical enough in the penalty area. Best for Brighouse Old Boys were Briggs,Sharp and Coombes.
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6th February 2010 | ||
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West Yorkshire Alliance Div 2 Rothwell Town Res 2 -
Dominating from the start, Brighouse Old Boy Reserves comprehensively outplayed their
lower league opponents beating them by six goals to two on Saturday. From the off,
Brighouse played a high tempo game which Rothwell found hard to compete with. With
the five in midfield, Neil Fitzjohn and Andy Taylor in the holding roles, Alex Bembridge
and Martin Newham playing wide and man of the match Neil Butcher linking up with
leading scorer Paul Taylor up front Rothwell provided few answers to Brighouse's
expansive game. Spreading the ball wide, Brighouse sliced through the Rothwell defence
again and again allowing Neil Butcher to notch a hat-
The fourth, Butcher's hat-
This was followed by Newham's second, a header from close range, Brighouse's sixth
and, game set and match. The final goal scored by Rothwell was too late too make
a difference and this comprehensive victory placed Brighouse on top of the league.
A confidence booster for Brighouse, but, more severe challenges will lie in their
path before they can claim a promotion spot. | ||
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Halifax Saturday League Division 1 Salem 2 -
Brighouse Old Boys came out on top in the basement battle and moved themselves out of the relegation positions. At the beginning of the game it was the home side who settled down as Brighouse struggled to get their game going, and they took the lead after 10 minutes when 'keeper Jason Kirby couldn't hold onto a vicious free kick and the Salem forward Dan Manly was on hand to force the ball home. Gradually the visitors settled down, with central midfielder Adam Williams beginning to exert his influence and the strong running and pace of Pete Kuleczko and James Coates causing problems for the home defence. The pressure was building up with Adam Bedford having his goal bound strike brilliantly saved by Salem 'keeper Steven Hawksworth. Kuleczko then burst through but his drive narrowly went over the bar. It seemed it wasn't going to be the Old Boy's day when Bedford headed over after a great cross from fullback Charlie McMoran, followed by Steve Ashford seeing his bullet header crashing against bar and bouncing to safety.
The equaliser finally came after a surging run from Wayne Cummings and his pin point
cross was fired home by Bedford. As half time approached Brighouse deservedly took
the lead after good work by Kuleczko and his pass was fired home in style by Ashford
to make the score 2-
As expected Salem started the half strongly pushing men froward but came up against a back four of McMoran, Mathie Lumb, Mark Barlow and Rob Moore were in determined mood and with 'keeper Kirby dominating his area Salem were unable to create any clear chances.
It was the Old Boys began to take charge and extended their lead after good work
by the excellent Williams who released the ever willing Cummings and his pass found
sub Phil Coombes to slide the ball home from close range. It was all Brighouse but
a combination of wonderful 'keeping from Hawksworth who made a handful of superb
saves, the woodwork and an element of wayward finishing prevented them from putting
the game to bed. With five minutes remaining Salem grabbed a lifeline when Louy Kenny
fired home after the Old Boys defence got caught square. This led to a nervy last
few minutes but in fairness it the Old Boys who were still creating chances and held
on to a deserved 3-
After the manager Chris Wadsworth was relieved to get the win saying 'Having already
lost to Salem twice in the cup and in the league it was important to get the result,
we started slowly giving away the early goal but once we settled down we were the
better side and should really have won the game comfortably. We created numerous
chances but I think the lads were trying too hard and as a consequence snatched at
their opportunities. There were many positives from the game and we have a good bunch
of players hopefully we can now push on and start to climb the league.' | ||
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West Yorkshire League Div 2 Brighouse Old Boys 4 -
The Old Boys earned a comfortable win that consolidated their position at the top of the league, with a solid performance against a tough, uncompromising Hunslet side, who had recently shown an improvement in form including an 8 – 1 victory last time out against Rothwell.
Right from the kick off, Brighouse took the game to their opponents with fast flowing
football that created havoc for the Hunslet defence. Old Boys centre back Sam Ferguson,
playing his first game for seven weeks because of postponements and work commitments,
was unlucky not to open the scoring when, on four occasions from corners, he had
headers that either hit the woodwork or forced good saves from the ‘keeper. With
wing-
However, Hunslet had other ideas and gradually began to put the pressure on the home side’s back line of Steven Tuite, Ferguson, Andy Burton and Luke Johnson, but a combination of sound defending and a couple of fine saves from ‘keeper Gareth Betts took the sting out of the Hunslet recovery. On the half hour mark, the Old Boys finally got their breakthrough when an excellent run and low cross from Kenny on the right was expertly finished by Pearson, coolly slotting the ball into the bottom corner of the net.
The second came shortly afterwards when a superb clearance by Betts found Roy on
the left who beat his man and fired in a shot that the ‘keeper couldn’t hold on to.
Mid-
As expected, Hunslet came out for the second half with all guns blazing, but with more sound defence along with the Old Boys holding midfielder Reece Bray sitting slightly deeper and breaking up much of the play, the Hunslet counter was stifled. The game was then effectively won when fifteen minutes into the half, the hard –working Lee won the ball on the edge of the Hunslet box and his pass found Barlow who hit an unstoppable screamer into the back of the net.
The Old Boys then replaced Lee with Adie Kelly and shortly afterwards Andy Pearson, brother of forward Mike, came on for Kenny, and the combination of the fresh legs and a dispirited opposition allowed the Old Boys to dominate the game. With five minutes left on the clock, a lapse of concentration in defence allowed Hunslet a consolation goal.
In a fine team performance, man of the match for Brighouse was undoubtedly Michael Barlow who must have covered every inch of the pitch in a tireless performance that was capped with two splendid goals. The Old Boys now go into next week’s crucial away fixture against their nearest rivals Leeds Gryphons with much confidence and a team spirit that at the moment is second to none.
