Match reports 2010-11
February 26th 2011 k.o 10:30 (attendance: 25)
Broughton Ravers 2 (HT 1-0) Brigg Town 1
(Ingham, Lingard)
Bens winning bullet !
Having already taken 3 points from their first game with Brigg Town this season , Broughton were hoping for another 3 to help climb up the table. Brigg wearing black and hi-vis green hooped shirts took the kick off. Hannah Davis was soon having to defend well to keep Brigg out. Pressure from a Brigg corner saw Matty Ingham breakaway with a good run down the left handside for Ravers first effort making the Town keeper stretch but went just wide. Chances at both ends were coming thick and fast with Toby Travis (Tj) hitting the side netting and another Brigg corner headed into Tristan Lawrence’s hand. Jack Holmes headed just wide back at the the other end and Matty gettting a shot, but just over the bar. However it was Matty who finally broke the deadlock after 20mins with a shot along the ground beating the Town keeper inside the nearpost. 1-0 Broughton. Ravers were still pushing ahead hoping to extend their lead before halftime, Ben Lingards looping effort from 20yds out, then some good work down the right side making the Town keeper punch over the bar. Matty almost scored No.2 just before the halftime whistle, but Town defended well forcingnthe shot wide.
After the break Cameron Gillet came on for Tj and Jaden Harland on for Jack to help keep up the pressure on Brigg. Brigg were pushing fo their goal. It almost came after a well struck shot looked like it was going in just under the crossbar however Tristan had spotted it coming and managed to save it. Ravers were also battling, Cam supplying Matty with a good cross, Matty struck it well but Town keeper kept it out somehow. Brigg eventually got the equaliser after 10mins when a clear shot came in and took a slight deflection off a Ravers player beating Tristan on his line. Ravers were soon wanting the lead back, a freekick just on the edge of the box was blocked and numerous chances again saved or just wide, Town broke free with several players forward which saw Tristan make a goodone-on-one save with his feet. Simon swapped things round again with 10mins to go bringing on Charlie Norton for Olly Cross with apair of fresh legs. The change paid off as Ravers soon took the lead again after some good work by Hannah crossing up the field to Cam who spotted Ben on the edge of the box. Ben dribbled through a few Town players and released a bullet shot at close range which the Town keeper had no chance of stopping. 2-1 Broughton. Toby Skelton came on for Matty who was starting to tire after running all match, quickly found himself in a good position, but was unable to get the shot away. Broughton held onto their lead until the the final whistle. Ben Lingard was awarded Man of the Match (picked by the Ref)
Discoveries Town 3 (HT 1-1) Broughton Ravers 1 (Ingham)
Broughton battle !
A cold wet morning again and a trip to Hibaldstow to play joint top of the table leaders Discoveries Town. A crowd of 20 parents plus 3 horses peering over the hedge from the next field saw Ravers kickoff. Ravers in their usual yellow & black, Town in red & white. There was little to separate the teams in the opening 10 mins until Matty Ingham got on the end of a Tristan Lawrence goal kick and looped it over the Town keeper putting Ravers into a 1-0 lead. Town though were soon wanting to be back level, putting pressure on the Broughton defenders, Hannah Davis & Jack Holmes doing their best to prevent this from happening. A Town corner saw a close range shot go over the bar and another attempt saved by Tristans leg. Broughton were after another goal to extend their lead, Hannah on a nice run forward, passing a well timed ball through to Tj (Toby Travis) who almost made it No.2 but found himself closed down quickly preventing any threatening shot. Ben Lingard struggling to shake off an illness he’d had all week came off for a rest to give Cam Gillet chance to continue the battle. It was a well timed run from Town which saw them clean through and a one on one with Tristan see the equalizer before the halftime break. 1-1. Matty almost re-created the goal he’d got earlier, with a keeper lob, but this time it went just the wrong side of the upright. Things started the same as they had finished in the first half after the interval, except Ben back on, Town were soon on the attack causing a goalmouth scramble, a Tristan save pushed clear to come back in for Ben to kick clear to return straight back and go just wide. Tj at the other end trying to get a shot on goal and eventually did hoping for a rebound off Matty but found itself blocked by the Town keeper. The last 15 mins of the game saw Jaden Harland come on for Jack, Charlie Norton on for Ben and after Matty took a knock causing him to limp off, Tj rejoined the field. Town were also bringing on fresh legs to replace tired ones. It was Town who broke the deadlock with a run down the left-side of the field and a well placed shot making it 2-1. Charlie using his muscle upfront nearly got a shot off at the other end but was closed down. Toby Skeleton made a brief appearance before full-time but it was too late for him to change things when Town made it 3-1 in the last 3 mins with a shot along the floor sneaking in under Tristan. After the final whistle Steve was full off praise despite the result for all the players who had all put in plenty of effort and shown determination even though they needed defrosting. Olly Cross was named Man-of the- Match.
