Saturday October 12th
Midland Football League Premier Division
Lichfield City 0 Brocton 4
The top two in the table went head to head with Brocton looking to halt Lichfield’s run of 11 straight wins and cut their 12 point lead at the top of the table. Brocton were without suspended leading scorer Reg Smith. Skipper Connor Haddaway returned to the starting line-up with Christian Blanchette playing down the middle. There was a welcome return on the bench for last season’s leading scorer Morgan Payne. Lichfield had a number of former Badgers in their side including club captain Dan Lomas.
On a blustery day, Brocton began the game with the wind at their backs. Inside the first minute a cross shot from Josh Mansell flew across the Brocton goal. In the 7th minute, former Badger Jack Edwards raced through to be thwarted by excellent defending from Ben Haddaway. A minute later, Brocton went close. Connor Haddaway got goal side of the Lichfield defence, and his shot took a deflection before it was well saved by James Beeson. Ben Haddaway again did well to block Edwards who was Lichfield’s main source of danger. Brocton should have opened the scoring in the 14th minute. Charlie King picked out Blanchette down the right. His low ball in was perfect for Lucas Green-Birch but the ball bobbled on the 4G surface and Green-Birch missed his kick in front of goal. In the 16th minute, Lichfield were awarded a free kick on the edge of the Brocton area for a supposed fouled by Tom Vaughan. Edwards stepped up and Tony Allsopp made a fine save with his legs. Brocton opened the scoring in the 23rd minute. Green-Birch played the ball across field to Will Whieldon. He beat the advancing keeper, shot, and hit the inside of the post. He reacted quickest to tap home the rebound. Brocton were playing some superb football and causing Lichfield all sorts of problems. A fine run by Jake Thomas beating three defenders ended with a pass inside to Green-Birch. His shot was blocked, and he probably should have done better. In the 33rd minute, Charlie King burst into the area to be fouled by Mansell. The referee awarded the penalty but only booked the Lichfield defender where a red card would have been more appropriate. After a couple of minutes treatment for Charlie King, Connor Haddaway stepped up and his penalty was well saved by Beeson, the ball going out for a corner. Pushing and shoving ensued as Connor Haddaway was waiting to take the corner forcing the referee to have a word with the two captains. Connor Haddaway again took the corner, and it curled superbly over Beeson and into the top corner. Lichfield came back and a shot from Lomas was well saved by Allsopp. In first half stoppage time, Green-Birch was felled in the penalty area by Jamie Elkes, who was booked for the challenge. With another penalty awarded, it was Whieldon who was given the responsibility, and he gave Beeson no chance to give Brocton a three goal lead at the break.
Half-time: Lichfield City 0 Brocton 3
With Lichfield playing with the wind at their backs, Brocton were anticipating a backs to the wall half. Early signs were that Lichfield would throw the kitchen sink to get back into the game. A corner from Joe Haines was headed over by Lomas. In the 48th minute, Haines spotted Allsopp off his line and his shot from the halfway line landed on the roof of the net. Edwards, drifting more and more to the left, forced Allsopp into another comfortable save. Brocton made it four in the 55th minute and it was a goal that generated wild celebrations. An excellent through ball from Charlie King sent substitute, any younger brother, Jude King clear. He was challenged by Elkes, and the 16 year old striker was stronger, and the ball cannoned off his foot and made its way into the net for his first senior goal. Jude King almost turned provider within a minute, good work from the youngster creating an opening for Jake Thomas whose shot was saved by Beeson. Brocton continued to look the most likely and the impressive Blanchette was unlucky when a shot from wide flew just past the post. Another period of passes being interchanged between three or four players, saw Whieldon’s effort blocked. Lichfield were totally reliant on corners, long throws, and high balls into the box which the Brocton defence handled with aplomb. Callum Rudd headed one effort wide, and Allsopp punched behind for a corner. With nine minutes left, a rare mistake by Allsopp almost let in Lichfield, but the keeper recovered well to palm the ball behind. Despite a lot of huff and puff, Lichfield could not breach the Brocton backline, and Brocton celebrated a fine victory and Lichfield’s first home league defeat for 18 months.
Full time: Lichfield City 0 Brocton 4 Attendance:360
Lichfield City: James Beeson, Josh Mansell, Joe Haines (Kieran Francis 82), Jamie Elkes, Callum Rudd, James Mace, Jack Edwards, James Wilcock, Callum Griffin (Tom Brown 61), Dan Lomas (Sonny Sheasby 61), Liam Kirton (Jude Taylor 61). Sub (Not Used): Max Dixon
Brocton: Tony Allsopp, Adam Weldon (Dan Evans 71), Josh Simcox, Ben Haddaway, Tom Vaughan, Charlie King, Will Whieldon, Jake Thomas, Lucas Green-Birch (Jude King 51), Connor Haddaway (Morgan Payne 72), Christian Blanchette (Alex Curtis 82). Sub (Not Used): Kenny Devoir
Yellow Cards: Mansell, Elkes, Rudd (Lichfield); Weldon, Vaughan, C. King, C. Haddaway (Brocton)
Comments