BROCTON FC

LATEST NEWS

BROCTON FC PRESENTS AN EVENING WITH JOHN CONTEH
TUESDAY 21ST NOVEMBER AT WHITE EAGLE CLUB RIVERWAY STAFFORD
TICKETS Ł28 INCLUDING SUPPER FROM MIKE PEMBERTON
ON 01785 222979

Fixtures

Saturday 25th November
Southam United Away 3pm MCP
Newcastle Town Youth Chet 2pm SCSL

Match Reports
2006

Midland Combination Premier Division
Saturday 18th Nov

Brocton 0 Highgate United 2

High flying Highgate had conceded only 11 goals and lost just one match this season and the reason for that was easy to see as they played with high energy and good organisation all over the field. Brocton simply could not match their pace early on. Never the less it took a cruel mistake in Brocton’s box to present the visitors with their first chance at goal on 7 minutes. A corner had been hit too deep for everybody and looked set to run free when Ben Harrison caught the ball with his heel only to stop it dead on the edge of the box needing only to be struck into the goal.
On 17 minutes Steve Kneller struck a free kick over the defensive wall from 25 yards and the United keeper could only parry the shot at full stretch. Darren Gardner and Steve Bennett both followed the shot in but were not in time to prevent the keeper grabbing the ball at the second attempt.
The extra urgency in Highgate’s play showed again in the 23rd minute when twice they were quickest to the free ball after tackles in midfield and the ball was swung out to the right from where a head height cross was flicked on, beating everyone but drifting wide of the far post.
Andy Hume the got the better of a tackle on the left flank and poked the ball through for himself to chase only to see it beat him to the bye line for a goal kick. Keeping up their brief period of pressure, the Badgers won another dangerously placed free kick and Kneller again hit the target over a defensive wall, but the keeper, Cox was well behind it this time. Richard Jones hit yet another free kick on 36 minutes and Cox came, but failed to reach the ball. It fell to Steve Bennett and he hit a sharp return shot with Cox stranded, but missed the target.
Just a minute later a Brocton corner was collected and swiftly moved up field with Brocton out paced the elusive Duane Houston cleverly kept himself on side as the Badgers attempted to play him off, gently slipping the ball through for a second for Highgate.
In the second half Brocton pressed harder as the game wore on and could not be faulted for spirit as they created chance after chance only to founder on a well disciplined defence. Goal keeper Cox earned his side’s thanks for a brave save at the feet of Steve Bennett when Bennett chased through on to a pass beyond the visitors’ back line and met it on the half volley. Cox needed treatment, but was fully committed again moments later when a similar opportunity came to Andy Harrison and this time Cox was able to clear with his foot just as Harrison arrived.
Twice more as the minutes ticked away Brocton worked the ball into the Highgate penalty area, first at Darren Gardner’s feet and then at Andy Harrison’s but sheer weight of numbers and strength of bodies in the box smothered any attempt on goal and forced play away. When Harrison did get in on goal he was tackled from behind and went down, but the tackle had been perfectly judged and just enough of the ball taken to prevent a penalty decision.
Highgate could have sealed their victory with another before time as the Brocton all out attack found it difficult to cope with the visitor’s speed on the break, but whilst Highgate were worthy winners, a further goal would have been unfair after a spirited performance from the home side.

Brocton 0 v 2 Highgate United

15th November
Mid Com Prem
Feckenham 1 Brocton 3

When Feckenham’s player manager Lee Ross converted a half cleared shot on the rebound to put the home side ahead in the 10th minute of this game and then proceeded to direct an all out assault on the beleaguered visitors, this game could have got away from Brocton. But a splendid effort from the returning Neil Rolston, a top right hand corner shot beyond Feckenham’s keeper just before half time and a series of fine saves and intercepted crosses from Mike Shelper in Brocton’s goal, kept the badgers in the hunt.

An almost tangible weight was lifted from the visitors shoulders early in the second period when Andy Harrison just nipped the ball past Feckenham’s keeper and was brought down for a penalty, which Craig Millen accepted with assurance. From then on the team played some of the best football of the season the icing on the cake being Andy Harrison’s volleyed goal to give a two goal cushion, after being put through by another returnee Neil Dollocin with his first touch of the game.