February 5th 2011 k.o 11:15 (attendance 28)
Broughton Ravers 3 (HT 0-4) Bottesford Excelsior 5
(Cross, Lingard, Ingham)
Ravers rained on, but brightening up.
A wet morning and slippery pitch are not ideal conditions to play with, especially when your opponents are Bottesford Excelsior, who have only lost 2 games games so far this season. Broughton took the kickoff and were soon soaking up the pressure the Bottesford team were dealing out, and after 10mins a break from their own half saw Bottesford go 1-0 up. Broughton continued to battle on, seeing a good block by Jaden Harland, who had his work cut out without Hannah the Hatchet playing this week. Tristan Lawrence saw his upright and his crossbar rattled shortly after, but despite the odd attempt to push forward to get on level terms, Bottesford punished Ravers with a well struck shot from outside the area for their 2nd, and a rebound off the post for their 3rd. Broughton were by now getting rained on by the weather and by Bottesford. Broughton needed to try something different, Jack Holmes came on for Charlie Norton, but the only threat Broughton made in the first half was a Ben Lingard powershot going just wide. Things got worse before the break, Cameron Gillet taking a hard knock on the ankle, subbed for Matty Ingham, another goal for Bottesford and a Tj (Toby Travis) strike going just over the bar. Jaden stopped the 5th goal with a one on one block seconds before the halftime whistle.
A tough talk was needed to give Broughton any hope of salvaging anything. 2nd half kicked off and as the weather brightened up so did Broughton almost playing as a different team. Olly Cross found himself on the end of a Tristan goal kick and nicely put it in behind the Bottesford keeper who previously had very little to do. Bottesford were not giving up and scored their 5th (and their only goal 2nd half goal) with a shot from outside the box beating Tristan like it had done the first half. It was Broughton though who were seeing more of the ball and moving up a gear when Ben struck a powershot from just past the halfway line on the lefthand side making it 5-2, then forcing the Bottesford keeper to make another save keeping him on his toes. Tristan at the other end saved well with a one on one getting his leg in the way. Matty Ingham’s persistence paid off with a goalmouth scramble, despite a protest from the Bottesford keeper saying he’d been fouled, the Ref awarded the goal Matty had battled for. 5-3. Broughton were now playing much better football then they had the first half and a comeback could almost have been forecast. Tj subbed for Ryan Briggs to put a pair of fresh legs on the pitch. Then a free kick awarded to Broughton, struck well by Ben ( later named Broughton’s man of the match after a close contest) floated in and found the back of the net, however the Ref saw something the crowd didn’t and it was disallowed for a handball. Another fresh pair of legs saw Brandon Tebb play until the final whistle who helped keep up the pressure to relieve Jaden of his duties at the back. But Bottesford managed hold on to their lead to claim the 3 points, however if Broughton had performed better the first half, things may have been different. A good game to watch, but two very different halves.
January 15th 2011
Broughton Ravers 4 v Scotter Juniors 0.
Ravers 1st game for 10 weeks!!!!
Ravers were happy to be playing again and the rustiness showed in the first half, Scotter were the better team. Broughton had to defend for large parts of the first half with Jayden Harland & player of the match Hannah Davies making tackle after tackle, Scotter could not make their dominance pay and rarely troubled Tristan Lawrence in the Ravers goal. As the half progressed Ravers started to find their feet again and started to put passes together, it was from an excellent through ball from Matty Ingham that lead to Ryan Briggs scoring Ravers first goal, it must be said against the run of play. Olly Cross was replaced by Jack Holmes who played on the left hand side of midfield.