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30th January 2010 Brighouse Old Boys 6 - Playing their first game for six weeks the Old Boys may have been forgiven for showing signs of rustiness but in fact they were straight out of the blocks and well worth their six goal victory over South Milford, highlighted by a four goal master class in finishing from the evergreen Glen Lee.
Brighouse had new signing Matthew Roy (from Glasshoughton Welfare) starting on the left in place of influential captain James Fletcher who will be out for two weeks with an ankle injury, and their other new recruit Mike Pearson (from Brighouse Town) on the subs bench.
The home side attacked from the off with Reece Bray and Michael Barlow controlling the centre of midfield and dictating the play. Brighouse took the lead after five minutes when Steven Tuite released Rob Kenny and when his vicious cross was fumbled by the milford 'keeper Glen Lee reacted first to bravely head home taking a clout to his face in the process. The second soon followed after a flowing move from defence leaving Bray in acres of space and his pass was drilled home by Lee.
The visitors tried hard to get back in the game but with centre backs Andy Burton
and Andy Pearson dominating at the back they were struggling to put together any
meaningful attacks. The third came on twenty minutes when Kenny's excellent corner
was headed powerfully home by the onrushing Adie Kelly, the fourth came just after
the half hour mark after a strong run from Barlow his driven cross was cleverly stepped
over by Kenny and Lee was on hand to fire home and complete his hat trick giving
the home side a 4-
Brighouse seemed to take their foot off the gas and the visitors had their best spell with goalkeepr Gareth Bett's having to pull of a good save from one danagerous free kick, but their best chance came on the stroke of half time when Pearson was adjudged to have fouled milford's centre forward in the area, but the subsequent penalty was fired past the post.
The Old Boys came out in the second half looking to finish their opponents off. Matthew Roy and Luke Johnson were creating major problems for the visitors with their strong running and link up play on the left.
Crosses were piling in but a combination of desperate defending and good goalkeeping was keeping the home attack at bay. The fifth goal came after an hour when Bray slipped the ball through to Kenny and his expert pass was turned home smartly by the effervescent Lee. Subs Neil Butcher (back after a two month lay off with injury) and debutant Mike Pearson were introduced for the hard working Kelly and Bray who had earned their rest. It was Mike Pearson who completed the scoring with a powerful drive that went in off the post after good interplay between Roy and Butcher to create the opportunity. Brighouse introduced final sub 18 year old George Sharp at full back for his first team debut, he looks a useful player one for the future. Best for the Old Boys were Lee, Barlow and Johnson.
Given the long lay off manager Phil Garbe was satisfied with the performance ' we played well overall and deserved the victory which keeps us six points clear at the top. There were times when we weren't playing to our full capability but this is understandable after a six week break. We know we have some tough fixtures coming up and it was good to get the win which sets us up nicely for the final promotion push.'
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23rd January 2010
Halifax Saturday League Division 1 Brighouse O B 0 Stainland Utd 4
A youthful Old Boys put up a good show against a strong Stainland side who are looking to bounce straight back up to the Premier Division.
The match began evenly with the centre midfield duo of Adam Williams and Mark Barlow working hard to match their Stainland counterparts with wingers Alex O'Boyle and James Coates causing problems to the visitors defence with their pace and trickery. At this stage both defences were on top with Mathie Lumb and Luke McNamara looking solid at the back. But on the half hour mark Stainland made the breakthrough when they caught the home side with a quick break out of defence taking the lead with a well worked goal.Brighouse were rattled and home 'keeper had to make a superb double save to prevent them from doubling the lead. The Old Boys settled down and finished the half strongly their best opportunity being when Shane Robert's pass released Steve Ashford his resulting cross just evading the onrushing home forwards.
Again the second half began evenly, and whilst Brighouse had plenty of possession they were not creating clear cut chances and Stainland showed them how it should be done with another quick break and good finish.
The Old Boys had their best spell and with twenty minutes left Coates burst through after an excellent pass from Charlie McMoran and was brought down in the penalty area, unfortunately William's well struck penalty hit the underside of the bar and bounced to safety despite Ashford's attempt to get on the end of the rebound.
Brighouse kept pressing hard but were unable to get a reward for their efforts and
Stainland finished them off with two goals in the last five minutes to give them
a deserved if somewhat flattering 4-
Best for the Old Boys were 'keeper Jason Kirby who was excellent through out, Adam Williams and James Coates.
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22nd December 2009 | ||
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Brighouse Old Boys FC - The current football season reaches the halfway mark and Brighouse Old Boys can be well satisfied with the season's progress so far with the first team well placed sitting top of the West Yorkshire League second division nine points clear of their rivals, with the second team in the West Yorkshire Alliance League in second place perfectly placed to mount a promotion challenge, and although the Halifax League side are currently third from bottom of the Halifax League Division One there are signs of improvement which should see them climb the league.
As first team manager Phil Garbe says ' whilst we are pleased to be in the position we are in, nothing is won at Christmas and it is important that the team continues to focus and work hard to keep the run going to the end of the season. The team is well up on their fixtures and with seven of the remaining nine games at home are in a great position not only to get promotion which is the primary aim but also to go up as champions.We are also through to the last sixteen of the league cup and expect to have a good run in the Halifax FA Cup.'
The Old Boys league form has been impressive winning fourteen games only losing two, playing expansive attacking football reflected in scoring 62 goals being well supported by a miserly defence which has conceded just 17 goals. Luke Johnson and skipper James Fletcher are the only two ever presents, the latter also leads the scoring charts with sixteen (including three hat tricks ) with Adie Kelly in second with eight.