Andy Hume could have put the Badgers even further ahead as, with Dollocin available to his left and Harrison to his right, he fooled two defenders in close attendance with a shift of the ball between his feet only to be brought down by the last man as he skipped past with the ball and only the keeper to beat.

Still Feckenham were not beaten and it took more heroics from Shelper and one almighty crash against the post which on other occasions would have gone in to help Brocton to a welcome victory

11th November
Staffs FA Vase
Brocton 0 Leek CSOB 1
In what could have been an historic last ever 1st team game played at the Chetwynd Arms Ground, this match drew a healthy crowd, swelled by ground hoppers keen to add “The Chet”. to their list of visited grounds.

In a match dominated by a strong wind Brocton found themselves under severe pressure from the start. In fact CSOB cheekily attempted a shot right from the kick off, but Mike Shelper was alert and gathered it safely. Brocton’s defence was hard worked, but solid looking.

The Badgers had their attacking moments, but too often there were simply too few bodies up field and whilst Andy Harrison worked hard to chase any opportunities, the passes forward were insufficiently accurate for him to hold up the play while help arrived.

On 27 minutes a series of short passes through midfield looked like helping Brocton to mount a serious attack, but good midfield pressure on the ball by CSOB broke down the move and the ball was switched quickly into attack. The ball was slid out to Anthony Tarr on the left hand edge of the box. He jinked inside and struck a beauty past Shelper to give Leek the lead.

On 35 minutes Richard Reeves hit a deep cross come shot to the far post from deep on his left flank in Brocton’s first real threat on goal and then a free kick found James Jones’ head in the box and his return header went beyond keeper and defence, but also beat the oncoming Craig Millen.

In the second period much of the pressure came from the home side although it was not until half way through the period that CSOB began to look genuinely under threat. By this time a low sun in their eyes also began to play a part and twice in quick succession defensive headers went up instead of away. The best chance fell to Richard Reeves he blasted over the bar with only the keeper to beat.

Then the ball went high into the box and although Andy Harrison got his head to it first, it was falling almost vertically and impossible to direct accurately.

With Steve Bennett and then Chris Baker thrown into the attack, Brocton’s chances began to come thick and fast and Bennett junked his way deep into the CSOB box and hit a shot which the Leek keeper could only gather at the second attempt. Then Andy Chandler appeared at the right hand post and had two attempts to grab the equaliser as his first effort came quickly back at him, but to no avail.

He was called into desperate action at the other end as the all out attack did leave the Badgers exposed at the back, but the danger was smothered and the score remained 1-0 when the final whistle went a few seconds later.

Midland Combination Premier Division
Wednesday 8th November

Brocton 2 Barnt Green Spartak 2

Brocton had every reason to give Barnt Green the greatest of respect for this game and with depleted attacking options, they went for a single striker, who once again was the versatile Darren Gardner, pushed forward from his normal defensive role. Brocton were lively at the start, but even so had to pinch themselves when a centre from the left flank was poorly dealt with at the heart of Spartak’s defence and James Jones stretched to toe poke it into the net on just 4 minutes.

Spartak were stung into immediate action and for most of the remainder of the period, the Badgers could barely get out of their own half. The pressure told as early as the 10th minute when a prolonged battle to keep the visitors out seemed to have succeeded as Wayne Lawley was shepherded away from the Brocton area. From 25 yards though, he turned and struck a powerful but speculative shot, which caught everyone by surprise and nestled into the corner of the net.

Brocton fought on and were not without their own half chances, one of which saw Richard Jones pinch the ball in midfield and set Craig Millen through, only to find that his defence splitting pass was just too strong for Millen’s run and was gratefully gathered by visiting keeper Neil Leech. Andy Chandler then ventured forward from the right back slot and combined with Millen to put Darren Gardner in on goal, but he was caught off side. Barnt Green went close immediately, getting just a yard of space on their right flank and smashing the cross bar with a shot so fierce that the rebound bounced too high off the floor for Lawley to benefit from his follow up.