Ravers kicked off the secondhalf with added tenacity they began to win 50-50 tackles that in the first half they were losing. Cam Gillett came on for Ryan and played on the right hand side of midfield with Matty playing up front, this payed off within 5 mins when Matty persevered and got a shot in on goal which went in past the keepers right hand. Toby Skelton came on for a very tired Matty, 10 mins later Ben Lingard scored a trademark goal, rifling home a shot from the right hand side of the penalty area, Charlie Norton came on for Jayden in defence. Ben played a ball through to Toby in the area who fired in a shot that was handled by a Scotter defender. Toby took the penalty which was saved well by the Scotter keepe who parried the ball out to the left, Toby followed up to score with his right foot. Ben was substituted as he had been carrying an injury Brandon Tebb coming on in central midfield, Ravers managed to see the game out and in the end, mainly due to their second half performance, possibly deserved the win. Hatchet Hannah was player of the game, nothing got past her all game…. a real tough cookie!!!!
November 6th.
Brigg Town 1 v Broughton Ravers 4. h-t 1-2.
Broughton record first away win.
The Ravers encouraged by their performance last week, started the game well carrying on the hard work and determination which almost got them the points againt Discoveries Town.
All the players passed the ball about, were tackling and pressuring well. They reaped the reward for their prerssure when Brigg gave away a corner, Ben Lingard swung it in andwith the ball bouncing about Cameron Gillet stuck out his chest to force the ball home 1-0 to Broughton. Brigg were playing their part in a good game of football, on two occasions they threatened the Ravers goal narrowly missing on one occasion and forcing Tristan Lawrence to make a save on another. It was however the Ravers who were to score the next goal, Ben Lingard played the ball out of defence to Olly Cross who ran up the left wing and gave a short pass to Toby Travis, TJ tried to dribble the ball into the box but was tackled on the edge, the ball rolled out to Ben who swerved past a Brigg player and thumped a shot in from 10 yards. 0-2 to Broughton. As half time approached Broughton took their foot off the gas a little andallowedBrigg a lot of possession. On one attacking move a Brigg player managed to go around Hannah Davies as he did so Hannah clipped his heels right on the edge of the box, the ref looked long and hard and gave a free kick on the edge of the box. Despite Broughtongetting everyone behindtheball a Brigg player rifled the ball home with Tristan hardly moving. HT 1-2.
Broughtonstarted the secondhalf withthe same line up who finished the first, the coaches knowing that withthiswork rate they would need to change players around. Broughtonstarted with renewed pace tackling and chasing the game, Jayden prevented one ball ino the Broughtonboxfrom reaching a Brigg player with an excellent interception andagaina few minutes later with a last ditch tackle. The game could have swung either way but fortunately it went the Ravers way, Ben Lingard with another trade mark goal from the edge of the box 1-3 to Broughton. Broughton rang the changes to bring on Charlie Norton for Jayden, Brandon Tebb for TJ and Jack Holmes for Cameron. Despite the changes Broughton kept up the work rate and even though Brigg were having a good spell it was Broughtonwhowere rewarded with a fourth goal. Ben picked up the ball on the left dribbled into the penalty box and side footed in to the Brigg net. The game was played in an excellent spirit andwith the exception of one ungainly but unintentional tackle from Charlie (lesson learned) the game flowed well. The players and the ref played their part in an entertaining game of football. Ben Lingard who without doubt played his best game of the season was awarded man of the match .
October 30th
Broughton Ravers - v- Discoveries Town
3 Ingham, Lingard (2) - 5
(1-2 HT)
UNLUCKY RAVERS
Not having a game last weekend and the week before that, getting knocked out the Cup, Broughton has had time to work on their passing game which has so far this season at times let them down. A visit by Discoveries Town who are a high 2nd in the table was an ideal time to do put training practice onto the pitch. Broughton kicked off first half and were soon tested by Town who forced Tristan Lawrence into making a few good saves. Ravers managed to deny Discoveries an early lead somehow even after struggling to clear from the back keeping Jaden Harland & Charlie Norton busy. Broughton then got their game together and were battling back. Matty Ingham having an effort blocked just inside the Town box, shortly afterwards a Ben Lingard shot hitting the crossbar andreboundingtoMatty who this time made sure the ball found the back of the net. 1-0 Ravers, this was the first time this season Broughton has scored the first goal of the game. Unfortunately for Broughton, Town made it 1-1 approx 5 mins later when Broughton who were lucky previously, were unable to clear from their box and Town seized the opportunity to bring things back level. Ravers though were keen to regain the lead they worked hard for and nearly managed that straight away when a good passing run from the centre circle saw Matty cross the ball across the front of the Town goal and Cameron Gillet millimetres awayfrom sticking his head on it at the back post. Town were soon back on the attack, with some passing down the righthand side and a shot into the box deflected by Tristans knee at the near post mean’t Town were now 2-1 up. Broughton were playing well surviving a powerful free kick from 20yds out forcing Tristan to tip it over the bar and then a defending clearance hitting their own crossbar. Ravers though created chances andthe’passinggame’ from the training sessions was seeing good spells of football, threatening an equalizer that Ravers now deserved. Another ball into the box, crossed by Olly managed to find Camerons head this time, but nodded just wide of the goal. A substitution saw a new face in the Broughton line up and a debut for Toby Traviss (aka TJ) who came on for Matty. Ravers were starting to attack in numbers but unable to draw level before halftime despite a power shot from Ben (just wide) andagoalmouth scramble in the Town box.