Whilst the nucleus of the team have been with the club a number of years the squad has been strengthened with new signings such as former Brighouse Town player Glen Lee who has brought valuable experience and maturity to the team, Andy Pearson another ex Town player and young centre half Sam Ferguson who not only defends well but has also chipped in with 5 goals. Put them alongside unsung heroes such as Steven Tuite who has forced himself into the first team and proven to be an accomplished right back, goalkeeper Gareth Betts and centre back Andy Burton who are having their best seasons with the club, not to forget the midfield grafters of the team Michael Barlow and Reece Bray, and then there is Rob Kenny who has provided most assists in the team with a crossing ability that is up there with the best and finally veteran Neil Butcher who has been sidelined for past three games with injury also deserves a mention with his guile and skill up front. Whilst the players mentioned are the mainstay of the squad, over thirty players have been used over the season so far which shows the quality and strength in depth across the club. We are also seeing young players breaking through such as seventeen year old Alex Bembridge who has come in to the team for the past three games and made a significant contribution showing that he can hold his own in the team.
The strength in depth is reflected in the performance of the reserves who are also having a great season. The challenge of a reserve side is trying to get a settled side but as with the first team they have continued to win games on a regular basis winning eight drawing four and losing two in the league and going through to the third round of the Alliance cup. As with the first team they score plenty of goals averaging over three per game with Paul Taylor leading the way with 10. As manager Julian Prior says 'we are in a great position to get promotion but we do need to work hard and concentrate, as we have a tendency to drop points against the poorer sides with the two defeats being against sides near the bottom of the league. One of the key roles of a reserve team is to develop players for the first team and with the likes of Sean and Jason Kirby, Neil Fitzjohn, Vaughan Wagstaffe, Marko O'Boyle, Andy Taylor and Adam Bedford in the squad who have been regular first teamers in the past, we have good role models who lead the team and encourage the young players such as 18 year old goalkeeper Ben Briggs who is getting better with every game. Centre Back Dan Reddy also earns a mention as he is having an outstanding season as centre back and ace penalty taker.'
As with the reserves but probably even more so the third team has struggled to get
a settled side. Playing in the Halifax League Division one means they are coming
up against proven first teams and this is a challenge. As manager Chris Wadsworth
who took over the reins this season says 'the third team tends to be made up of veterans
such as Rob Moore who is having a good season, young players who we are developing
for the other teams and players who need games after returning from term injury or
absence. The biggest challenge we have is that we desperately need a third 'keeper
normally the position is taken up by an outfield player, it is no coincidence that
the three wins have been achieved when we have had one. Having said that the team
does play good football and have some excellent youngsters such as Shane Roberts,
James Coates and Charlie McMoran who are adapting well to adult football, and with
players such as Martin Newham, Matthew Lumb, Michael Wadsworth and Mark Barlow currently
in the team who have all played first team football this season we are making progress.
The highlight of the season so far being the 8-
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12th December 2009 | ||
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West Yorkshire League Trophy Brighouse OB Res 6 - Brighouse Old Boy Reserves brushed aside their third round opponents Howden Clough Reserves by six goals to nil on Saturday. Starting quickly Brighouse capitalised on their opponents youthful inexperience and dominated the midfield, Andy Taylor, Vaughan Wagstaff, Wayne Cummings and Adam Bedford in charge early on.
The first goal came when Wagstaff ghosted in at the far post, Howden Clough failed to clear a low cross from pacy winger Peter Kuleczko and Wagstaff planted the ball into the back of the net.Wagstaff doubled his and Brighouse's tally when from a similar position centre forward Paul Taylor crossed the ball and the evergreen Wagstaff repeated the dose of medicine to the Howden hapless defenders.
The Brighouse defensive back four of Graham Tait, Dan Reddy, Marko O' Boyle and Danny Lund were rarely troubled and anything that got past them was expertly handled by keeper Ben Briggs, Howden attacks fizzling out, mopped up by the home teams defensive strategy.
Soon after halftime Brighouse increased their lead when Paul Taylor latched onto another Kuleczko cross to make it three. Changes were made and an input of fresh legs, a blend of youth and experience, George Sharp, Luke Macmamara and Phil Coombes coming off the bench, spurred Brighouse on and the fourth soon followed.
A corner from Coombes followed by an expert, accurate volleyed goal by O'Boyle, from the edge of the penalty box ended all hopes for Howden Clough and sealed Brighouse's place in the fourth round.
The rest was as per the script, Brighouse pushing forward, creating further chances two of which were converted by hatrick hero Wagstaff and midfield grafter Andy Taylor.
Some of the football played suggested that Brighouse could go far in this competition although more consistancy and endeavour maybe required further on towards the latter rounds
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West Yorkshire League Div 2 Rothwell Town 1 -
The Old Boys dropped points in only their third game out of 17 played this season, in a game where they had plenty of chances to win comfortably but in the end could easily have lost.
The Brighouse side started the game in determined form on a pitch that, with its
severe side-
Throughout the first half the Old Boys were always in control, with wingmen Rob Kenny
and James Fletcher, who were repeatedly switching wings, creating havoc in the Rothwell
defence with their piercing runs, shots and crosses. Up front, Glen Lee and Adie
Kelly were also causing the home defence problems and on the half hour mark Lee was
unlucky not to open the scoring when he out-
Throughout the half, Brighouse also looked dangerous from set pieces, particularly
with centre-
The Old Boys came out all guns blazing in the second half, with centre-
Then, with 10 minutes left on the clock, the Rothwell striker turned and hit an unstoppable shot from 25 yards into the top corner of the net for their equaliser. Although the Old Boys continued to press it was Rothwell who could arguably have won the game when a cross from their right was met with a bullet header from their scorer, but his effort went inches over the bar and the teams were left to share the points.
