Badgers hold firm against Leicester Road

Midland League Division 1

Saturday 19th December 2020

Brocton 0 Leicester Road 0

An oasis of both weather and Covid restrictions made for a scintillating contest which bristled with energy and intent from the first whistle. What a tragedy that no spectators were allowed in the ground, although it has to be said that from the safety point of view it was the right decision.

Leicester Road pressed and attacked in numbers but it was from a free kick which they conceded deep inside their own half that Brocton mounted the first threat on goal. It was a sweeping move from deep in their own half and Dan Evans began it on the left, releasing Brad Rolston, whose cross found Jack Weldon beyond the right hand post. His snap shot was deflected wide.

Regan Smith came even closer just after the quarter hour when striking a shot against the post after another mouth watering move involving Evans again and Ben Haddaway.

Leicester Road were soon forcing their way deep into Brocton territory having survived these early scares and Matt Langham came close to getting free in Brocton’s box but was repelled by newcomer Josh Small. Haddaway showed great timing and an equal amount of bravery, coming off the worse for wear when preventing an almost certain goal for Sam Munton when putting in a last ditch tackle.

Haddaway managed to see out the remainder of the half but soon had to be substituted in the second with Dan Nowell taking his place.

That set the scene for many similar blocks in a second half full of Leicester Road goal mouth threats which could not find their way past a committed and spirited Brocton rearguard. But Brocton were still in the game as an attacking force and Brad Rolston tricked his way along the dead ball line into the box only for his cut back to be intercepted and for the chance to springboard another Leicester Road break.

There were only two occasions when the lack of a goal could be said to be due to a missed opportunity by a forward. All others foundered on the resilient and disciplined Brocton and every player can rest after giving everything on the day.

Brocton: Josh Moreton, Adam Weldon, Dan Evans, Jamie Weldon, Josh Small, Jack Partridge, Brad Rolston, Jake Thomas, Regan Smith, Ben Haddaway, Jack Weldon.

Used Substitutes: Dan Nowell, Josh Mousley, Owen Nolan.