After the break Charlie Norton was subbed for Jack Holmes into a defence position and soon building pressure on Town, TJ getting stuck in up front and causing Town some problems. 10mins into the half the goal Ravers were pushing for came, TJ struck an effort that the Town keeper was unable to keep hold off andreboundedtoBen’s feet who punished Town with the overdue equalizer, 2-2. Town were still in it andthreatenedtoretake the lead with a well struck free-kick , luckily deflected wide of the post. It was Broughtonthough, who went in-front after some good football from the midfield found Ben in a striking position anduseit well scoring Broughtons3rd of the match 3-2. Cameron was still hoping to get his name on the score sheet after a one on one battle with the Town keeper nearly twice his size saw his shot strike the outside of the post and a neat pass by TJ shortly after going wide. Broughton were tiring and unable to hold onto their lead. A Town effort striking the inside off the post and going in (3-3) and shortly after another goal tucked in for (3-4). By this time Ben had picked up a knock on his right leg and was subbed for Brandon Tebb and Cameron running out of steam subbed for Toby Skeleton. Broughton were still holding firm andcontinuedtocreate chances. TJ hoping to score on his debut was unlucky with a shot going wide. The Ref was starting to keep an eye on his watch indicating Broughtonwere running out of time to at least salvage a point for their best played game of the season so far, but hopes were cut short when in the final minute Town were lucky witha rebound off Tristan after a good 1st save was put in for a 3-5 final scoreline. Coach Steve praised all the players for their efforts after the game andwouldhaveseen 3 points in the bag with that performance on any other day. Each player deserved man of the match on this occasion,but after a tough decision only one could be awarded. Cameron Gillet took the honours in the end.
Discoveries Cooperfix -v- Broughton Ravers
11 - 2 (Attendance 16) Lingard, Gillet
(6 -1 HT)
Cup Round 1
After putting in a good hardworking performance last week against Discoveries in the league and still not managing to get any points, Ravers knew today would be an even tougher match to play if they wanted to progress in the Cup rounds. Anditprovedto be tough from the start. Discoveries winning the toss for kickoff saw some good passing of the ball around the field, but Broughton managed to hold firm denying Discoveries any early goals which has haunted Ravers from the start this season. Pressure was mounting however andthefirstreal chance came from an on target shot that Tristan Lawrence somehow managed to push wide for a corner. The corner quickly taken dropped right into the Ravers goal mouth area but luckily for them saw the header nodded over the bar. Ravers managed to hold on for only another minute after this when a neat move down the right-handside with some good passing football, beat the so far pretty much solid Broughton defence and Tristan at his near post 1-0.
Ravers were soon to respond only 1 minute later with some nice passing involving Matty Ingham, when a Ben Lingard ‘rocket shot’ from the edge of the box almost burst the back of the Discoveries net. 1-1.
This gave Ravers the boost they deserved, but also made Discoveries move up a gear withaballacross the front of the Ravers goal looking like it was going out, but found a Discoveries boot on the end and was somehow knocked in from a tight angle at the back post 2-1. 3-1 soon came as a Discoveries breakaway caught Ravers outnumbered at the back. Discoveries were on a mission now and keen to score as many goal as they could against a Broughton side who continued to battle, Despite 2 good saves by Tristan some more clever passing gained Discoveries their 4th.
Olly Cross struck a good effort after a throw deep in the Discoveries area was laid off forcing a save from the keeper. A change round just after 20mins saw Ryan Briggs who had struggled to make an impact, make way for Cameron Gillett to come on andhewassoon causing frustration with some neat ball control. Broughton though was finding the Discoveries No.5 a real handful as they attacked and as a result play again through him notched up goal No.5. Jaden Harland& Hannah ‘the Hatchet’ Davies had their work cut out, Another change saw Charlie Norton take over from Hannah to try deal with the handful No.5, but although by now the sun was shining and Ben having a good free kick from 20yds out saved, Discoveries still managed to knock in goal No.6 just before the halftime whistle.