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5th December 2009 West Yorkshire League Div 2 Woodhouse Hill W.M.C. 0 -
With the recent results of Woodhouse Hill showing an improvement in their form, the Old Boys knew that this would be a tough match to win. However, on a very heavy, sticky pitch, the Brighouse team outfought and outplayed the home side to win comfortably in the end and retain their 8 point lead at the top of the league.
With stand in centre back Andy Pearson being unable to play due to family commitments,
Sam Ferguson went straight back into the side after himself being unavailable for
the previous 3 games and he was joined by Andy Burton who had declared himself fit
after missing the previous week through illness. Michael Barlow also went straight
back into mid-
From the start it was clear that Woodhouse Hill were going to be a difficult team
to beat. They were winning plenty of ball in mid-
The second half was really dominated by the Old Boys, but a combination of the difficult
pitch and some dogged defending by the home side meant that chances were few and
far between. However, the introduction of subs Matthew Roy on the left of mid-
In yet another excellent all-
West Yorkshire Alliance Div 2 Brighouse Old Boys Res 2 - Once again, a late start due to Otley arriving just before the kick off time of two o'clock, seem to put Brighouse off their game and that plus a mixture of bad luck in front of goal lead to Brighouse going in at half time one goal down. Chances were created by the Brighouse side and centreforward Paul Taylor should consider himself unlucky not to score when a powerful shot from the edge of the area hit the left hand post. Brighouse also looked dangerous at corners but didnt get the luck of the bounce when invariably the ball would be cleared off the line or drop to an Otley defender. Against the run of play Otley then scored when a corner was floated into the Brighouse six yard box, evading the heads of centreback pairing Dan Reddy and Marko O Boyle and then scrambled in at the far post. One nil down Brighouse needed to step up the pace and tempo in the second half but were once again put on the back foot when a disputed free kick on the edge of the area was deflected past Ben Briggs in the Brighouse goal. A change was needed and Brighouse manager Julian Prior decided to put on the youthful debutant George Sharp and energetic Edwin Prior in midfield plus just play three at the back. This, plus Brighouse superior fitness started to pay dividends and with Vaughan Wagstaff and Andy Taylor taking charge in midfield the Otley goal was coming under serious threat. Just as it seemed that all Brighouse's hard work would go to waste they got back into the game when a long throw from Wagstaff was headed into the Otley area by Reddy. A towering jump by Edwin Prior at the back post allowed him to skillfully place the ball past the Otley keeper and raise the spirits of the Brighouse team. Game on and with ten minutes left Brighouse surged forward, Peter Kuleczko's pace and with the support play of Graham Tait and Adam Williams tearing into the heart of the Otley defence an equaliser seemed a possibility. Again the luck deserted Brighouse when a stonewall penalty, Wagstaff being hacked
down in the area, was turned down by the referee but their never say die attitude
held them in good stead and the equaliser came with two minutes to go, Wagstaff poking the
ball in after an Andy Taylor cross from the right. The game cut short, forty minutes
each way due to the late start, if it had continued would have probably gone Brighouses
way but it was not to be and two minutes after the final goal the referee blew up
for full time. In reality two points lost but Brighouse were thankful in salvaging
anything on a day when the fates seem to conspire against them. | ||
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28th November 2009 Ossett Common 1 - Brighouse won 4 -
The Old Boys eventually won through to the 3rd round in a thrilling cup-
Playing up the slope in the first half, Brighouse began the brighter with several excellent passing moves, especially up the right involving full back Steven Tuite and winger Rob Kenny,C4 but their dominance of possession was not piercing the Ossett defensive line leading to many of the moves fizzling out before testing the ‘keeper.
As expected, Ossett gradually began to get into their game and the Old Boys back four of Tuite, Adie Kelly, Andy Pearson and Luke Johnson did well to restrict the home side’s chances. On the half hour, Brighouse, having already been forced into making several personnel and positional changes due to the unavailability of three key players, were then forced to make another change when striker Neil Butcher had to come off with a recurrent hamstring problem and was replaced by Martin Newham, making only his third first team appearance of the season. As the half was drawing to a close, a 25 yard thunderbolt of a shot from the Ossett right winger appeared to be heading for the top corner of the net until the Old Boys ‘keeper Gareth Betts made probably the save of the season with a full length dive to tip the ball around his far post and leave the game goalless at the break.
In the second half, the Brighouse centre-
Brighouse made their last substitution at the start of 30 minutes extra time with
Neil Fitzjohn coming on at centre-
The resulting penalty shoot-
Every single one of the 14 Old Boys players played their part in this victory, showing great skills, fitness and above all a team spirit with a never say die attitude that is second to none. However, credit must also go the Ossett players who put in some sterling performances to help create what was a pulsating match.
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21st November 2009
West Yorkshire Alliance Division 2 Stanley Utd Res. 0-
This was a critical match for the league leaders against a Swillington side who were unbeaten at home and had lost only one league match. But you could feel in the pre match warm up that the Old Boys were up for the game and this was evidenced when they turned in their best first half performance of the season playing superb expansive attacking football. From the off they took the game to the home side and could have been two up in the first five minutes with Adie Kelly having a header brilliantly saved and Glen Lee just firing narrowly over the bar. The breakthrough came when Andy Burton's long pass out of defence released Rob Kenny and his expert cross found James Fletcher who crossed the ball in for Kelly to crash home from close range.
With Reece Bray and Michael Barlow winning the battle in midfield Brighouse were dominating the play and the second followed after good work from Kelly dispossessing a home defender before releasing the ball to Kenny whose cross was fired home by Fletcher.
The Old Boys were rampant at this stage attacking from all parts of the field with strong running and good link up play from full backs Luke Johnson and Steven Tuite, and the pressure paid off after another flowing move resulted in Kenny driving in yet another powerful cross which was headed against the bar by Kelly but centre back Andy Pearson was on hand to force the ball home for his first goal for the club.