Early in the second period Brocton’s keeper Mike Shelper took a long free kick which Spartak’s central defender attempted to head on to his keeper. Darren Gardner anticipated the move though and reached the awkwardly bouncing ball first, lobbing it over the advancing keeper, but also over the bar. Brocton seemed to gain confidence and belief and mounted more and more pressure on the Spartak rear guard, but 12 minutes into the half a long clearance from the visitors had to be chased back by Andy Chandler, who just out paced the chasing forward. In an attempt to unsettle Chandler the forward shoulder charged him, but off balance, went down himself when, to everyone’s sheer amazement the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Wayne Lawley accepted the chance to double his score on the night.

The incident could easily have knocked all of the stuffing out of the side, but Brocton rallied and if anything increased their pressure. It was much satisfaction that a fine cross from the right flank by Craig Millen was met perfectly by Ben Harrison with a firm downward header to bring Brocton level and to share the spoils of an entertaining match.

Mid Comb Challenge Cup
Sat 4th November
Coventry Sphinx 3 Brocton 2

Despite goals from Darren Gardner and Adam Lane Brocton bowed out of the competition.

Midland Combination Premier Division
Wed Nov 1st
Brocton 3 Brereton Social 4

Brocton began this game just two points adrift of Brereton with three games in hand, but with both teams struggling with a return of about one point per match to date. Brocton needed a morale boosting win, but were sufficiently nervous of a leaky run of games to field just one forward player in their starting line up, manager Steve Kneller naming an unchanged team from an encouraging display at the weekend.
The tactic seemed to be working as James Dyke worked himself a fine position in front of goal on the 7th minute after good work down the left flank, but he had to stretch to reach the pass in from Andy Hume and his shot was too weak to beat Brereton’s keeper.
Andy Harrison as lone striker, worked hard to try to close down all across the four man back line of Brereton, but still managed to break down the left himself on 12 minutes and reached the bye line before being crowded out as he was about to cross.
Then came what turned out to be the decisive moment of the match. Brereton had mounted a promising attack, but it had been repelled and the ball was safely at keeper Adam Lane’s feet with Brereton retreating ready to try to win back the ball from the clearance and the Brocton midfield and defence taking u positions of their own. The clearance powerful, but directed full into the back of defender Gary Tinkler from where it rebounded back and past stranded keeper Lane and into the Brocton net in a bizarre gift of a start for the visitors.
Despite evident deflation, Brocton rallied and on 17 minutes a move starting at the back through Andy Chandler, was worked neatly via Ben Harrison, James Dyke and into Andy Harrison, whose turn and shot needed Brereton’s keeper to be at his most alert.
Such are Brocton’s fortunes at present though, that just as they appeared to have overcome the initial setback, the ball was lazily given away in midfield and a quick foray via the right touchline and cut back to the edge of the box provided a decisive second goal for Brereton.
Once again Brocton attempted a rallying call and Andy Harrison won a corner through sheer persistence on the left hand side. The clearance which followed was controlled by Darren Gardner and he put a ball just over the top of the advancing defence for Andy Hume to run on to. Hume got in a sharp cross and Craig Millen arrived at the far post to head down, but wide.
Brereton swept forward again and it took an excellent save from Adam Lane as the ball bounced in front of him, to push it out for a corner. The subsequent clearance was intercepted though and hit back with interest to put the visitors 3 - 0 ahead, almost on the stroke of half time. There was just time for Richard Jones to force the ball into the net and to give Brocton a life line as the ball came in from Andy Hume.
Steve Bennett came on up front to give Andy Harrison some support in the second half and almost immediately turned and shot after a cross from his strike partner found him. The shot was blocked but the rebound was gathered in midfield and James Dyke raced into the box. Sheer determination won him a goal at the second attempt and Brocton were flying.
Suddenly tackles were being won all over the pitch and telling runs appearing. Brereton were on their heels at last as chance after chance came and pressure began to tell. Then once again the visitors were gifted a golden opportunity as a clearance of their own was unaccountably ducked by Gary Tinkler to leave a one on one and Adam Lane with no chance. Ben Harrison did pull yet another back with a thirty yard effort, but the game was over.

Saturday 28th October

Midland Combination Premier Division

Castle Vale 2 Brocton 0

Despite an improved performance Brocton still ended up without a point from their trip to Castle Vale after a cruel twist of fate in the closing minutes.

Both sides had early chances but it was Vale who went ahead in the 7th minute when Richard Reeves clearing header only found Nicky Ellis on the edge of the box and he cracked the ball past Adam Lane.

