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Match Reports for 2011- |
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Saturday 18th Febuary 2012 West Yorkshire League Cup 3rd Round Stanley Utd 4 - The ten match winning run of first division Brighouse Old Boys came to a somewhat
unexpected end in this league cup- Playing against a strong wind in the first half, The Old Boys began well- As the half went on, the Old Boys began dominate the mid- The Old Boys, playing with the wind behind them, would have expected to go on and
win the tie and within minutes of the re- Two minutes later, however, the Old Boys equalised when a fine pass from Fletcher found Cummings unmarked on the edge of the box and he struck an unstoppable shot into the top corner of the net. The Brighouse team should then have moved up a gear and dominated the game, but maybe
through over- The fresh legs of Adam Williams, along with Matty Roy, who had gone on at half time to replace Pete Kuletzko, did inject some spark for the away side, but when Stanley scored their third, again mainly through an unusually lax Old Boys defence, the game was virtually up. Lee Williams was pushed forward, but still no real pressure was exerted on the Stanley defence and with 5 minutes left they scored their fourth. Fletcher then scrambled in a goal for the Old Boys but by then it was way too late. The Old Boys, now out of all cup competitions, must instantly re- West Yorkshire League League Trophy 2nd RoundBrighouse Old Boys Res 4 Otley Town Res 1 The Old Boys second string finally returned to action with their delayed second round tie against Otley Town, the highlight being a first club hat trick for Martin Newham. With both sides pressing hard and closing down well the majority of the early play was focussed in the midfield. The visitors had the first real chance after breaking away but home ‘keeper Joe Stead who was outstanding and dominant throughout timed his interception brilliantly to smother the ball at the centre forwards feet. Gradually the Old Boys midfield of Captain Paul Taylor, Luke Hammond , Courtney Smith and Marko O’Boyle began to impose themselves on the game and with the excellent movement of Newham and Vaughan Wagstaffe up front began to apply the pressure. They made the break through when Graeme Tait’s corner was headed on by O’Boyle, Newham
was on hand to slide the ball home past Otley’s keeper James Lyon. They thought they
had a second after a flowing move saw Wagstaffe’s shot well saved by Lyon, the ball
rebounding to Newham to blast the ball home only to be given somewhat surprisingly
offside. The home side continued to press but had to be content with a 1- As expected Otley came out looking for the equaliser , but the home defence were in no mood to give anything away , centre backs Dave Conway and Michael Wadsworth were doing some powerful defending down the middle supported by excellent covering by full back Tait and Wayne Cummings. Brighouse gave themselves some breathing space ten minutes into the half with an excellent breakaway goal, Conway’s clearing header finding Cummings his pass releasing Wagstaffe who slipped the ball through to Newham to score his second. The visitors kept working hard to get back in game but with the Old Boys excellent team work they were struggling to create meaningful chances. Subs Chris Sykes and Neil Fitzjohn were introduced replacing Smith and O’Boyle who had worked tirelessly.The fresh legs created more impetus and Newham completed his well deserved hat trick when he fired home Taylor’s superb pass. With five minutes left the visitors pulled a goal back , ‘keeper Stead made a brilliant
save tipping Alan Burnett’s shot onto the bar but the same player was on hand to
force the ball home. Any chance of a fight back was put to bed when Brighouse went
straight back up the field to score, once again Taylor was the provider his pass
being driven powerfully home by Hammond to complete a 4- Best for the Old Boys in a good team performance were Stead, Newham and Hammond. Saturday 28th January 2012 West Yorkshire League Div 1 Aberford Albion 0 - Aberford, a team from the lower end of the league posed more problems than expected for high fliers Brighouse Old Boys but the form book was eventually proved correct, Brighouse running out one nil winners carrying on their winning streak to ten league and cup victories. After the poor weather in West Yorkshire the Brighouse players and management team were surprised to be greeted with benign conditions, a flat pitch, a weak if not absent breeze and a seemingly smooth playing surface, all seemingly suited to Brighouse’s best strategy of keeping the ball moving, playing on the floor, attacking with pace and defending in numbers. For the first fifteen minutes this script was adhered to and with the midfield trio
of James Fletcher, Jimmy Cummings and Reece Bray dominating proceedings, setting
up the skilful Calvin Lee and ever- The opening goal came shortly afterwards, Lee, after “nutmegging” an Aberford defender and laying the ball off drifted into the centre of the penalty box. The attack was taken up by a mazy dribble from left back Luke Johnson who delivered a pinpoint cross to the lurking Lee in penalty area. Lee pounced on the ball and smashed the ball past the keepers left hand and into the net. It looked as though Brighouse could take control of the fixture but perhaps, although warned to guard against it, they took their feet off the pedal and allowed Aberford to gain the ascendancy. Up until half time Aberford’s spirited approach allowed them to dominate the game and it took all the physical presence of Lee Williams and pace and guile of Andy Hall plus the cool assurance provided by right back Joe Nelson to keep them at bay. Brighouse kept on giving away possession, inviting Aberford to attack them but fortunately
for Brighouse the couple of good chances that came their way were put over the bar
or saved by Jason Hibbert in the away team’s goal. Coming off disappointed at halftime,
although in the lead, suggested that Brighouse’s expectations are high and learning
from this lapse of first half form they needed to go out, get back to playing the
simple ball, re- Back from injury, Matty Roy came on to replace the tiring Lee, his skilful contributions adding to the attacking prowess of the Brighouse side. However, although dictating the play the final finish was not there. A series of chances went begging, crosses not being put away, set pieces not capitalised on, a frustrating time for the Brighouse management team wary that one quick breakaway by Aberford could have lead to an equalising goal, and a undeserved result for Brighouse. It was not to be however, the counter attacks by Aberford were stopped in their tracks by the stout barrier of Lee and Hall, attacks on the flanks by the ever increasing presence of Johnson and Nelson and on the few occasions they broke through by the excellent handling skills of Hibbert. So a well deserved win in the end, playing well above their lowly league status Aberford gave Brighouse a real test but the west Yorkshire side came through to continue their assault on the league title Saturday 21 January 2012 West Yorkshire Alliance Div 1 Leeds City Res 6 - A crazy spell either side of half time where the Old Boys conceded a goal in the last minute of the first half and two in the first five minutes of the second was the deciding factor in their game against their high flying opponents Leeds City Res. Playing against a strong wind the home side started strongly and took an early lead when a corner from the left swirled over the Brighouse defence to the home attacker who headed home. The visitors settled down and should have equalised almost immediately when Paul Taylors strong run and cross found Graeme Tait but his shot was blocked on the line. With Adam Williams and Michael Wadsworth starting to exert their influence in the midfield the Old Boys began to get on top and almost equalised again when Taylors powerful cross was tipped onto the bar by home 'keeper Joseph Royce the ball rebounding to Adie Kelly, but Royce recovered brilliantly to smother his goal bound shot. Brighouse's defence were coping well , with 'keeper Joe Stead dominating his area and centre backs Vaughan Wagstaffe and Luke Hammond snuffing out the home attacks and with all their dominance it seemed only matter of time before they would get a deserved equaliser. But on the stroke of h;lf time the game the home side got a second in some what controversial circumstances, the referee awarding a corner when it had clearly been run out by the home forward, from the resulting kick 'keeper Stead looked to be fouled as he collected the ball and as it came free the Leeds forward was on hand to fire home.