The fourth came on the half hour mark again after another sustained session of attacking football resulted in Fletcher's cross being met with a powerful diving header from Kelly. It seemed inevitable that they would add to the tally but with minutes to go to half
time the home side pulled a goal back when a free kick was met by keeper Gareth Betts
punch but the ball fell to the Swillington centre forward who fired in from close
range to give the home side a lift and make the score 4-
As you would expect the home side came out strongly, but at this stage it was the Old Boys who should have added to the scoresheet with Fletcher and Kelly missing from close range. But it was Swillington who pulled another goal back after a well worked free kick. This spurred the home side and Brighouse found themselves under pressure, but the back four of Tuite, Burton, Pearson and Johnson were working hard making some timely tackles and blocks to keep out the Swillington attacks.
However the visitors were always dangerous on the counter attack with Neil Butcher a substitute for the injured Michael Barlow seeing goal bound shots brilliantly saved. Adam Bedford was introduced into the fray for the tiring Kelly and this immediately produced results when the same player headed in from Fletcher's cross. This seemed to knock the stuffing out of Swillington and Brighouse were on top again with Bedford firing his second goal after a neat pass from Butcher.
The Old Boys could and should have added more but it was the home side who completed the scoring with a consolation goal in the last minute. This was a great win for the Old Boys which consolidates their position at the top of the table, best for them in an excellent all round team performance were Bray, Pearson and Kenny.
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14th November 2009
West Yorkshire League Division 2 Swillington Saints 3 Brighouse Old Boys 6
This was a critical match for the league leaders against a Swillington side who were unbeaten at home and had lost only one league match. But you could feel in the pre match warm up that the Old Boys were up for the game and this was evidenced when they turned in their best first half performance of the season playing superb expansive attacking football. From the off they took the game to the home side and could have been two up in the first five minutes with Adie Kelly having a header brilliantly saved and Glen Lee just firing narrowly over the bar. The breakthrough came when Andy Burton's long pass out of defence released Rob Kenny and his expert cross found James Fletcher who crossed the ball in for Kelly to crash home from close range.
With Reece Bray and Michael Barlow winning the battle in midfield Brighouse were dominating the play and the second followed after good work from Kelly dispossessing a home defender before releasing the ball to Kenny whose cross was fired home by Fletcher.
The Old Boys were rampant at this stage attacking from all parts of the field with strong running and good link up play from full backs Luke Johnson and Steven Tuite, and the pressure paid off after another flowing move resulted in Kenny driving in yet another powerful cross which was headed against the bar by Kelly but centre back Andy Pearson was on hand to force the ball home for his first goal for the club.
The fourth came on the half hour mark again after another sustained session of attacking football resulted in Fletcher's cross being met with a powerful diving header from Kelly. It seemed inevitable that they would add to the tally but with minutes to go to half
time the home side pulled a goal back when a free kick was met by keeper Gareth Betts
punch but the ball fell to the Swillington centre forward who fired in from close
range to give the home side a lift and make the score 4-
As you would expect the home side came out strongly, but at this stage it was the Old Boys who should have added to the scoresheet with Fletcher and Kelly missing from close range. But it was Swillington who pulled another goal back after a well worked free kick. This spurred the home side and Brighouse found themselves under pressure, but the back four of Tuite, Burton, Pearson and Johnson were working hard making some timely tackles and blocks to keep out the Swillington attacks.
However the visitors were always dangerous on the counter attack with Neil Butcher a substitute for the injured Michael Barlow seeing goal bound shots brilliantly saved. Adam Bedford was introduced into the fray for the tiring Kelly and this immediately produced results when the same player headed in from Fletcher's cross. This seemed to knock the stuffing out of Swillington and Brighouse were on top again with Bedford firing his second goal after a neat pass from Butcher.
The Old Boys could and should have added more but it was the home side who completed the scoring with a consolation goal in the last minute. This was a great win for the Old Boys which consolidates their position at the top of the table, best for them in an excellent all round team performance were Bray, Pearson and Kenny. | ||
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7th November 2009 | ||
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West Yorkshire Alliance Div 2 Brighouse OB Res. 4 -
In a return to their earlier season performances Brighouse Old Boy Reserves beat a youthfull but attractive footballing side four two when they played Howden Clough Reserves on Saturday.
With three changes from the previous week Brighouse re-
Unlucky with a ball from a corner which was kicked off the line Brighouse opened the scoring when top penalty taker Dan Reddy capitalised on a spot kick after ebullient right back Danny Lund was fouled in the penalty area. Just before halftime Brighouse doubled their lead when a neat build up from Bembridge on the right was adroitly put away by Andy Taylor with a curving left footed shot from the edge of the area. Looking good at halftime Brighouse seemed to lose concentration and allowed Howden back into the game when a disputed penalty and an error in the defence let the spirited opposition to draw level, all the first half's good work seemingly in vain.
However, Brighouse didn't give up , focused on the task in hand and came back stronger
forcing Howden onto the back foot. Chances went begging for Brighouse with Adam
Williams (replacement for the unlucky Paul Taylor who was subbed due to a head injury)
hitting the bar, Andy Taylor and Marko O'Boyle having chances saved by the keeper.