Castle Vale threatened to run riot in the next few minutes and Gary Tinkler was shown a yellow card after Aaron Smith went down as he threatened to go clear on goal. The resultant free kick came to nothing as Lane saved comfortably.

At the other end Darren Gardiner won a corner after a fine run. Andy Hume’s flag kick was headed just over the bar by Richard Reeves.

Then Vale attacked again and Rueben Wilson set up a great chance for Shane Benjamin but Adam Lane pulled off a great save at the expense of a corner. Slack marking after the corner saw the ball end up at the feet of Kieran King unmarked 8 yards from goal but once again Lane managed a parry to keep the score at 1-0 however ball went to Shane Benjamin whose shot beat Lane but came back off the post.

Brocton too had their moments and on 40 minutes Andy Harrison won a corner. Andy Hume’s in-swinger was met by Ben Harrison on the near post but his header was saved by Pete Macguire.

Castle Vale must have been disappointed to be only one goal to the good at half time but the second half was much more evenly balanced and as it wore on the Badgers began to carry the fight to Vale and James Dyke hit a free kick into the defensive wall.

Then on 79 minutes Dyke broke through the home defence and shot towards the corner of the net only to see Pete Macguire go full length to tip the ball around the post. Andy Hume’s corner was met by Richard Reeves’ downward header but it bounced over the bar for a goal kick.

Football can be a cruel game and the Badgers having twice within a minute missed chances to equalise were to see the the match put beyond them in the closing minutes. Vale almost went two up in the 81st minute but as the ball was lobbed over Lane Andy Chandler got back to clear off the line. The second goal eventually arrived 3 minutes from time when the impressive Danny Watson received a pass from Shane Benjamin and cut into the box to beat Lane with a left foot shot.

Midland Combination Premier Division
Saturday 21st October

Brocton 2 Pershore Town 3

With Brocton having conceded 13 goals in their last three games and Pershore at the bottom of the league both sidea are suffering something of a crisis of confidence so the last thing anyone would have expected was a srart with 3 goals scored in the first 10 minutes.

The Badgers began like a whirlwind and were ahead on six minutes having already seen Andy Harrison shoot wide after only 2 minutes. The goal came from a flowing move with Ben Harrison setting Richard Reeves free on the right and Reeves got the ball in early to Andy Harrison’s feet. Harrison simply nudged the ball forward into the box as he was being tackled and James Dyke, steaming past, found it perfectly in his stride and slotted home.

Pershore though are used to early setbacks and from the kick off forced a corner which was beaten out. The Badgers failed to clear their lines and a powerful low cross into a crowded box was met by the in form Dez Cox and Pershore had drawn level.

Immediately from Brocton’s kick off, Andy Harrison was wide left chasing the ball and keeping it in play. He held it for a moment and then spotted Steve Bennett moving to the box. He played the ball into his path and Bennett jinked to his right and gave keeper Dave Edwards no chance as he restored Brocton’s lead.

Basement side Pershore seemed to be there for the taking at this point but a combination of missed chances and some breathtaking saves from Edwards, including one on 32 minutes when Andy Harrison worked the ball on to his right and smashed what looked a certain goal, only to see the keeper fling himself to his left and beat it out for a corner, meant Brocton were only 2-1 up at the break.

A frenzied start from both sides in the second period made it clear that both knew that they needed more goals to secure the match and 5 minutes into the half Richard Reeves produced a diving header from a flighted free kick into the Pershore area only to see the ball pass wide of the post. Two minutes later and Pershore had drawn level. Cox had drifted left of the goal area and the ball deflected to him from a midfield tackle. He was alert though and had slipped the ball to Robbie Plant’s left and into the net before he could ready himself for a shot on goal.

A few minutes later Andy Harrison beat the offside trap and found himself clear of the defence with the ball at his feet. He held his nerve as defenders charged back at him and waited for support in the form of Andy Hume. Harrison’s cross just beat a desperate attempt at a clearing header and landed at Hume’s feet. He coolly picked his spot and could not believe it as the ball just beat the far post. On 59 minutes it was Ben Harrison and substitute Chris Baker who combined to set Harrison wide and his low effort into the box had only to be turned into the net, but the unfortunate Baker hit the ball onto his standing leg and it squirmed wide again.
Chasing the winner, second substitute Neil Rolston broke through the back line and with bodies crowding the box as his strike came in; it rebounded, went back in, rebounded again and would not be forced over the line. The sucker punch came on 78 minutes as that man Cox once again got himself free centrally and struck an early shot which hit Brocton’s post and spun into the net to give the visitors the points.