Second half had just kicked off when Discoveries were soon on the attack again seeing goal 7 & 8 find the back of the net in quick succession. Ravers though continued to keep hard at it, however getting frustrated, with a great header from Cameron as a result of a corner kick testing the Discoveries keeper then shortly after Ben smashing one in to the crossbar. Cameron by now had battle scars after a ball struck him hard in the face at close range, showed his ‘never say die spirit’ and continued to battle, was soon rewarded when a goalmouth scramble was ‘hustled’ over the line to give Ravers that bit of luck they so far hadn’t had. 8-2.
An accidental hand ball by Charlie, spotted by the ref gave Discoveries their 9th goal from the penalty spot. 10mins to go it was time to give Jaden a rest at the back andJack Holmes came on the field in a new position for him, but by now any come back was hard to see. Discoveries knocked in another 2 goals before the final whistle but almost had a 12thwhichwas denied with a good clearance off the line by Matty Ingham who had battled all game and later chosen as Man of the Match.
October 9th
Broughton Ravers 2,(1 og & Ben Lingard) v Discoveries Cooperfix 6. (ht 0-2)
MUCH IMPROVED PERFORMANCE.
After last weeks poor display at Scotter, Ravers were looking for a good performance to boost their confidence.
Ravers started the first half with a defensive line up, they did not let an early goal in which has been a trait of late. Discoveries played a lot of football in the Ravers half and managed to score the 1st goal half way through the first period. The ball was played into the Ravers penalty area but was cleared by Jayden Harland the ball fell to a discoveries player who fired through a crowd of players past an unsighted Tristan Lawrence.
Ravers were frustrating their opponents with dogged defending Hannah Davies again being solid in defence. Matty Ingham was substituted because of injury which brought on Cameron Gillet, who was invlovedin the game straight away witha pass to Olly Cross who was tackled just as he lined up to shoot. Discoveries second goal was a bit of a scrappy affair with the ball ricocheting around the box before Hannah Davies stuck out a foot and putting it into her own net.
The beginning of the second half was dominated by Discoveries and two goals in quick succession seemed to spell the end for Ravers. The difference this week to last week was the Ravers players dug deep andshowedsomecharacter. Jack Holmes came on for an injured Ryan Briggs ans straight away Ravers pressed into the opponents box, the ball seemed to hit a number of players from both sides before ending up in the Discoveries goal 1-4. This gave the Ravers some hope and sure enough shortly after Ben Lingard fired home one of his “specialities” a shot from outside the box for which the discoveries keeper never moved. As the game neared the end Ravers seemed to tire after their hard work during the game and Brandon Tebb did much the same as Hannah in the first half and stuck out his leg diverting a shot that was going wide into his own net. Discoveries scored their 6th goal very near the end and were deserved winners.
Special mention should be made to Olly Cross who played very well in an unfamilier role and Hannah Davies who was named Man of the Match by the opposing coach. All in all a much better performance by all the players and if this improvement continues it should’nt be long before they get back to winning ways.
October 2nd
SCOTTER JUNIORS 4 BROUGHTON RAVERS 1 (Holmes)
10:00 KO
(2-0 HT) Attendance 31 +3 dogs
RAVERS ROLLED OVER !
After a win, a loss and a draw so far this season from their first three games, Broughton were needing some points to get back up the league table. So a trip to Scotter Juniors, who haven’t managed to secure any points so far this season yet, was always going to be a tough match as they would be keen to improve their position at the bottom of the table too.
Scotter kicked off on the sunny Saturday morning hoping the sun would shine on them, and it was starting to look good from the off after the now what seems to be a pattern 4 min first goal against Ravers curse struck again! 1-0 Scotter. Ravers were starting to wake up andweresooninvolved in a 6 man goalmouth battle at the other end, but the final outcome was a shot that went out for a corner. At the other end Scotterweretryingto increase on that early one goal lead after a corner kick flashed across the front of Tristan Lawrence’s goal, cleared only as far as the edge of the box was struck hard back in, luckily for Ravers this time the shot just wide. Ravers responded with a fine effort from Matty Ingham, but somehow pushed wide by the Scotter keeper. Hannah, Jaden & Cameron all kept busy keeping Scotter out and half time soon approaching, but half time not soon enough for Broughton, with 5 mins to go, the 2nd Scotter goal came when a cross knocked in from the right-hand side missed everyone except the Scotterplayer left with a short tap in at the back post. 2-0. Quick change of tactic saw Jaden Harland subbed for Charlie Norton just before the half time whistle, but Broughton still trailed 2-O into the break.