Brighouse came out and immediately went on the attack, but they got caught out when Chris Sykes' powerful cross was headed clear and the home side broke away to add to their lead. It was four almost immediately, once again an attack broke down and the Old boys were caught on the break young 'keeper Stead having no chance as the home forwards broke in numbers. But credit to the Old Boys who were working hard to get back in the game and they pulled one back when Tait's through ball was lobbed home by Kelly. It was all Brighouse with veteran Glen Lee beginning to apply his influence with
his excellent movement and clever play, they pulled a second goal back from Marko
O'Boyle's powerful thirty yard stike, and it was 4- The next goal was vital but with time running out unfortunately it went to the home
side to extend their lead, Brighouse kept pressing but it was Leeds City who finished
the scoring in the last minute to give a somewhat flattering 6- Best for Brighouse were Lee, Williams and Stead West Yorkshire League Div 1 Brighouse Old Boys 2 –0 Horbury Town In a wind affected game Brighouse Old Boys continued in their eight game winning streak , the latest challenge overcoming Horbury Town by two goals to nil on Saturday. With changes in defence, due to Reece Bray stepping up into midfield, Brighouse could have been vulnerable in that area but with Lee Williams back from injury, in the heart of the back four, Brighouse had the ideal player to counteract attacks from the spirited opposition. The Brighouse management team had asked their team for a quick positive start and they responded by opening the scoring with just five minutes gone on the clock. A long hopeful through ball from the home team defence drifted towards the Horbury keeper, whether it was lack of confidence or a uneven playing surface, an attempted clearance dribbled straight to pacy Peter Kuleczko who simply returned the ball, this time past the keeper and into the bottom left hand corner of the net. A muted celebration followed, everybody surprised at the way the goal had been scored. So, an early success, the inherent danger, possibly a complacent attitude to guard against, after going ahead so early in the game. However , marshalled by captain James Fletcher, the ubiquitous Jimmy Cummings and the powerful Bray this was not going to happen and with man of the match Andy Hall and fullbacks Joe Nelson and Luke Johnson shoring up the defence Jason Hibbert was in for quiet first half in the Brighouse goal. The second goal came ten minutes before half time, a slick one two in midfield involving Cummings and skilful left winger Calvin Lee followed by a precise through ball from the cultured left foot of Fletcher allowed goal poaching centre forward Rob Kenny in on goal. Challenged by a defender Kenny expertly shielded the ball and with one strike of his venomous right foot adroitly placed the ball, past the advancing keeper into the bottom right hand corner of the net. Keep a tight shape, retain possession and catch Horbury on the break knowing that they would have to push men forward was the message at halftime. Sure enough the away side did come on stronger but once again Hibbert’s goal was rarely threatened. Brighouse countered Horbury’s tactics by ensuring that enough men were placed between the ball and their goal and with the fresh legs of Martin Newham coming on as replacement for the injured Kuleczko and Wayne Cummings for Lee on the left Horbury were finding it difficult to break down the home side defence. The away team’s best chance, a twenty five yard effort which was tipped round the post by an athletic save from Hibbert, the resulting corner cleared by the now dominating central defensive pair. Fifteen minutes from the end, new signing Jorge Pearson, came on upfront for Kenny, asked to harass the away team defenders thereby stopping them playing and creating chances for their forwards. This stifled the Horbury attacking prowess unable to break through massed ranks of the home team players. At the other end Horbury were being caught on the break but, for all their possession, Brighouse were unable to score a match sealing goal and the game ended with the first half goals being the deciding factor. So onwards and upwards for the victorious side, keeping their winning sequence a necessity if they are going to gain promotion this season Saturday 7 January 2012 West Yorkshire Alliance Div 1 Brighouse Old Boys Res 1 – 2 Old Headingley Res Brighouse Old Boy Res were back in action after a six week lay off, striker Adie Kelly was a late withdrawal due to a throat infection and with Neil Butcher also not available Vaughan Wagstaffe joined Paul Taylor up front. The Old Boys started brightly debutant midfielder Dave Conway and Adam Williams making early inroads with some good interceptions and passes. Left back Graeme Tait almost made the breakthrough when his cross cum shot was tipped over the bar by 'keeper Keiron Burns, and then Chris Sykes excellent cross just evaded the onrushing Vaughan. But then the home side were stunned after 15 minutes when the visitors grabbed the lead in controversial circumstances centre forward Adrian Shields appeared to be yards offside when the ball was put over the top, to the home side's dismay the referee played on and he went through to slip the ball passed the onrushing home 'keeper Joe Stead. This seemed to unsettle the Old Boys and it needed a couple of last minute interceptions by centre backs Michael Wadsworth and Luke Hammond to prevent any further scoring chances. The home side settled down and began to dominate forcing a number of corners, Marko O'Boyle , Taylor and Williams all having shots blocked. But as the half time approached they went two down when they were caught on the break Kevin Grant bursting through before placing a fine shot passed a despairing Stead.
Brighouse began the second half as they left putting the visitors under pressure they almost scored when Neil Fitzjohn's powerful cross was headed behind by the Old Headingley with Wagstaffe coing in behind. The Old Boys kept coming forward but despite having the majority of the play they were struggling to create clear chances against a packed defence although 'keeper Burns made a superb double block first from Taylor then from Williams who was following up. Jamie Beevers, Andy Taylor and Wayne Cummings were all introduced and they brought fresh energy to the team. The goal eventually came with 10 minutes left when Hammond broke through midfield before driving ball into the back of the net. It was all Brighouse and they should have equalised when Taylor forced his was through with a powerful run but he lifted his shot over the bar. But they couldn't make the breakthrough and went down to yet another narrow defeat. Best for the Old Boys were Taylor, Conway and Hammond.