Tuesday 17th October 2006
Pilkington XXX 5 Brocton 2

League leaders Pilkington XXX proved too strong for the Badgers who continued to ship goals at an alarming rate.

Brocton trailed 2-0 at half time as Earl Jordan and Wayne Dugmore capitalised on the visitors defensive frailties to put the Glassmen in the driving seat.

Brocton’s hopes were raised when home keeper Hayes could only parry a free kick and Andy Harrison followed up to put his side back in it at 2-1.

The Badgers’ joy was short lived as Pilkington soon restored their two goal cushion thanks to Earl Jordan’s third penalty in four games after Aaron Grey was adjudged to have been brought down in the box. They then put the game beyond Brocton as goals from Wayne Dugmore and Aaron Grey made it 5-1.

To their credit Brocton kept on battling to the end and got a late consolation when Neil Rolston netted to make the final score 5-2 in favour of the Glassmen

Saturday 14th October
Bolehall Swifts 4 Brocton 0

The early moments in this match produced attacking moves from both sides and on 6 minutes Andy Harrison hit over from the right hand edge of the box before producing a tempting cross moments later which, unfortunately he could not also be there to receive.
Bolehall swept up field after this second effort and a sharp low cross in from the left needed Mike Shelper to be at his best to cut out at full length as it promised to get behind the rapidly retreating Badgers’defence.
When Richard Jones was by passed on the left on 15 minutes the warning signs were clear to see and the cross in was, fortunately for the visitors, a lazy lob and could only be volleyed over the bar when a crisp feed in would almost certainly have paid dividends.
Mike Shelper threw the ball out to Craig Millen on 25 minutes and he raced through to produce Brocton’s best chance as he found Andy Harrison in a central position. Harrison had no option but to go for goal as he was isolated and he hit strongly over from 25 yards.
Purvey, on Bolehall’s left flank, was finding more and more space for himself and his crosses looking more and more dangerous, but it was a more direct route from himself having caught Richard Jones in possession, which gave Bolehall the lead. With the Badgers struggling to recover and get into defensive position, he went straight for the throat and hit an unstoppable shot beyond Mike Shelper.
Darren Gardner slipped in possession to give the visitors a heart flutter as Bolehall looked set to repeat the dose, but he recovered and managed to get the ball to an overlapping Richard Jones and it was the home side who were on the back foot. Jones drove for goal from the right flank, but hit over.
Brocton could not then cope with the movement around the ball of the home side as they strode through the centre and fed the ball out to Purves before he made the game safe with another powerful strike past Shelper. So in command were the home side for the remainder of the half that the Badgers were pleased to survive to half time to recoup.
There was a rally early in the second period, but it was short lived as a cut in from the right and a firm enough, but unchallenged shot from 25 yards gave the home side an unassailable three goal lead.
Richard Reeves came on and caused some uncertainty in the Bolehall defence with his throws into the area and Chris Baker was first of all unlucky to have a hand ball appeal upheld against him just before having an appeal of his own for a penalty denied.
But it was a free kick for the home side which finally sealed the match as a deep kick was first of all headed back across goal and then bundled in as the second header was returned in the 87th minute to give the final score line of 4-0 a very one sided look.

Staffs County Senior League

Featherstone 4 Brocton Reserves 2

The Badgers miserable week was completed when the reserves also let four goals in on their visit to Featherstone prison. Lee Hughes (2) and Matt Green put Featherstone in the driving seat at half time but Brocton fought back after the break and Gareth Hardwick bagged brace to make it 3-2 before their hopes were dashed when Steve Hulme netted a fourth for Featherstone.

Wed 11th October
Midland Combination Premier Division

Brocton 2 Coleshill Town 4

What turned out to be a nightmare week for Brocton began promisingly when they took a 20th minute lead against visiting Coleshill Town at Heath Hayes last Wednesday. Andy Hume picked up a loose ball after Darren Gardener had miskicked and dribbled round the keeper before slotting home.