Broughton started the 2nd half stronger when a curling shot from Ben Lingardalmost found its target and a weaving, twisting, turning attempt from Matty came close had the Scotter keeper scrambling, but stopping it on the line. Broughton by now were having a good spell of possession which paid off when a long run from deep inside his own half by Ben down the left-hand side ball was crossed from almost the touchline into the Scotter goal mouth for Jack -the right place, right time- Holmes who had been on the pitch only a few minutes (Cameron Gillet subbed) sneaked in to tuck the ball away for the goal Broughton needed and deserved. 2-1. Brandon Tebbcameonfor Charlie in an attempt to change things round a bit and help Broughton get back on level terms which saw a free kick 10 mins from time struck cleanly by Ben hit the post. Soon though the pressure Broughtonwasbuildingwas quickly falling away when Broughton found themselves left open at the back after a quick surge from Scotterpunished them with another goal. 3-1. Another brief appearance by Jaden(for Matty)to swap things round again was too late, as things got no better for Ravers after this, who by now had almost rolled over, unable to clear a free kick which struck the cross bar wasn’t cleared intime before Scotter making it 4-1 before the Ref blew the final whistle. Ravers team disappointed, Coach frustrated and unable to pick out an individual player for Man of the Match.
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Messingham 4 Broughton 3
Goal scorers: Ben Lingard, Jack Holmes, Ryan Briggs.
Poor second half performance costs Ravers!!
As in previous weeks once again Broughton found themselves a goal down early on in the game, this is becoming an annoying habit!!
Broughton began to play their passing style of football and asserted themselves on the game. Ryan Briggs scored to equalise when the ball was played into Matty Ingham who crossed the ball into the box where Ryan controlled the ball and fired in a shot which beat the Messingham keeper.
Hannah Davies was replaced by Charlie Norton at the back and Charlie was involved in the game almost immediately making a last ditch tackle in his own box. Olly Cross & Matty Ingham were getting into the game more and more, after a series of 4 passes between them Ben Lingard fired into the Messingham net from well outside the box to make it 2-1 at half time.
The secondhalf began with Broughton playing well but Messingham equalised and this seemed to affect the Broughtonplayers, Jack Holmes was brought on to replace Matty with Ryan moving to the right hand side of midfield. Two quick goals for Messingham, one a free kick and one from the edge of the box meant Broughton were now fighting for a result. Toby Skelton & Brandon Tebbwerebroughton to try change things around andthis brought a little success withJackscoring with only 2 minutes left 3-4, even though they threw everything at Messingham in the final minutes Broughtoncould not find the elusive goal.
This is Broughton’s first loss of the season and they must rue the poor second half performance. Charlie Norton recieved man of the match for a gutsy performance where he never gave up and tackled everything.
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App Frod Saints 5 Broughton Ravers 5
Goalscorers: Briggs 2, Lingard 2, Ingham 1.
Attendance 31
DISAPPOINTING DRAW FOR RAVERS!
The first away match of the season for Broughton saw a disappointing draw at the home of newly promoted App Frod Saints at Brumby Hall, after an fairly impressive 1st half. Saints wearing blue & black, Ravers yellow & black.
Broughton soon found themselves playing catch up after an early Saints goal just after 6minswhenashot from the edge of the box found itself in the back corner of Tristan Lawrence’s net. This reminded the players of what happened last week against Park Tigers and Broughton soon notched up a gear. Matty Ingham 5 minslater tested the Saints keeper withaballplayed in to the box by Olly Cross sent through a forest of bodies 1-1. With both teams getting stuck in Ravers broke the deadlock, goals by Ryan Briggs & Ben Lingard to see Ravers get to half time whistle 3-1 up despite good chances at either end and a change of tactics by the Saints manager bringing on 3 subs.