West Yorkshire League Div 1 Swillington Saints 1 - This match, the first for Brighouse Old Boys after the short winter break, could
have been a banana skin moment for the high flying away team from West Yorkshire
as their record away to Swillington has not been good. That , plus a possible lethargic
reaction induced by the absence from regular football recently could have proved
costly Brighouse having not played for three weeks. Swillington adopted their traditional
formation, five, four one - Then the wake up call, a controversial goal from Swillington, a corner from the right which was heading towards the competent hands of Jason Hibbert in the Brighouse goal. Hibbert was then impeded by the Swillington centre forward backing into him and the ball fell to another home team player to complete an easy finish into the back of the net. Brighouse’s protestations fell on deaf ears and the referee ran back to the centre circle to restart the match. In previous years Brighouse might have folded but, this season, there seems to be an inner belief that the team won’t panic and throw men forward therefore playing into Swillington’s counter attack philosophy. They needed to pick up the tempo, impose themselves on the game, force Swillington on the backfoot and get back into the match. This they did, with captain James Fletcher, midfield dynamo Jimmy Cummings and the neat assured play of the cultured Damien Place creating an inventive platform in midfield, which allowed the pacy wing play of Peter Kuleczko and Martin Newholm to reach far into the home team defence. Leading the line up front, just back from injury, Rob Kenny started finding the gaps and the Swillington’s back four were finding it difficult to cope with this attacking trio. The equalizer came from a somewhat bizarre incident when a good move by Johnson on the left allowed Kenny to poke the ball home from just a couple of yards. However on the way in, a Swillington defender had handled the ball and the referee had blown up for a penalty. The goal was disallowed much to Brighouse chagrin and Kenny stepped up to take the penalty. Much to Brighouse’s relief justice was done and Kenny placed the ball into the bottom left corner of the net. Brighouse’s second came from an expertly placed free kick from Fletcher, curling the ball in from the edge of the area, the Swillington keeper rooted to the spot. It was one way traffic now although, Swillington true to form, attempted to catch
Brighouse on the counterattack but these were mopped up by man of the match Andy
Hall and Reece Bray in central defence. Fullbacks Luke Johnson and Joe Nelson were
finding space in front of them and were adding to the attacking options from the
increasing influential and dominating away team. Just before half time the excellent
Cummings increased Brighouse’s lead , intercepting the ball on the left hand side
of the penalty and skilfully placing the ball past the Swillington keeper with a
powerful side- However fresh legs were needed and Calvin Lee and Lee Williams replaced Kuleczko and Newholm to add extra impetus to the Brighouse tactics. This worked in that with virtually the first touch of the ball Lee sprinted through the Swillington defence and was brought down by the opposing centre half. Kenny once again stepped up to the mark and placed the ball past the despairing clutches of the home team keeper to make the score four goals to one. Other than a chance which hit the bar from Fletcher this was the final incident in the match and Brighouse ran out the game to record a well deserved victory. So the 2012 campaign starts off with a well planned and hard fought for victory, Brighouse’s tactics turning over the oppositions defensive strategy that had cost them dear in the past. A pleasing start hopefully blowing away the Christmas cobwebs, setting the team up for the greater challenges ahead in this season’s race for promotion. Saturday 17 December 2011 West Yorkshire League Div 1 Brighouse Old Boys 1 - Success breeds success, the mantra for Brighouse Old Boys as they extend their winning sequence to six in a row, the latest being the herculean task of beating the runaway league leaders Rothwell, avenging the heavy defeat they suffered in the opposing fixture earlier in the season. Before the match, a quiet air of anticipation , a few nerves perhaps but more a steely determination that with their recent improved form the endgame would be completely different this time. Manager Phil Garbe’s pre match talk, the plan with the players needing to put this plan into action. The first twenty minutes were critical in establishing their dominance on the game, a quick start needed, a sustained tempo called for to beat their skilful opponents. This they did with captain James Fletcher and Jimmy Cumming out competing their midfield adversaries, Brighouse keener and sharper winning their personal battles, a constant threat against the Rothwell defence. Sweeping behind them the evergreen man of the match Damian Place, probing and prompting, teasing out the gaps in the Rothwell back four allowing Peter Kuleczko, Martin Newham and Paul Taylor to exploit the openings. It was Taylor who had the first chance, put through by Fletcher, Taylor ran through
on his own but took the ball wide. He then picked out Newham on the edge of the penalty
box but unfortunately Newham’s shot was saved by the opposition keeper. Playing mainly
on the counterattack, Rothwell rarely threatened but, when they did, they couldn’t
get past the centreback pairing of Reece Bray and Andy Hall whose aerial prowess
and quick feet mopped up Rothwell ‘s attempts at pressurising the home team’s defence.
From another slick move, a shot rebounded off the Rothwell keeper - No score at halftime, Brighouse having the better of the play but unable to finish, disappointed but patience the key word. Surely this pressure would pay in the end. A substitution at half time, Kuleczko replaced by Ross Smith up front, Smith having played most of his recent football in America adding pace and skill to Brighouse’s portfolio of players. The second half followed in a similar vein with, prompted by the midfield platform of Place, Fletcher and Cummings, Brighouse pushed forward posing challenges to the tiring Rothwell defence. Coming more and more into play, attacking fullbacks Joe Nelson and Luke Johnson were exploiting space in front of them, setting up and acting as a springboard for a series of home team forays into the heart of the Rothwell defence. Another chance went begging when a strong run from Cummings on the right, followed by a pinpoint cross fell to Taylor in the box. Unfortunately for Brighouse the opportunity was not taken. Five minutes later a corner to Brighouse, the ball bobbled in the box followed by a scuffed strike by sub James Coates, the ball ran to Fletcher who again couldn’t apply the finishing touch. Was it going to be one of those games which would frustratingly fizzle out into a draw although Brighouse had had the lion’s share of the possession and chances? Into the final ten minutes, Cummings freed himself from the midfield and placed a thirty yard ball over the top of the Rothwell defence allowing Smith a free run in on goal. Smith finished with aplomb, blasting the ball under the despairing clutches of the Rothwell keeper. Brighouse played out the final few minutes, Jason Hibbert in the Brighouse goal not threatened, the team running out deserved winners. So to the winter break, a confident end to the 2011 year, Brighouse need to come back playing with the same energy and attitude to carry on their assault on the league title. Saturday 10 December 2011 West Yorkshire League Div 1 Old Centralians 1 - A close fought victory for the perpetual motion team from Brighouse, Old Boys ran
out narrow winners in a potentially difficult away fixture to Old Centralians by
two goals to one. A heavy pitch possibly mitigating Brighouse’s style of play,
adapting to the changing conditions plus coping with the various challenges that
this season can throw at them - From the off, a physical challenge not to shirk, a more inexperienced team could have wilted but Brighouse matched Centrallians competitive play and ended up deserved winners. Brighouse, lead by a powerful midfield platform, took the initiative straight to Centralians,cCaptain James Fletcher, ebullient Jimmy Cummings and the skilful Damian Place running the show, setting the tempo for the pace of Peter Kuleczko and Martin Newhome to threaten the Centralians defence. A Cummings run on the right, a low cross and a sliding attempt by crafty cockney Adam Williams was the best chance in the first half. Central defenders Lee Williams and Reece Bray halted the counter attacks from Centralians until a groin injury incapacitated Williams and he had to come off, replaced by new signing Ian Brock. Perhaps a worrying height difference against the tall twin strike force of the Centralian’s forward line but, the clever play of Bray and the pace of Brock stifled the home team’s attacking prowess. The game was goalless at half time and Brighouse came out in a positive frame of
mind eager to start proceedings and take the game to their West Yorkshire opponents.