Brighouse re-
However the guilty player carried on complaining and was eventually sent off for swearing at the referee. Reddy ignored the histrionics from the Howden players and crashed the ball into the top right hand corner of the net. Taking control of the game, Brighouse's keeper Gareth Betts had little else to do, and his accurate long kicks were causing havoc in the oppositions defence. It was from one of these that Adam Bedford chased down, rounding the keeper and placing the ball into the goal. For Brighouse, a welcome return to winning ways keeping them in the chase for the league title. |
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West Yorkshire League Div 2 Gt Preston 2 -
Brighouse remain eight points clear at the top after a well-
The first half began with the Old boys holding most of the possession, but Preston
were stifling their play with some strong tackling and then always looking dangerous
on the break. After 10 minutes, it was the home side who went in front when a long
diagonal ball deceived ‘keeper Jason Kirby allowing a Preston striker a simple tap-
On the 20 minute mark, an in-
Great Preston came out in the second half with a newly found determination to at
least get something out of the game and it came as no surprise when a great cross
from their left was headed back into the goalmouth for their striker to fire in an
excellent equaliser. Great Preston then had their best period of the match, but the
Old Boys’ back four of Steven Tuite, Andy Pearson, Burton and Luke Johnson, along
with ‘keeper Jason Kirby, who was carrying an ankle injury, held firm. With half
an hour remaining Shaun Kirby was introduced into the attack and his fresh legs seemed
to kick-
Shortly afterwards a break down the left led to Fletcher’s cross finding Kenny, who had ghosted in unmarked at the far post to volley home in fine stile and give Brighouse back their lead. Great Preston, however, never gave up and they continued to strive for the equaliser, but with time running out a strong run and cross from the right by Kenny found Shaun Kirby who slotted the ball in to seal the points for Brighouse.
In a really strong team performance, Barlow, Burton and Kenny each put in outstanding performances. |
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31st October 2009 | ||
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West Yorkshire League Div 2 Brighouse Old Boys 7 -
After a couple of indifferent performances Brighouse returned to form with a convincing victory over a youthful Barwick team. With Andy Pearson's late withdrawal due to work commitments Glen Lee took his place in the starting line up having missed the victory at Stanley with injury.
The Old Boys were in their stride from the off, passing the ball well and playing with confidence. They got the early lead when Rob Kenny's powerful run and cross was headed home by Neil Butcher. With centre midfielders Lee and Reece Bray controlling the middle of the park the home side were dominating the game, although they had a set back when they lost the influential Butcher after twenty minutes with a pulled hamstring. Sean Kirby joining the fray partnering Adie Kelly up front.
But Brighouse continued to press forward and doubled their lead in spectacular fashion
when Kenny's cross field pass found centre back Sam Ferguson who took one touch before
striking an unstoppable 20 yard drive which flew past a startled Barwick 'keeper.
The home side had further chances but had to be content with a 2-
As expected the visitors came out strongly but couldn't make any head way against a back four of Steven Tuite, Andy Burton, Ferguson and Luke Johnson who were in such control that 'keeper Jason Kirby didn't have a single save to make. The third goal came after a flowing move started from the back resulted in Johnson's overlapping run and cross being volleyed home in fine style by Kenny.
The goals were now coming at regular intervals, Burton's long ball out of defence
was headed on by Kelly to Fletcher who side footed home past the onrushing 'keeper.
Another incisive move resulted in number five when the outstanding Kenny's cross
was crashed home by Fletcher. The sixth came with Kenny once again being provider,
this time it was a corner which reached Ferguson who leapt like a salmon to score
with a spectacular header. Fletcher then rounded off the scoring completing a second
hat trick in consecutive games scoring direct from a corner to complete a 7-
Best for Brighouse in what was probably their best performance so far this season were Burton, Kenny and Johnson. |
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Halifax League Division 1 Brighouse OB 0 -
This was a much improved performance after the 7-
Brighouse started the game brightly and created the early chances with Darren Hirst's pass releasing Daz Allen but his first time shot went narrowly of the top, and the impressive James Coates having a shot which landed on top of the net. Northowram were dangerous from set pieces and twice goalkeeper Gareth Betts had to collect dangerous crosses, and he was also relieved to see a header go over the bar.
But the bad luck which has dogged Brighouse on a number of occasions this season
struck again when centre back Mark Barlow had to withdraw after 30 minutes with a
knee injury and before the home side had time to regroup the visitors took the lead.
Veteran Dave Hill took over from Barlow at the back alongside the outstanding Danny
Lund and Brighouse settled down but the half finished with them trailing 1-
The Old Boys started the second half in determined mood, midfielders Neil Fitzjohn, Wayne Cummings and Coates were controlling the game and dominating possession with the strong running of Eddie Shaw and Hirst creating problems down the flanks. They were starting to create openings with Allen and Hirst having shots well saved.
Brighouse were building up the pressure forcing four successive corners but a combination
of desperate defending and poor finishing prevented the home side getting a deserved
equaliser. The Old Boys kept pressing with fullbacks Rob Moore and Paul Fitzjohn
joining the attacks but despite a number of dangerous crosses they were unable to
make the break through and ended up going down to a frustrating 1-
Best for the Old Boys were Lund, Coates and Fitzjohn. |
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24th October 2009 | ||
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West Yorkshire League Trophy Brighouse OB Res 4 -
In the West Yorkshire League Trophy cup match Brighouse beat their fellow Alliance league opponents Ilkley four one on Saturday. Starting with a new formation, a tactic to stem the tide of goals conceded in the last three matches, Brighouse started the match playing five across the middle leaving Paul Taylor to play the lone striking role up front. Bringing Andy Taylor into the holding role with Vaughan Wagstaff and Martin Newham playing off him worked well as Brighouse quickly took control of midfield, with their neat brand of short interpassing football dominating the early exchanges.
They took the lead when a through ball from Wagstaff left Taylor to stroke the ball home under the legs of the advancing Ilkley keeper. Further chances followed but, missed opportunities by Alex Bembridge and Peter Kuleczko would come back to haunt them at the end of ninety minutes.
After half time, Brighouse pushed to increase their lead but chances from centre back Marko O'Boyle, a header from a corner, and Bembridge, a strong run and shot on the right hand side again narrowly went wide.
