Broadway Brook 5 - 4 Chorlton Beech

This Sunday Broadway Brook welcomed Chorlton Beech to Woodsend in what was to be a very controversial and feisty encounter.

Team line up Antony Platt in goal, a back 4 of Jon Leaney right back, Andy McIntosh left back, Jonathan Eckersley and Steven Dimitch centre backs.

Kyle Denton at right mid, James Ginder at left mid with John Gilmartin and Elliott Speight in the middle.

Leaving Richard Whitfield partnering Gary Rowbotham up front.

Subs of Darren Langford, Anthony Dolan and David Hewitt.

Having won our previous 3 games our attitude going into this game should have been full of confidence. That wasn’t to be as our attitude stank from the first whistle. Within 10 minutes we found ourselves 2-0 down.

As we weren’t at the races today, all of us as a team had to dig deep if we wanted to get something out of the game.

Broadway looked to press and find a goal to get them back into the game, as Rowbotham raced down the left wing, leaving everyone for dead as he looks across the area and finds Richard Whitfield unmarked who slots the ball home with a cool finish. Game on 2-1 to Chorlton Beech

Although we weren’t playing very well, we were always in the ascendency as Elliott Speight picks up the ball midway into the Chorlton Beech half, he lofts a perfect ball over to Rowbotham on the right wing as the whole of the Chorlton Beech stand watching with their arms up looking for offside, Rowbotham was clearly onside as he raced into the area and smashed the ball past the Beech keeper. 2-2!

Soon after it was to be 3-2 as James Ginder went on a mazy run down the left taking on all comers and whips in a cross which finds the on rushing Kyle Denton who connects with a vicious half volley and finds the bottom corner. Keeper had no chance, excellent finish from Denton. 3-2 to Broadway Brook.

Half Time 3-2.

The second half, Broadway looked a better team, still not great. The left side always looking a threat with Andy McIntosh, James Ginder and Gary Rowbotham causing Chorlton Beech constant problems.

Despite looking the better team, Broadway lose another goal as Chorlton Beech pull level at 3-3.

Then a moment of major controversy, In a 1 on 1 challenge, goalkeeper Antony Platt is injured in a clash, with Chorlton Beech in possession they fail to put the ball out of play, playing it around and eventually scoring whilst the Broadway Brook keeper was still injured. After a melee and discussions both teams agreed the ball should of been put out of play, but the ref couldn’t chalk off the goal that was given, therefore an agreement was made that Broadway Brook gave the ball back to Chorlton therefore they would score an own goal to settle the dispute. Unfortunately sportsmanship wasn’t in the script for Chorlton as Broadway give them the ball; they just played on as if nothing had happened.

Broadway sub, Darren Langford replaces Steven Dimitch & James Ginder is replaced by Anthony Dolan.

Seeing as though we were playing cheats, losing this game wasn’t an option. As Rowbotham releases Andy McIntosh down the left wing who squares it to Whitfield who slots home to level matters at 4-4.

Minutes left, Whitfield spots the run of Denton who bundles his way into the box taking a touch, but never having control of the ball, in powers Elliott Speight to take over and fires into the corner!!!!!

5-4 to Broadway Brook. Cheaters never prosper....they didn’t!

Full time.

Man of the match was awarded to John Gilmartin for his tenacity in midfield. It’s never good to play bad, but it’s a good sign to play bad and win.