This they did, exploiting the space on the flanks, both wingers Newham and Kuleczko
and, attacking fullbacks Joe Nelson and Luke Johnson, rampaging up the flanks putting
dangerous crosses into the heart of the Centralians defence. It was from one of these
that Brighouse opened the score, a low cross on the right from Nelson, a touch goalwards
from Kuleczko, the ball deflecting off the shin of Newham and into the back of
the net - Old Centralians did not give up however and came back strongly at the away side, one chance only prevented by an excellent finger tip save by Jason Hibbert, pushing the ball over the bar. With Place, man of the match Cummings and Fletcher now running the show Brighouse looked the most likely to score and from one attack they hit the bottom of the post but, against the run of play, Centralians got back into the game. A corner from the right was not cleared, a dangerous bobbling ball again not dealt with, was pounced on by a home team forward for the equalising goal. Fresh legs were needed for Brighouse, Paul Taylor replacing Adam Williams up front and James Coates on the right for Kuleckzko, both pushing for a winner which their possession suggested they should get but it was not to be and the game seemed to be destined to end in a draw. However, cometh the hour, cometh the captain, an innocuous right footed curling cross from the left into the heart of the penalty area by Newham, recipient Fletcher with his back to the goal. An exquisite turn from Brighouse’s number ten, stretching his leg out and with the deftest of touches lifting the ball over the defender and into the back of the net, the keeper rooted on his spot, only able to watch the resulting winner go in. With only minutes to go Brighouse played down the time until the final whistle, players and the management team celebrating the win, an important extra two points for the victory which could so easily have faded out into a score draw. So, joint third in the table, three points behind second place and on current form the best in the league. However waiting for them round the corner, next week’s table topping fixture between themselves and the outstanding perfomers in the league so far, Rothwell. Retribution needed for the corresponding match earlier in the season when Rothwell beat Brighouse by six goals to one, inflicting their heaviest defeat of this year’s campaign. Saturday 3 December 2011 West Yorkshire League Div 1 Horbury Town 2 - With a sloping pitch and a strong blustery wind effecting the match Brighouse Old Boys ran out easy winners by six goals to two from being two nil down at halftime. Winning the toss and deciding to play against the elements in the first half , Brighouse were immediately put under pressure and the back four of Joe Nelson, Reece Bray, Andy Hall and Luke Johnson had to focus on the task in hand to prevent Horbury from taking the lead. They did this successfully for twenty five minutes then, a loose ball in midfield, a Horbury counter attack allowing the home team’s number ten to dribble round goalkeeper Jason Hibbert and put it into the empty net. With the ball coming back to them, blowing in the wind it was difficult for Brighouse to get out of their own half but gradually, playing on the ground, they started to make inroads into the home team defence. On the flanks the pace of Peter Kuleczko and Martin Newham forced the Horbury fullbacks to retreat allowing the midfield pair of captain James Fletcher and the dangerous Damian Place the space to weave their magic and create opportunities for the cultured Adam Williams and elusive Jimmy Cummings. Having got a foothold in the match they then went two down from a wind assisted well placed free kick which, was missed by the Brighouse defence, and floated past Hibbert giving him no chance. From then on until half time the message from the sidelines was to keep a tight back four, cut down the Horbury space in midfield and get back behind the ball when out of possession. This they did successfully running down the time, anticipating easier pickings in the second half. Be positive, play on the ground and shoot at every opportunity was the management message for the second half and Brighouse applied themselves to these instructions getting back into the game with the dream of all dream starts. Within ten minutes they had drawn level, the first a pinpoint curling cross from attack minded fullback Nelson, an expert well placed power header from Kuleczko, the second an accurate free kick from twenty five yards out by the increasingly influential Fletcher , a shot curling past the Horbury defence and keeper. Place, Fletcher and Cummings were dictating the show by now and, piling on the pressure, a Brighouse breakthrough seemed inevitable. This came, from a Place long throw in, glanced on by Fletcher to the quick feet of the clubs all time leading goal poacher, sub Paul Taylor who cleverly side footed the ball in. In the lead and cruising, a high score looked on the cards with over twenty minutes left but, to Horbury’s credit, they came back at Brighouse and in one breakthrough were unlucky not to score, Brighouse saved by a last ditch strong challenge by the excellent Hibbert. But, the tide was only going one way, and Brighouse increased their goal tally when the ubiquitous Fletcher took a corner to the back post and Nelson turned the ball in, a deserved and rare goal from the classy fullback. A few minutes later a couple of stylish goals from man of the match Cummings, the first a skilful run and a refined finish placing the ball in the right hand bottom corner of the net, the second a Cummings Christmas cracker, a free kick from forty yards out, the ball flying past the despairing clutches of the Horbury keeper, a sensational finish to a hard working Brighouse Team performance. With results going their way, Brighouse are now up to fourth spot in the league, looking forward to the further challenges to come in their campaign for promotion. Saturday 26 November 2011 West Yorkshire Alliance Div 1 Brighouse Old Boys Res 2 – 4 Beeston St Anthony’s Res The Old Boys welcomed new 'keeper teenager Joe Stead into the team, but what a match to make your debut playing runaway unbeaten league leaders Beeston. The visitors came out strongly putting the home side under pressure and they took
the lead after two minutes when visiting centre forward Martin Kelly broke through
to slip the ball passed the advancing Stead. They continued to press but the home
defence of Wayne Cummings, Mike Wadsworth, Luke Hammond and Charlie McMoran backed
up by good handling from Stead stood firm and gradually Brighouse began to come into
the game. After fifteen minutes they equalised after good work Chris Sykes in midfield
his pass was taken by Graeme Tait his powerful shot was only parried by Beeston 'keeper
Paul Graham, the ball breaking free to the alert Courtney Smith who squared the ball
to Adie Kelly to score from close range. This lifted the home side with Neil Fitzjohn,
Paul Taylor and Sykes battling hard in midfield and, as a consequence, it was Beeston
who were having to defend in numbers. The best chance came after good link up play
between Smith and Cummings resulted in the latter breaking into the penalty area
his cross found Kelly but his excellent header was well saved by Graham. Beeston
were always dangerous on the break and the home defence had to make a number of important
interceptions and blocks. Brighouse were having their best spell but were caught
when an attack broke down They lost possession, the visitors broke quickly and it
was Martin Kelly who once again sprinted clear of the home defence to score. The
home side hit back forcing a number of corners but couldn't turn their pressure into
goals so the scored remained 2- In the second half Old Boys were playing against a strong wind and with the heavy
rain the pitch began to cut up and get heavy. Whilst they worked their socks off
to get back in the game Beeston were beginning to dominate the game and on the hour
mark they stretched their lead when Sean Unsworth scored from close range. The Old
Boys only had one substitute another debutant Ryan Matthews who was introduced with
twenty five minutes left to bring fresh legs into midfield, but it was still the
visitors who kept applying the pressure. But a combination of great tackling, last
ditch blocks and some excellent saves from Stead meant the home side were still hanging
on and with fifteen minutes left they made it 3- West Yorkshire Alliance Division 1 Baildon Trinity 1 - A trip away to Baildon on a wet and windy day is not anybodies idea of an easy fixture but Brighouse came away after much effort and a fair degree of skilful play with a two one away victory. Playing against the elements in the first half Brighouse kept a tight compact formation, not allowing their lower league opponents, time and space on the ball winning the possession battle to set up their pacy counter attacks. The majestic ball play of man of the match James Fletcher combined with the ability of playmakers Jimmy Cummings and Damien Place in midfield to get the ball down quickly acted as a platform for Peter Kuleczko and Calvin Lee to raid down the flanks and boded well for Brighouse from the opening whistle. Chances were created and shots from Cummings and Fletcher were saved by the Baildon keeper in the first few minutes of the match. Space was plentiful on the wings encouraging the attacking play of fullbacks Marko O’Boyle and Luke Johnson and it was a mazy dribble by Johnson that lead to the first goal. After a neat one two with Lee, Johnson burst into the opponent’s penalty area only to be brought down by a clumsy tackle from the Baildon centre back. Captain Fletcher took control of the situation, put the ball down on the penalty spot and cleverly placed the resulting shot low down to the left hand side of the keeper, one nil to Brighouse. The blustery wind was causing problems for the Brighouse defence but, marshalled by the centre back pairing of Reece Bray and Lee Williams chances on the Brighouse goal were few and far between. A couple of set pieces were driven into the heart of the Brighouse defence but these
were competently handled by Jason Hibbert in the away team goal. Just before halftime
Lee had to be replaced after pulling up with a hamstring injury, replaced by the
cultured cockney Adam Williams on the left. One nil at half time, turning round with
the wind on their backs, the omens looked good for Brighouse but, after dominating
most of the possession , Brighouse were caught by a surprise counter attack, a swerving
dipping shot from the edge of the area which eluded the diving body of Hibbert to
bring the scores level. Somewhat stunned by this Brighouse responded well and drove
forward, spurred on by the exact passing game of Place, Fletcher and Cummings raided
deep into the Baildon half. Fletcher - Catching Baildon on the break Cummings was unlucky when a powerful well placed shot rebounded off the post and out for a goal kick. Martin Newham and Kuleckzko were causing havoc running at the Baildon defence and from one pacy burst Kuleczko was brought down, a stonewall penalty if there was ever one. Fletcher repeated his successful kick of the first half, this time lashing the ball into high right hand side of the home team net. , Running his heart out for the team the skilful Newham was replaced by Joe Nalson, fresh legs spurring Brighouse on for further gains. But, none came and, for a worrying last five minutes it needed all the experienced play of O’Boyle, Williams, Bray, Johnson, backed up by the confident handling of Hibbert to keep Baildon at bay until the final whistle. A well hard fought for victory in conditions which did not naturally suit Brighouse’s modus operandi, a valuable three points in their fight for promotion. Saturday 19 November 2011 West Yorkshire Alliance Division 1 Knaresborough Town Res 7 Brighouse Old Boys Res 3
Once again it was defensive frailties that let Brighouse down against their high
flying hosts. From the start Brighouse took the game to Knaresboroughand after 30
minutes had put themselves in a great position building a 3- The home side pulled a goal back when a cross from the right wasn't cut out leaving the home forward plenty of room to score. Brighouse continued to boss the game with the central trio of Paul Taylor, Wadsworth and Sykes pressing hard on their opponents forcing errors and the good movement of O'Boyle and Courtney Smith on the wings causing problems for the home defence. On the half hour mark they restored the two goal advantage when Sam Davidson's ball out of defence released Taylor his pass found Kelly who drove the ball home from the edge of the area. It could have been four moments later when Wadsworth's pass sent Smith free of the home defence but his shot went agonisingly wide of the post with the 'keeper well beaten.