After the break, a few changes from the Ravers bench too, Cameron Gillet, Jack Holmes for Matty & Ryan. Saints continued to try get back on level terms which put Ravers under pressure. Ravers were awarded a free kick from approx 15yards out to the left of the Saints box. Superb free kick by inform Ben (later chosen as man of the match) relieved some of the mounting pressure leaving the Saints keeper little chance before finding the back of the net 4-1 Ravers. Saints refused to give up and were soon notching goals in their favour making it 4-2 then 4-3 which gave them the energy to go forward. Charlie Norton came on to help Hannah, replacing Jadenat the back helping soak up some of the new foundenergytheSaints were battling with. Excellent save by the Saints keeper after a power shot from Ben denied Ravers the breathing space they were used to, and Ben his hat-trick. Ravers seemed to have eased off a bit whilst Saints were getting stronger all the time. Saints efforts paid off after a free kick just outside the Ravers box gifted for an accidental handball that the ref spotted, rocketed past the 3 man wall & Tristan 4-4. As the game reached the last 10 minsRavers regained the lead withsomegoodpassing football in midfield with Ben switching the ball across the front of the box to Ryan over on the right-handsideslottinghome for 5-4. Last few minute subs from both teams saw Toby Skelton & Brandon Tebb take to the field, Broughton clinging to the lead andSaints far from accepting defeat still hoping to get something from the game. Good encouragement from bothteamsof spectators who were soaking up the tense atmosphere, Ravers hoping to clinch it, Saints fans pressing for at least a point for their efforts. Then it happened with a wonder lob from just inside the Saints half, sent high into the air, dipped behind Tristan and tucked itself away inside the Broughton net. It was the icing on the cake for the Saints who had battled well 2nd half making it 5-5. Leaving Saints delighted, Ravers disappointed.
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Ravers 4, Park Tigers 3 (HT 1-1) ATTENDANCE 25
Lingard 3, Briggs 1
First game of the season was always going to be a challenge for Broughton Ravers after the long summer holidays. The pressure was on to make a good start to the season as its going to be a very tough division to compete in. The match was full of end to end action in front of a crowd of 25 Mum’s & Dad’s. Although a little windy, the sun kept shining the full game. Ravers in yellow & black, Tigers similar kit meant them wearing red bibs.
Broughtonwonthe toss for kick off, although soon foundthemselves under pressure in the first few minutes when a Tigers shot from the edge of the box was saved by Tristan Lawrence, but he struggled to hold onto it andthe ball founditself at the feet of another Tigers player who foundtheback of the net. Ravers responded with a blocked strike from Ryan Briggs, then a powerful free kick by Ben Lingard from 20yds out, went just the wrong side of the post. Broughton battled on after several chances either end. The overdue goal eventually came on the 23 min mark when a well timed run from a defence position by Jayden Harland was crossed to Matty Ingham, who in turn found Ryan Briggs and he struck across goal into the back of the net. Game on! Half time was approaching when a power shot from Tigers just outside the Ravers box was saved.
After the break, the battle was just as fierce as the 1sthalf which saw Cameron Gillatcomeon for Matty , with some good midfield play from Tigers catching Ravers off guard andstrugglingto get back in numbers to defend. Hannah Davies as the last line of defence put a stop to several Tigers chances. Although Ravers had several attempts to test the Tigers keeper, shots from Ben & Ryan were going just over the crossbar. Luck was going against them after Ryan struck the cross bar, only to see his effort come down to the Tigers keeper to make the save. 15mins into the 2ndhalf a quick clearance from the Tigers keeper down the right hand side caught Ravers napping and a power shot left Tristan picking the ball out off his own net although getting a hand to it in the top right hand corner. This was a wake up call and Ravers quickly responded 2minslaterwhen Tigers struggled to clear a Ravers corner that found its way to Bens feet ,then the back of the Tigers net which the Tigers keeper had no chance of stopping. Ravers saw several chances going wide. Then against the run of play anda misunderstanding at the back, Ravers foundthemselves behind yet again after handing Tigers an easy goal. Olly Cross was subbed for Jack Holmes who continued the battle made way for a clear run for Ben down the lefthandside followed by another strike beating the Tigers keeper, Ravers foundthemselves once again level. It was looking like bothteams were tiring when Ben’s strike was heavily deflected beating the Tigers keeper once again finally settling the score 4:3 to win, however bothteamsplayed to the final whistle with good end to football. All the players played well, but the Man of the match was Ben who scored a hat-trick andputin an all round good performance to clinch it.
Thanks to Craig Lawrence