Just as it seemed that Brighouse were cruising to victory Ilikey got back into the game when a cross followed by a quick turn and shot evaded the excellent Ben Briggs in the Brighouse goal. Spurred on by this Ilkley at last sprung into action and it needed all the experience of the back four of Matthew Lumb, Marko O'Boyle, Dan Reddy and Graham Tait to keep them at bay.
So into extra time, no goals in the first half but with Brighouse dominating possession they looked the most likely to score. Early in the second half , a clever shot from Taylor on the left hand side hit the post and rebounded to Newham who tapped the ball home. Another goal, Taylors second, came when he cleverly lobbed the ball over the advancing keeper into the empty net.
Now totally on top, Brighouse finished off the tiring opposition when a corner from Taylor was nodded in at the far post by Alex Bembridge to seal the victory. Eventually a comprehensive victory but, Brighouse made hard work of finishing off an opposition that should have been dispatched in the first ninety minutes |
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West Yorkshire League Div 2 Stanley Utd 2 -
The old boys returned to winning ways after the previous week’s loss to Mount St. Mary’s, with a nervy performance that at one stage looked like another defeat could have been on the cards.
The game started brightly enough for Brighouse who really dominated the first half,
restricting Stanley to just a very few half chances. However, their forward pairing
of Aidie Kelly and Neil Butcher couldn’t capitalise on several openings that were
created by some flowing moves, many of which were started from fine perceptive passing
from centre back Andy Burton, who had a fine game throughout. As the half went on,
left midfielder and skipper James Fletcher gradually began to get into the game and
was unlucky with several well-
The old boys really needed a goal and it came shortly into the second half when an
unbelievably long ball from ‘keeper Gareth Betts, against what was becoming a strong
wind, completely deceived the home side’s defence, allowing Fletcher to ghost in
behind them and slot the ball home past the on-
However, within minutes the old boys were back on level terms when a strong run and
shot from Butcher hit the near post and the ball, spinning across the line, was fired
home by Rob Kenny, who had been brought on from the bench for the second half. Further
goals followed from Fletcher, the first a superb solo effort when, after receiving
the ball from Burton on half way, he ran right through the home defence and fired
the ball low into the bottom corner. His hat-
Although Stanley continued to push, the old boys centre-
Not for the first time this season, Fletcher was the star man for the Old Boys, and,
as a left footed player, his hat- |
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17th October 2009 | ||
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West Yorkshire League Div 2 Brighouse OB 2 -
Brighouse Old Boys’ nine match winning run came to an abrupt end when Mount St. Mary’s completed an unlikely double over them, the Old Boys’ only previous defeat being against the same opponents on the first day of the season.
The game started brightly enough for Brighouse, with plenty of fast passing movements creating havoc in the away team’s defence. On the occasions when St. Mary’s did break, the Old Boys regular back four of Steven Tuite, Andy Burton, Sam Ferguson and Luke Johnson easily nullified any threats, leaving ‘keeper Gareth Betts no real problems to deal with. It came as no surprise when after 15 minutes the Old Boys went ahead. After some fine interplay between Tuite and Michael Barlow on the right, a cross from the latter led to an attempted back header by a St. Mary’s defender to his ‘keeper that was intercepted by James Fletcher to coolly slot home.
Although Brighouse continued to dominate possession throughout the half, they seemed to become overconfident and were guilty of attempting too many passes and losing their incisiveness. This led to the away team gradually gaining in confidence and with 10 minutes left to the break, an innocuous through ball led to a complete mix up in the home side’s defence and the St. Mary’s lone striker was on hand to fire home the equaliser. This really boosted Mount St. Mary’s, but the Old boys held on to half time with the score remaining at 1 – 1.
On what been excellent form for their last nine games, Brighouse, playing down the slope in the second half, would have been expected to move up a gear and seal another win, but they never really got going and St. Mary’s firstly capitalised on yet another defensive mix up to go into the lead and then shortly afterwards went further ahead when a free kick from their left found an unmarked forward who expertly beat ‘keeper Betts to make it 3 – 1.
Although the Old Boys threw subs Adie Kelly and Andy Pearson into the affray, Mount St Mary’s defence, now looking really solid, restricted the home side to very few chances and the result was drifting away from the home side. However, on 80 minutes, with centre back Ferguson now thrown right into attack, an excellent ball from forward Neil Butcher, who had worked tirelessly throughout the game, found Fletcher on the left who beat two men and fired in a low cross which was deflected in by a St.Mary’s defender to make it 3 – 2. The Old boys almost equalised on the stroke of full time when a strong run from midfielder Reece Bray led to a low cross that Butcher stretched for and connected with, only to see the ball drift inches past the far post.
However, in the end the Old Boys had to accept the defeat to a strong, resolute St.Mary’s side who are themselves now well in the promotion hunt.
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Halifax League Div 1 Stump Cross 3 -
Once again Brighouse endured a frustrating afternoon, playing league leaders Stump
Cross for most of the game they more than matched their opponents but couldn't convert
pressure into goals. The Stump Cross manager sportingly admitted that the score-
After conceding early goals in the previous three games Brighouse were determined not to give anything away. The midfield quartet of Wayne Cummings, Chris Sykes, Mark Barlow and Steve Ashford were working hard closing down and pressing their opponents and as a consequence had the better of the early exchanges. An excellent pass from Cummings released Shane Roberts his cross finding Adam Bedford but his powerful drive was well saved by the home 'keeper. The resulting corner from Andy Taylor was headed over the bar narrowly by Barlow. But Stump Cross were also dangerous on the counter attack with centre backs Danny Lund and Taylor having to make some timely tackles, supported by 'keeper Daz Allen who made a couple of good interceptions. But it was the visitors who continued to create the better chances with Cummings and Roberts seeing shots well saved.