But then a disastrous spell before and just after half time saw the game turn on
it's head when the visitors conceded five goals in a twenty five minute spell to
turn the game on it's head. The majority of the goals were gifted to the home and
either came from crosses which should have been dealt or communication break down
at the back and to add to their woes they also conceded a controversial penalty when
Charlie Mc Moran was adjudged to have a fouled the home winger when it looked more
a case of him being impeded. So ten minutes into the second half Brighouse found
themselves 6- Full credit to the Old Boys they kept working hard with Neil Fitzjohn and Jason Armstrong rallying the team from the back, and they had a number of chances to pull goals back Taylor, Kelly and Wadsworth all seeing shots saved or blocked. As they pushed men forward it was inevitable they would leave space at the back and with time running out Knaresborough added a seventh to give them a somewhat flattering scoreline. Best for the Old Boys in a frustrating performance were Armstrong, Wadsworth and Kelly. West Yorkshire League Division 1 Brighouse Old Boys 3 - On the back of a good win in the cup Brighouse were keen to carry on their good form and get back on track in the league, a necessity if their hopes of promotion are to be realised this season. Hampered by a lack of players in the club, due to injuries and absences, Brighouse took the field with only the bare eleven in the squad hoping that they would stay injury free for the duration of the match. From the off Brighouse took charge, captain Fletcher and playmaster Jimmy Cummings bossing the midfield, acting as the platform for the pacy wing pair of Calvin Lee and Peter Kuleczko. A series of attacks were set up and Brighouse were unlucky not to take the lead, the returning presence of the impressive Rob Kenny leading the line, causing mayhem in the heart of the Kellingley defence. Almost with his first touch of the ball Kenny took the opponents back four on with a solo effort, slicing through their defence but unfortunately not being able to find the finish to match his inspiring run. Then an incident in the match which made Kellingley’s resistance even more difficult, a seeming innocuous clash in midfield lead to a Kellingely forward spitting at centreback Reece Bray, a straight red card leaving the away team with only ten men. Already on top, Brighouse couldn’t fail to exploit the gaps in the Kellingley midfield, their short passing game ideally suited to taking advantage of their opponents deficit in numbers. Pulling them and teasing them apart a goal was almost inevitable and this came when an accurate cross from the right by fullback Joe Nelson drifted over the head of the Kellingley keeper, Kenny left with the relatively easy task of finishing from only a few yards out. Kellingly were not dispirited though and came back strongly but the back four of Joe Nelson, Lee Williams, Reece Bray and Luke Johnson coped well with these attacks and Jason Hibbert in the Brighouse goal was rarely troubled. Oddly enough it was the attacking prowess of the exciting fullback play at the beginning of the second half which unsettled the away team. Johnson and Nelson rampaging up the flanks making the most of the Kellingley stretched midfield, setting up Martin Newham and Calvin Lee to continue to cause havoc in the away team defence. Brighouse scored their second when Kuleczko’s pace in the penalty area was halted by an illegal tackle and push, a nailed on penalty if there ever was one. Kenny stepping up to the mark, putting the ball away low to the left of the diving Kellingley keeper. Having to come forward in order to get back into the game Kellingley were leaving gaps and with the pace of Brighouse up front another goal looked likely. A free kick from Kenny rattled the crossbar and Fletcher came close with two efforts from the edge of the area. The final goal came when interplay between Fletcher and Cummings released Lee on the left. An accurate cross and a complete absence of marking in the Kellingley defence allowed Kuleczko to head home from a couple of yards out. So, a good performance and a well deserved victory, the next challenge being to sustain this form for the future league confrontations to come. Saturday 12 November 2011 West Yorkshire League Alliance Division 1 Carlton Ath Res 3 Brighouse Old Boys Res 0 The 3- The visitors kept applying the pressure and were camped in the home side's half, Paul Taylor, Wadsworth, Chris Sykes and Marko O'Boyle were working hard in midfield not allowing the home side to settle supported by the ever willing Vaughan Wagstaffe and Newham up front. It was Wagstaffe who almost made the break through after 15 minutes when his header from Taylor's free kick just cleared the bar. But after 20 minutes Carlton took the lead against the run of play when a throw out from 'keeper Ben Briggs was intercepted in midfield allowing the home centre forward who looked suspiciously offside to go through and score. This lifted the home side and they had their best spell of the half but with the
visitors defence of Sam Davidson, Jason Armstrong, Luke Hammond and Graeme Tait battling
hard they withstood the onslaught. Once again as half time approached Brighouse were
back in control and should have equalised when great link up play through the midfield
allowed Taylor to burst through his shot beat the 'keeper but went narrowly wide
of the post. With the forty five minutes almost up Brighouse went 2- Once again the visitors took the game to Carlton forcing errors from the home side who were giving away free kicks under the pressure. It was from one of these that Brighouse almost pulled a goal back, once again Taylor's delivery finding Newham but his header crashed off the bar to safety. The Old Boys were dominating possession but were being let down by the final pass. Having used their only substitute they went to three at the back with Hammond joining being pushed forward, and this almost paid dividends after a great five man move resulted in his cross being met firmly by Vaughan but his header went wide of the post. Brighouse huffed and puffed but were unable to make the breakthrough and in the dying seconds the home side made it three to give a somewhat flattering scoreline. Best for the Old Boys were O'Boyle, Wadsworth and Hammond. West Yorkshire League Cup Brighouse Old Boys 7 – 2 Howden Clough Howden Clough came to Brighouse hoping to cause a cup upset by beating their higher league opponents in this first round fixture. Built on pace, the Brighouse team needed to get the ball down quickly, out to the flanks and pass round their youthful adversaries. Although starting brightly Brighouse failed to do this in the first fifteen minutes and, whilst dominating possession, they went behind when an almost freak shot from thirty five yards out flew over the otherwise excellent Lee Williams in the home team goal. Almost stunned into a response, something clicked in the Brighouse psyche and, they immediately stepped up the tempo, playing the ball on the ground as directed and causing Clough all sorts of problems. Particularly difficult to deal with were Calvin Lee and Peter Kuleczko on the flanks, their pace and good movement causing Howden Clough’s back four no end of problems. Indeed it was a combination of these two that got Brighouse back into the tie, a pacy run down the right from Kuleczko and a skilful deflection from the ebullient Lee giving the Clough keeper no chance. Brighouse piled on the pressure, from the attacking fullback play of Luke Johnson and Joe Nelson, through to the smooth, assured and pinpoint passing game of the cultured Damien Place in midfield the home team took complete control. Sporadic attacks from Clough were mopped up by the centreback pairing of Andy Hall and Reece Bray but these were few and far between and the