A taste of what was to come came just two minutes later when Paul Burns equalised with a free header after the ball was crossed in from the right.

The Badgers defence was undone again on the half hour by another cross from the right which Mike Shelper only half pushed out and James Dance was on hand to put the visitors ahead.

James Dyke then went on a tremendous run that began in the Brocton 18 yard box and ended with a shot that was inches wide of the Coleshill goal. On 35 minutes Dyke got his reward when he hammered a 30 yard shot into the top corner to make it 2-2.

After an exhilarating first half that had seen some fantastic attacking football played by both sides the second half began more sedately as the defences tried to restore some sort of order.

On 58 minutes a good move ended with Darren Gardener finding Andy Hume who beat his man before firing inches over the bar.

On 66 minutes Andy Hume who was in good form on the left whipped in a cross that Chris Baker headed just wide.

The Badgers paid the price for missed chances on 70 minutes when Shelper did well to keep out a long range effort but Rob Ellis seized on his parry to restore Coleshill’s lead.

As a final throw of the dice Brocton boss Steve Kneller replaced Craig Millen with striker Steve Bennett in the hope he would repeat his performance at Copsewood by producing a goal. However it was Coleshill who sealed the points when the Badgers central defenders went to sleep allowing David Brush to run past them on the blind side and latch on to a through ball before easily beating Shelper to make the final score 4-2.

Sat 7th October
Midland Combination Premier Division

Coventry Copsewood 0 Brocton 1

Chris Baker returned up front and Andy Harrison looked comfortable warming up despite not being risked in action so, hopefully the injuries are receding. For now though it was defender Darren Gardner who was pressed into front line duty once again. His first few moments were a dream, with two inspired and totally unexpected twists and perfect passes, which had the visiting spectators drooling with expectation.
He did not quite live up to those standards, but provided a good target throughout the game and almost pinched an early goal as he got in on a Craig Millen cross only to be thwarted by a brave dive at his feet by the home keeper. That was 25 minutes into the match and in the 28th Ben Harrison sent Andy Hume on a run down the left and his early cross was only cut out at full stretch by keeper Scott Furlong.
It was Harrison tussling far into the right hand corner which brought the next chance as he won a throw which Richard Reeves turned into as good as a corner Darren Gardner delicately nodded it on as right back Richard Jones steamed into the area. The ball ran loose and Ben Harrison, having his best game of the season so far, popped up to turn it goal wards, but just over the bar.
Pressure on the keeper early in the second period brought a weak clearance which Darren Gardner quickly fired back, but wide. Then inside the 10 minute mark Richard Jones foraged forward once again and honestly stayed on his feet under a strong challenge which would have seen many others go down claiming a penalty. The resulting corner was fed out to Andy Hume and Jones was still close enough to get in a header wide of the goal.
The Badgers could have regretted their misses as Copsewood had their own period of pressure and it took all of the back section’s concentration and not a few last ditch clearances to keep out efforts from Sean McCallum and John Dormer, including one off the line by Andy Chandler when keeper Mike Shelper had been pulled out of position.. They held firm though and on 66 minutes, substitute Steve Bennett could have put the Badgers in front with his first touch of the ball.
Only 3 minutes later he made amends as a break down the right flank led to a Richard Reeves header on target and a clearance which was recycled out to Ben Harrison who coolly fed Chris Baker, his back to goal. Baker shielded the ball and then set up Bennett whose left foot shot wide of the keeper was perfectly placed and put Brocton in the lead.
The following fifteen minutes saw Brocton’s best period of the game, but it was Copsewood’s turn to hold firm and their only moment of severe danger came as their keeper had to rush wide of his goal to sweep out a Brocton advance and then race back just in time to intercept a smart shot from James Dyke, who had picked up and returned the clearance with interest.
Copsewood had Brocton hearts fluttering for the final minutes though as they swarmed over the visitors’ area causing several mistakes and desperate clearances. But Brocton survived and held out for the welcome victory.

Staffs County Senior League

Alsagers Bank 3 Brocton Reserves 0

The Badgers second string went down 3-0 at Alsagers Bank who scored through Rob Dawson (2) and Paul Lovatt.