However it was the home side who made the breakthrough on the half hour mark when
a hopeful long ball bounced over the defence leaving the Stump centre forward free
to score with a good finish. Brighouse hit back with Ashford almost scoring but his
shot just dipped over, so they trailed 1-
Brighouse started the second half strongly and with fullbacks Charlie McMoran and veteran Rob Moore linking up with the attacks they pushed the home side back. They forced a number of corners and free kicks but couldn't make the breakthrough. The game turned on the hour mark with a couple of incidents which reflected the luck that is sometimes needed, firstly Robert's cross was met with a powerful header by Barlow which crashed against the underside of the bar onto the line and out into a grateful 'keeper's grasp. From the resulting clearance Brighouse conceded a corner from which the home side scored when the ball bounced awkwardly for the Old Boy's 'keeper Allen who could only deflect the ball into the net.
In fairness Brighouse didn't let their heads drop with subs Darren Hirst and Eddie
Shaw joining the fray they kept pressing forward but the home side were defending
in numbers and the goalkeeper was having an outstanding game, and with game entering
added time Stump Cross broke away to score and complete a 3- |
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West Yorkshire Alliance Div 2 Woodhouse Res 5 -
In the shock result of the day Brighouse Old Boy Reserves lost their unbeaten record to bottom of the table Woodhouse WMC on Saturday. With five new players Woodhouse had altered their team dramatically and this paid dividends when they came back from a seemingly lost cause to beat the promotion seeking Brighouse.
However, all seemed very different in the first half hour when Brighouse took the game to Woodhouse and seemingly cruised to a two nil lead. The first scored by Sean Kirby when a cross by Peter Kuleczko was volleyed into the net. With Vaughan Wagstaff and Martin Newham taking control in midfield Brighouse's expansive play was reaping dividends and the second followed soon after, a through ball by Wagstaff, Newham latching onto it and neatly sidefooting it into the net.
Further chances went close when Paul Taylor just placed the ball wide and Kirby failing narrowly to get to a cross from pacy right winger Alex Bembridge. Brighouse could have been four up at halftime but fifteen minutes of madness just before the break allowed Woodhouse to get back into the game and take the lead. Three soft goals, three errors in defence and the game was turned on its head.
Just before the break Brighouse could have equalised but Taylor was unlucky when a shot from far out on the left hit the post. In the second half Brighouse pressed strongly but couldn't put the ball away. Newham, Reddy, Taylor and Marko O'Boyle all went close but it wasn't to be. Throwing men forward Brighouse became exposed at the back and later in the game conceded two further goals to complete their misery.
Still second in the table but gradually loosing touch with the leaders Brighouse need to get back to their winning ways to cement their promotion credentials. | ||
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10th October 2009 | ||
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West Yorkshire League Div 2 Boston Spartans 0 -
Brighouse extended their lead at the top of the table with a hard fought win over Boston Spartans. Boston are a difficut proposition on their turf having won 3 of their 4 home games played this season, and the Old Boys knew they would have to play well to come away with anything.
The first thirty minutes were very much a cat and mouse affair with boths sides working
hard to close each other down chances were few and far between. Brighouse were guilty
of trying to force the game by hitting too many long balls making it easy for the
home defence to cope with, the nearest they came to scoring when centre back Sam
Ferguson heaed narrowly over from a James Fletcher corner. It was going to take something
special to break the deadlock and it was the visitors that provided it on 35 minutes.
Fullback Steven Tuite broke down a home attack before playing a one-
Coach Neil Fitzjohn's instruction at half time to keep the ball better paid dividends in the second half. With a marked improvement in the Old Boys passing game they began to dominate with wingers James Fletcher and Michael Barlow becoming more influential in the game, Rob Kenny and Butcher both had shots well saved but ironically it was route one that provided the second goal. Goalkeeper Gareth Betts long free kick finding Fletcher and he brought the ball down brilliantly before finishing in fine style.
It was all Brighouse with marauding fullbacks Tuite and Luke Johnson joining the attacks the home side were defending desperately to keep the Old Boys out. A third goal was inevitable and it came in the 75th minute after a strong run and cross from Barlow found Butcher and his pass found Fletcher to side foot the ball into the net.
Credit to Boston who kept coming back and it took a brilliant double save from 'keeper
Betts to prevent them getting on the scoresheet, Brighouse weathered the late storm
to run out 3-
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Halifax League Div 1 Brighouse Old Boys 0 -
Brighouse turned in a spirited performance against a Sowerby team who are one of the promotion favourites and were unlucky not to get anything out of the game. One of the problems they have had over the past couple of games is conceding early goals, this time it took only three minutes for the visitor's prolific goalscorer John Wilkinson to outpace a hesitant defence before slipping the ball past 'keepr Daz Allen.
At this stage it wasn't looking too good for the home side but they settled down
and with the back four of Charlie Mcmoran, Danny Lund, Andy Taylor and Neil Jones
getting a grip of the game Brighouse started to apply pressure of their own. Winger
Wayne Cumming was beginning to find space down the right linking up well with the
impressive Shane Roberts, he had a number of good runs and crosses and the visiting
'keeper had to pull of some good saves from Steve Ashford and Roberts. But Sowerby
were always dangerous on the break and centre midfielders Mark Barlow and Chris Sykes
had to work hard to stop the service to their front men. The home side kept pressing
for the equaliser but found themselves 1-
The second half started with Brighouse applying the early pressure forcing a number of early corners, but the visitors defence were in top form getting bodies in the way to block shots. Sowerby then began to apply their attacking influence and home 'keeper Daz Allen had to make a number of smart interceptions.
Substitutes Darren Hirst and Rob Moore joined the fray and Brighouse continued to push forward but were unable to create any real chances against a resolute Sowerby team and finally lost the game by a single goal. Brighouse worked hard and probably deserved a draw for their efforts, best for the Old Boys were Cummings, Allen and Taylor.
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