game was only going one way. With a similar break, but this time on the left, it was Lee who evaded the Clough defenders to cross and on the end, this time, the energetic midfielder James Coates who turned the ball into the net. It was all one way traffic now and the third followed quickly, Coates becoming more influential directing the play passed through to the skilful Matty Roy who went on a mazy run beating two defenders before curling the ball in the bottom left hand corner of the net. The continuing pressure was forcing mistakes and set pieces from the Clough defence and from one corner Brighouse got their fourth, crossed in from Coates on the right, partially cleared by the away team defence, but falling to Lee who finished with good technique from a difficult bouncing ball. Brighouse were encouraged not take their feet off the pedal at halftime and they came out with the same frame of mind that reaped dividends in the first half. Quickly gaining ascendancy Lee acquired his hat trick, possibly his best goal, from a well placed bullet header after a pinpoint cross by Kuleczko. Howden Clough didn’t give up and started to push forward and scored when a piece of slack defending allowed a Clough forward to turn in the six yard box and scuff the ball under Williams. However this was four goals to late and just spurred on the home team to redouble their efforts. The sixth goal was another compliment to the skills of Roy cutting in from the right and hitting a powerful shot past the despairing Clough keeper. Finally to wrap up the tie, captain Fletcher scored the seventh, a cross from the right by substitute Rob Kenny met by Fletcher, easily putting it past the keeper with his favoured left foot . It could have been more as Howden Clough tired but both Kenny and Fletcher missed relatively straightforward chances and the score ended up at seven goals to two. An easy win in the final analysis and Brighouse will be hoping to carry forward these high scoring habits in the battles to come. Saturday 5 November 2011 West Yorkshire Alliance Div 1 Brighouse Old Boys Res 2 – 3 Rothwell Res
In a close hard fought game Brighouse Old Boys narrowly lost to their youthful opponent by three goals to two to a disputed penalty in the last few minutes of the game. Starting off brightly, the early exchanges were equally shared with the strong running of Adrian Kelly and Neil Butcher up front for Brighouse matched by the skilful creative play of the Rothwell midfield. The result stalemate, not to say chances weren’t created, Butcher and Kelly both coming close and the Rothwell forwards challenging the Brighouse goal guarded by the safe hands of Jason Hibbert. Then the breakthrough for the away team, a long ball through on the right, a mistake in the Brighouse defence and a clever lobbed finish by a Rothwell striker. Brighouse didn’t lose heart however and started to make inroads to the Rothwell defence, the aerial route abandoned for passing on the ground, getting behind the Rothwell defence. This immediately brought success and Brighouse were unlucky not to equalise when, after a move involving Martin Newham on the right, Paul Taylor dribbled past the centre back and placed his shot past the keeper. Unfortunately for Brighouse the ball rebounded off the post and went out of play. The second half started off with Brighouse pushing hard at Rothwell and the opponents attacking Brighouse on the break. Brighouse were once again unlucky not to equalise as, after a corner,a shot from Newham hit the bar. At the back Luke Hammond sweeping for Mike Wadsworth, supported by the the full back pairing of Graham Tait and Chris Sykes, were resisting the advances of the Rothwell attack but unfortunately the home team defence was breeched when a quick breakaway on the right was followed by a low accurate shot which gave Hibbert no chance. Two nil down but Brighouse didn’t give up and came on stronger attacking both sides of the increasingly fragile Rothwell defence. They got back into the game when a high cross from Tait was misjudged by the Rothwell
keeper and dropped to the feet of Kelly, Kelly had the simple task of stroking the
ball home past a despairing defender. Kuleczko and Newham were having success on
the flanks and when Butcher had to go off the crafty wing play was re- There was only one team in it now and a home team win looked even more likely after the Rothwell centre half was sent off after allegedly abusing the referee. The twist in the tail however, a rare foray by Rothwell, an innocuous challenge by the excellent Hammond and to the disbelief of the Brighouse team and management the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Rothwell scored from the resulting penalty, taking the lead and, although a couple of half chances were not taken by Brighouse, the score remained that way until the final whistle . Deserving a draw at the least, Brighouse left the field unhappy at the way the fixture ended but, if they carry on playing with the same spirit and skill they surely will challenge for a top spot in the league by the end of the season Saturday 29th October 2011 West Yorkshire League Division 1 Brighouse Old Boys 1 - A disappointing performance with a mixture of poor finishing and a controversial sending off costing Brighouse the game which promised so much in the first twenty minutes. Kicking with the strong wind at their backs in the first half, Brighouse immediately took charge of the game, flooding forward, their quick passing game baffling their higher placed opponents all orchestrated by Reece Bray, Jimmy Cummings and Damian Place in midfield. After a minute the elusive Calvin Lee on the right was put through by fellow forward James Fletcher, a one on one situation with the Kippax keeper but, unfortunately for Brighouse, Lee’s shot fell straight into the the keeper’s gloves. A couple of minutes later Matty Roy just failed to connect with another crossfield ball and the chance went wide. Kippax were being comprehensively outplayed at this stage and another chance went begging when Cummings broke free on the right and played a low cross in for Fletcher in the middle. Fletcher dived into the six yard box and was frustratingly only inches short with his lunging left foot. The goal had to come and, with a similar move this time on the left, when, with Lee careering down the wing his low cross was met by Roy who smashed the ball into the net with his unfavoured right foot. Forays from Kippax were rare and any attacks were being ably snuffed out by centreback pairing, Lee Williams and Andy Hall assisted by the exciting attacking fullback play of Luke Johnson and Joe Nelson. Then the incident that changed the game, a long floating innocuous cross from the right fell to the Kippax centre forward on the edge of the six yard box, Hall challenged for the ball, putting himself between the attacker and Jason Hibbert in the home team goal, physical contact was made and the Kippax attacker fell to the ground the ball already in the hand of Hibbert. A disputed penalty was given, Hall, adjudged to have fouled the Kippax forward with a goal scoring opportunity was promptly shown the red card, the resulting kick put away past Hibbert, high to the left hand side of the goal. Against the elements, down to ten men, the omens were not good for the second half but to Brighouse’s credit they came out and once again got the better of their top of the league opponents playing the better football and forcing Kippax onto the back foot. However although retaining the lions share of possession, unlike the first half, chances were hard to come by and eventually the numerical superiority of Kippax started to tell as tired legs against the buffeting gale force wind began to tell. The fresh legs of Adam Williams and Chris Sykes were brought on to assist the team effort but Kippax took the lead when a mistake in the Brighouse