Sat 30th September
Midland Combination Challenge Cup
Brocton 2 West Midlands Police 0
Injury ravaged Brocton started with central defender Darren Gardener playing as an emergency striker and he was the star of the show in the first half. He had two shots on goal in the first five minutes. Then on the quarter hour he headed a superb pass to Richard Jones who placed his shot over goal keeper Michael Griffiths to give the Badgers a deserved lead.

Brocton did not sit back but continued to play good football with some inventive passing moves involving Jones and Craig Millen on the right flank and Andy Chandler and Andy Hume on the left. At this stage West Midlands Police were rarely getting the ball forward and Griffiths was kept busy making a series of saves as Brocton kept up the pressure.

The inevitable second goal was somewhat bizarre when it came on 28 minutes. The Police tried to clear the ball from a Brocton corner but succeeded only in firing it against Darren Gardener who gratefully knocked the ball into the net.

Two minutes later only a superb save from Griffiths kept out a Chris Baker effort from an Andy Hume cross. The visitors’ occasional attacks were dealt with comfortably by the Badgers rearguard.

The second half should have seen Premier Division Brocton take their struggling 1st Division opponents apart but the Badgers display was disappointing after the interval. Craig Millen joined the ever growing injury list and was replaced by Neil Dollochin and it was not long before Darren Gardener played a ball down the channel for the substiture to run on to but Griffiths was quickly off his line to gather the ball.

In a rare Police attack Daniel Jarrett curled a shot inches over the bar with Michael Shelper seemingly beaten. The Badgers were failing to press home their attacks and both James Dyke and Chris Baker (twice) shot well wide from distance when it might have been better to pass. The Police had another chance when Jarrett beat the offside trap but he fired wide as Shelper came out to narrow the angle.

In the closing stages Gary Tinkler replaced the tiring Baker so Brocton had two central defenders playing as strikers. Tinkler had an immediate impact by dummying to allow Neil Dolochin a shot that beat Griffiths but came back off the foot of the post. In injury time Tinkler himself got through on goal but his shot went over the bar.

Wednesday 27th September
Walsall Senior Cup Round 1
Brocton 1 Eccleshall 3
The excellent standard of football on show in this match belied the appalling weather conditions complete with gale force winds and torrential rain. It was completely out of context of the game that all four goals should come about through various defensive mix ups.
A cagey start from both sides nevertheless showed the intent of both as the game switched breathtakingly from end to end.

It was the Badgers who drew first blood as a normally safe header back to keeper David Kociak held up in the wind and an alert Steve Bennett nipped in to pinch the ball and slide it into an empty net just 20 minutes into the game. There was almost a repeat five minutes later but on this occasion Kociak just managed to drop on the ball as Bennett once again looked set to pounce.

Eccleshall had plenty of half chances of their own with good team work, closing down in midfield and the ever willing Russ DeMatteo leading the line, their best effort of the half coming on 30 minutes as he beat the off side line and shot across the goal from a wide position and wide of the far post to Brocton’s relief.

Injuries and tired legs from the recent spate of tough matches continued to blight the Badgers, already without main striker Andy Harrison and his partner Chris Baker tentatively on the come back trail as player manager Steve Kneller was forced off during the half. Brocton could have been forgiven for thinking that they had done the hard part in reaching half time still ahead and turning round to have the wind at their backs.

Eccleshall had other ideas though and inside the first minute of the second period got back on level terms with a controversial goal as the Badgers’ keeper Mike Shelper appeared to be impeded as he went for a high cross. The ball fell to Russ DeMatteo and he was left with an easy slide into the net. Worse was to come for Brocton 10 minutes later as a corner was whipped into the area only to go in off a defender’s head for an own goal.
Eccleshall had the better of most of the remainder of the half as Brocton tried to increase their attacking options, although Andy Hume did get beyond the defensive line after a prodigious Mike Shelper clearance, but whilst his lob beat Kociak, it also beat the bar.
In a frenzied last ten minutes, Andy Chrimes replaced Craig Millen and Chris Baker began his return to Brocton’s attack replacing Ben Harrison and their fresh legs together with the change in formation to three strikers, put pressure on Eccleshall. It was the busy James Dyke though who brought the biggest gasp from the crowd as his free kick was just tipped over when it seemed to have beaten Kociak.
With the Badgers pressing hard for the equaliser, Eccleshall finally made the game safe in the dying seconds as a defensive mix up presented Steve Millington with an easy chance and he accepted the gift to put the Eagles through to the next round after a thoroughly entertaining and well fought match.

