Old Alts 2 - 3 Broadway Brook F.C

It’s that time everyone, the start of the new season and there couldn’t of been a better match up. Champions vs. Champions. As Broadway Brook F.C 1st division champions, move up a weight division to face the Premiership champions Old Alts.

Before kickoff Old Alts where presented with the league trophy, if that wasn’t an incentive to show them what Broadway Brook are all about then I don’t know what is.

Line up was as follows. Antony Platt in goal, a back 4 of Jon Leaney right back, Andy McIntosh left back, with Steven Dimitch and Jonathan Eckersley centre backs.

The midfield consisted of Kyle Denton at right midfield; Dan Mitchell left midfield, with John Gilmartin partnering the newly promoted captain Elliott Speight.

Upfront Ken Ramsbottom partnered Gary Rowbotham.

From the 1st whistle, Broadway pressed and got in the faces of Old Alts, who were clearly a good footballing side, they didn’t like the physical presence of Broadway. As it shown throughout the game.

The 1st effort on goal fell to Rowbotham, who shot from a tight angle when the cross would have been a better option.

Not to worry though as 5 minutes later, Kyle Denton broke free down the right wing, as he got the by-line he fired in a perfect cross evading the keepers outside hand which left Rowbotham with the simplest of finishes. Much deserved 1-0

Unfortunately for Broadway, there lead didn’t last too long as Old Alts crossed the ball high into the box which isn’t dealt with and there striker scores passed Platt.

We didn’t let our heads go down though, as Andy McIntosh picks the ball up deep in his own half and fires a gorgeous ball over the top of the Old Alts right back to the on rushing Rowbotham, who picks out Ken Ramsbottom in the box who smashes it into the net with some conviction. Again much deserved to Broadway 2-1

Next was a defining moment in the game, as Ken Ramsbottom dispossesses the Old Alts centre back and picks out the run of Rowbotham, who jinx passed the other centre back only to be cynically hacked down in the area. As the last man the defender saw red and was sent for an early bath, but the referee failed to give the spot kick and awarded a free kick on the edge of the box.

Rowbotham steps up to smash his effort around the wall, but a cracking save from the Old Alts keeper keeps them in the game.

Also not giving up Old Alts now down to 10 men, get themselves back into the game as they are awarded a cheap free kick. The ball was played quickly into the striker’s feet, who is allowed to turn and shoot into the corner. Sloppy goal to give away. 2-2

Half Time 2-2, a very evenly fought contest but with Old Alts down to 10 men, the ascendency was with Broadway.

Broadway change. Anthony Dolan coming on for Ken Ramsbottom, who goes to left back, with Andy McIntosh going to left midfield and Dan Mitchell switching to the right, with Kyle Denton joining Speight and Gilmartin in centre of midfield. 4-5-1 formation.

The 2nd half was a frustrating time for Broadway as they broke countless times only for the referee to blow for offside every time, when clearly we weren’t.

After Broadways 1st half exertions, fears of their ruthlessness dropping was evident, but it wasn’t to be as we broke down Old Alts time and again, Speight and Gilmartin in the centre of midfield bossing things and with Dan Mitchell and Andy McIntosh on the wings, Broadway were always dangerous.

The game stayed at 2-2 until 10 minutes to go, as Andy McIntosh knocks the ball past the Old Alts defender then wrestles his way past him, he fires in a shot low and hard only for the keeper to parry it into the path of Dan Mitchell who shows great composure and slots the ball home with his weaker right foot. 3-2 Broadway Brook goes into Pandemonium!

Following 2 skirmishes 2 Broadway players go into the book. Elliott Speight and Kyle Denton.

Broadway sub. Elliott Speight makes way for David Hewitt.

The final 5 minutes Old Alts threw everything but the kitchen sink at Broadway but they couldn’t find their way through.

Final whistle goes. The battle of the Champions is won by Broadway Brook F.C perfect way to start the league campaign.

Everyone associated with the club today you all played your part today whether you were part of the players or the spectators. So Broadway Brook F.C would like to thank everyone that turned up today.

Man of the Match goes to Captain Marvel Elliott Speight for his all action display and tenacity. Excellent performance.