defence allowed an opposition forward to score, the ball dribbling into the net after a fine attempt by Hibbert to prevent a goal. Pushing forward Brighouse tried to equalise but were caught short at the back and the left winger from Kippax scored an excellent goal after rounding Hibbert to make the final score three goals to one. The game, perhaps spoilt by a disputed decision but, in reality, Brighouse could and should have put the game to bed before the first half award of the penalty. West Yorkshire League Alliance Division 1 Bardsey Res 2 - Brighouse provided the shock result of the day with a brilliant win against high flying Bardsey. The performance was built on great teamwork and defensive excellence which provided the platform for the team to go and win the game in emphatic style, the highlight being a deserved hat trick for the ever green Neil Butcher. There was a lively start to the game with both teams working hard to gain the upper hand. Bardsey had the early pressure but with 'keeper Gareth Betts commanding his area and the defensive unit of Sam Davidson, Jason Armstrong, Luke Hammond and Graeme Tait on top of their game they were unable to create any real chances. Paul Taylor and Michael Wadsworth were also putting in a great shift in the centre of midfield well supported by wingers Martin Newham and Pete Kuleczko and strong running from forwards Neil Butcher and Adie Kelly, who was making his West Yorkshire League debut following his transfer from Wetherby. The work rate paid off after 15 minutes when Tait's long throw was headed onto the bar by a home defender under pressure from Kelly, Butcher was on hand to score from the rebound. The second was more a less a repeat with the home defence struggling to cope with Tait's long throw, Kelly was on hand to flick the ball on to the ever alert Butcher to score from close range. The third came on the half hour mark after a flowing move, Taylor's pass released Kelly who drove the ball home in style passed home 'keeper Dan Smith. This spurred the home side into action and they had their best spell of the half forcing a number of corners, but with Brighouse defending in numbers the closest they came to scoring was Danny Maw's header which hit the top of the bar. The Old Boys were always dangerous on the counter attack and on the stroke of half time they made it four when Taylor's run and pass found Kelly and his accurate cross was fired home by Kuleczko. As expected the home side came out all guns blazing but they were up against a Brighouse side who were not in the mood to let them get back in the game. The workrate of the visitors was terrific, closing down and pressing all over the pitch, and this was frustrating the home side. Any chance of a come back was dispelled on the hour mark, Armstrong's accurate pass out of defence found the ever willing Taylor his cross reaching Butcher who completed his excellent hat trick in style. Unfortunately he had then to leave the field with a hamstring injury giving a debut to another youngster Courtney Smith. It was six on the 70 minute mark when Kuleczko and Newham combined and the latter managed to squeeze his shot in at the near post. It was seven minutes later when Kelly got his brace heading home Taylor's corner. The home side kept coming and were rewarded with two consolation goals in the dying minutes the first being a wonder strike fromTom Crawlin, but it was too little too late. It was a great team performance and result only spoilt by a shoulder injury to 'keeper Betts received in the build up to Bardesy's second goal, which may keep him out for some time Saturday 22nd October 2011 West Yorkshire League Trophy Brighouse Old Boys Res 4 - Brighouse progressed to the next round with a good win over an improving Ripon City side. It was the visitors who made the early running putting the home side under pressure and took the lead after a good move Ryan Blanchard firing past 'keeper Gareth Betts from close range. The Old Boys hit back strongly and equalised when Graem Tait's long throw was flicked on by Vaughan Wagstaffe and Pete Kuleczko was on hand to volley it home. Then they almost grabbed the lead after good link up play between Martin Newham and Neil Butcher released Vaughan Wagstaffe but his goal bound shot was well saved by Ripon's 'keeper Jon Waterworth. The game was now end to end with both sides playing good attacking football, again
the home side were denied by Waterworth when he made another good save from Butcher
who was through on goal having been sent clear by Michael Wadsworth's defence splitting
pass. Ripon then broke up field and it was the turn of home 'keeper Betts who made
a brave save at the feet of the onrushing forwards. The home side then took the lead
came after thirty minutes when Jason Armstrong pass from defence sent Newham away
and his cross was fired in by Paul Taylor. Both sides continued to go forward but
the score remained 2- Brighouse started the second half in determined mood and took the game to the visitors. The back four of Chris Sykes, Armstrong, Luke Hammond (making his full debut) and Tait were dominant in defence with Wadsworth and Taylor bossing midfield. They extended the lead again and it was a repeat of the first goal Tait's throw flicked on by Wagstaffe with Kuleczko being on hand to fire home. Despite introducing three subs Ripon were finding it difficult to hold the home side who were now completely on top. The fourth came when Taylor's cross found Newham and his pass to sub Paul Hegarty was forced over the line. Brighouse would have scored more but for a brilliant display from Waterworth in the
Ripon goal so had to be content with a 4- West Yorkshire League Division 1 Ilkley Town 2 - This was a game that the Old Boys could and should have won, but on the day the team
was strangely lethargic, and by their own standards many of the players under- On the other hand, straight from the kick off Ilkley got into their stride and for
the first 20 minutes completely dominated the game, with the Old Boys rarely getting
the ball into their opponent’s penalty box. The home side were unlucky not to go
ahead when a clever move down the left led to a pin- The goal did seem to kick start the Old Boys into action, especially down their left
flank where full back Luke Johnson began to create some good in- The second half began with the Old Boys on top, with mid- Right to the end the Old Boys continued to dominate possession, but even with the
introduction of Calvin Lee and Andy Burton from the bench, and with manager Phil
Garbe switching to an attacking 3- Although late on in the game a penalty appeal by the Old Boys for hand- Saturday 15th October 2011 West Yorkshire League Alliance Division One Brighouse Old Boys Res 0 - With first team call ups and a couple of players unavailable manager Chris wadsworth had to make five changes from the side that had played so well the previous week. They were up against a Leeds city team who were on a five match unbeaten run. The home side started brightly but were caught by a quick counter attack after five minutes when Leeds City broke out of defence Marc Saunders giving 'keeper Gareth Betts no chance from close range. Brighouse settled down with the back four of Marko O'Boyle, Vaughan Wagstaffe, Sam Davidson and Graeme Tait holding firm against a lively attack supported by good handling from 'keeper Betts. Michael Barlow and Mike Wadsworth were beginning to impose their selves in the middle of the park , supported by strong running from wingers Chris Sykes and the pacy Calvin Lee. Twice Paul Taylor broke free down the right but his first cross just evaded the onrushing Neil Butcher and the second was headed over the bar by the Leeds centre back. One of the best chances of the half came when Wadsworth's ball out to the left released
Lee, he outstripped the defence but his powerful drive went narrowly over the bar.
As the half came to a close Brighouse were piling on the pressure Butchers header
from Taylors corner forcing a great save from 'keeper Jo Royce. Then it was the turn
of O'Boyle to be thwarted when his volley was again brilliantly saved by Joyce, so
the old boys Brighouse found themselves 1- The home side tried to force the game against a determined Leed side, but despite applying pressure they weren't creating any real chances. Just before the hour mark Barry McKillop doubled the visitors lead with a superb lob from the edge of the area. Youngster and new signing Luke Hammond was introduced replacing Lee who had taken a knock. Brighouse kept working hard and pressing but couldn't make the break through and with time running out Leeds City they put the game beyond them with Sean Fitzpatrick adding a third after a flowing move. Best for the Old Boys were O'Boyle, Butcher and debutant Hammond who showed some excellent touches and skill in his 30 minute run out. Halifax FA Cup Ovenden West Riding 1 – 1 Brighouse Old Boys Ovenden won on penalties AET With four players missing including Rob Kenny, Mike Pearson , Sam Ferguson and Andy Hall Brighouse went into this game with a degree of trepidation but confidence that their recent performances had allowed them to come into this game with no doubts about their ability to match their high flying, top of the table west riding premiership leaders Ovenden in the first round of the Halifax cup. Indeed, after just five minutes Brighouse had a golden chance to open proceedings when some clever work by skilful centre forward James Fletcher put Adam Williams through on goal. However, although he beat the goalkeeper Chris Moroney, the ball just went past the post. Brighouse were giving too many silly free kicks away and it was from one of these that Ovenden opened the scoring. A well placed cross from the left floated above the Brighouse defenders and Ovenden centre forward Andy Gregory cleverly headed the ball past Jason Hibbert in the Brighouse goal. An early blow for the team from Brighouse but they responded well and with Damian Place, Adam Williams and Jimmy Cummings becoming more influential in the middle of the park the omens were looking good. Place prompting and probing, feeding Matty Roy on the left and on the other flank Martin Newham, the game began to open up, Brighouse pressing forward for the equalizer, Ovenden quick on the break testing the defensive back four of Luke Johnson, Lee Williams, Reece Bray and Joe Nelson. From one such breakaway Hibbert had to be at his best and only his quick reactions, tipping the ball over the bar stopped Ovenden increasing their lead. In the second half Brighouse dictated the play for long periods of time and were unfortunate not to equalise but chances from Fletcher and Roy were not capitalised on and the game seemed to be drifting away from them. Newham picked up an injury and was replaced by Adrian Kelly up front and with Cummings and Place dominating possession in midfield acting as a springboard for Fletcher’s inventive play and Kelly’s strong running Brighouse were getting ever closer to getting back into the fixture. A corner, curled in with pace by Roy was met by Kelly and his resulting close range header was magnificently saved by Moroney. With just a few minutes to go Cummings picked up an injury and had to be replaced by Rothwell and for all Brighouse’s fluent play it looked like Ovenden were going to eke out the victory but, then the twist in the tail. Another pinpoint through ball from Place, Kelly beating the offside trap facing Moroney on a one on one situation, Kelly exquisitely chipping the ball over the advancing keeper into the back of the net. Brighouse could have grabbed the winner right at the end when Kelly, after a strong run on the right, crossed the ball to Roy unmarked in the middle. Unfortunately Roy delayed his shot, defenders got in his way and the chance went begging. Into extra time the game opened up, tiring legs coming into play, Roy cramping up exchanged for Andy Burton in midfield adding a bit of steel to the craft of Place and Adam Williams. Ovenden piled on the pressure, set pieces and crosses proving especially difficult for the Brighouse defence and the assured handling of Hibbert had to be called upon a couple of times to prevent Ovenden getting the winner. At the other end ,the ariel threat of Fletcher also posed problems for the Ovenden defence. One header just skimming over the bar. One all after extra time and so to penalties and it was to be Ovendens day, winning out after three direct strikes on goal. Disappointed but not downhearted by losing Brighouse can take a lot back from this game which, on paper, looked like an easy win for their high flying opponents. Brighouse proved they can mix it with the best and look forward to their greater challenges in their league campaign Saturday 1 October 2011 West Riding Challenge Cup Brighouse Old Boys Res 2 – 4 Boroughbridge Brighouse’s campaign in the West Riding Challenge cup came to an early end when they were beaten by four goals to two by premiership side Boroughbridge. Although Brighouse dominated the game for long periods of time, playing the better football , creating the better chances it was the lack of finishing which cost them the game in the end. With Jimmy Cummings and Reece Bray grabbing the lion’s share of possession in midfield Boroughbridge hardly had a look in and, with Calvin Lee and Andy Burton raiding down the flanks the omens were looking good for the home side. Up front the skilful play of James Fletcher and Matty Roy were causing the away team defence problems and it was Roy who had the first chance to give Brighouse the lead from a pinpoint pass by Fletcher. Through on his own Roy attempted to place the ball past the advancing keeper but unfortunately the ball bobbled just before the shot and it went high and wide. A free kick from Fletcher just went over the bar, a header from Lee again just too high and a Roy chance placed just the the wrong side of the post, opportunities created but not taken. At the other end centrebacks Lee Williams and Andy Hall were hardly troubled and the rare attacks by Boroughbridge down the flanks were cut out by the consummate skill of Joe Nelson and Luke Johnson playing as attacking fullbacks. More of the same was the halftime instruction and Brighouse set off with a similar attacking spirit using their quick short passing and moving game to retain their dominance in the match although Boroughbridge, playing on the break, started to get a foothold on the game and were looking more and more dangerous as the half went on. Against the run of play it was the premiership visitors who took the lead, a looping shot from the edge of the area beating keeper Gareth Betts dipping lately to just slip under the bar. Brighouse responded well however, redoubled their effort and got their just rewards when a tricky run by Roy on the left and an accurate cross to the far post allowed Fletcher to place the ball home. Brighouse took the lead from the goal of the game, a corner cleared by the away team defence fell to Andy Burton of the edge of the area. With the outside of his right foot Burton smashed the ball into the bottom left hand corner of the net before the away team keeper could move. Within ten minutes however the premier league side retook the lead, a combination of two chances not cleared by Brighouse plus clinical finishing allowed the visitors to get a grip on the game that, quite frankly, their overall play didn’t deserve. Chances still were coming Brighouse’s way and the away team keeper made a couple of magnificent saves at point blank range, a Fletcher header and a Martin Newham shot denying a Brighouse equalizer. Brighouse pushed Williams up front for the last five minutes and brought the fresh legs of sub Paul Taylor but to no avail. Boroughbridge increased their lead when , in the last minute a quick counterattack allowed the away team’s left winger time and space to put the ball past Betts. A defeat but a display suggesting that Brighouse could more than hold their own in the upper echelons of the premier league. The premiership side took their chances and the difference in this game was simply the more clinical finishing from fewer chances by Boroughbridge enabled them to advance into the next round of the cup. Saturday 24th September 2011 WEST YORKSHIRE LEAGUE CUP OSSETT COMMON ROVERS 0 - As had been anticipated, Ossett Common proved to be a very difficult team to beat
on home soil. The Ossett pitch, in addition to having an up- The Old Boys, missing several players on holiday, were very slow off the mark, allowing
Ossett to gain too much easy possession and when winning the ball back then losing
it too easily in mid- Gradually the Old Boys got into their stride and their twin strike- The second half was a real stale- With Kenny suffering from a hamstring pull, Old Boys manager Phil Garbe was forced
to introduce sub Pete Kulczco for the 30 minutes of extra time. Kuleczco had himself
suffered a strained quad muscle during the warm- However, the Old Boys really dominated the extra time, with Kuleczco putting them ahead after a great move allowed him to beat his marker and slot the ball in from a tight angle and with just two minutes remaining in the match, Kuleczco was on hand again to lay on the perfect pass for Fletcher to tap in and seal the tie.
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