FA Vase 2nd Qualifying Round
Newcastle Town 1 Brocton 0

In an interesting first half Newcastle Town had just a little more all round quality, but despite that, Brocton gave a good account of themselves and were not without their chances. With lone striker Andy Harrison carrying an injury which eventually caused him to give way to Steve Bennett at half time and Craig Millen still gaining fitness after a lay off replacing Darren Gardner, who gave way to his injury even before a ball was kicked, there was no easy start. Things could have been even worse on 14 minutes when a corner was whipped over from Castle’s right and former Badger Nick Wellecomme met it with a glancing header that flew into the top corner but rebounded off the stanchion and back to Shelper. Incredibly neither referee nor linesman gave the “goal” and Brocton were let off the hook.
The ball was soon down at the other end and keeper Richard Froggatt had to claw Craig Millen’s effort away for a corner. Brocton broke quickly after a ‘Castle free kick and when the defence only half cleared Andy Chandler hit a half volley over the bar. On 26 minutes it was Brocton again in attack and a free kick was headed down and back by Andy Hume for James Dyke, who hit a difficult rising ball on the volley and again over the bar.

The eventual winner came from Nick Wellecomme on 30 minutes, courtesy of an overhead kick into the box. It seemed to have run safe, but as he always did in his Brocton days, Wellecomme chased the lost cause and fed it back towards goal from wide of the far post. Somehow it bounced agonisingly slowly across goal and went in off the opposite post. The rest of the half saw the better of the probing come from the home side, although a fine cross field ball into space for Craig Millen to chase could have been interesting had Millen a few more games under his belt.

With the loss of top scorer Andy Harrison at half-time Brocton rarely threatened the Newcastle goal after the break but the Badgers defence continued to hold them in check and despite their step 5 pyramid status they could not beat Shelper again even though he too was struggling with a an injury.

At 1-0 down Brocton’s hopes remained alive to the end and as the game ended its closing stages player-boss Steve Kneller burst through the middle of Castle’s midfield and Andy Hume raced wide to his left and drew defenders away allowing Kneller to press on.and slip a pass towards Steve Bennett who would have had a simple tap in but the fullback managed to intercept and Brocton’s last chance had gone and their FA Vase venture was over.

Staffs County Senior League Challenge Cup Round 2

Goldenhill 7 Brocton Reserves 1

Despite a first half goal from Tom Edwards Brocton trailed 2-1 at the break and then collapsed in the second half as Goldenhill ran riot with hat trick man Godfrey Johnson and Danny Tainton (2) leading the onslaught.

Midland Combination Premier Division
Nuneaton Griff 0 Brocton 1

A perfect evening for football saw the home side attempt to take early control of the match with good width, strong running and a desire to move the ball quickly from back to front. Brocton showed good discipline at the back though and with Anthony Gardener in particular showing good anticipation the few forward passes were not intercepted fell only to off side runners.
In the early exchanges Griff did get past Brocton down the left flank on 16 minutes and Stef Jones hit a dangerous low ball across goal that had to be smothered by an alert Brocton keeper, Mike Shelper..
Just two minutes later a throw by Richard Reeves caught out Nuneaton’s defence and Andy Harrison whipped in a penetrating cross, which brother Ben was a fraction away from meeting with his head.
When the Badgers settled and were in possession, they passed through midfield, with the excellent movement of James Dyke being crucial. His midfield partner Ben Harrison’s short, but probing, passing into path or feet of the dynamic Andy Harrison up front threatened to put Brocton through on goal a number of times before the decisive move in the 28th minute.
James Dyke pinched the ball off Dan Hollywood in midfield, halting what could have been a promising move for the home side and immediately putting them on the back foot. His early pass into the diagonal run of Andy Harrison cut out the defence and put Harrison to the clear, although the angle was poor and to the left, Harrison’s weaker side. The chance seemed to have slipped by as he spurned a quick strike in favour of turning to his more favoured side as three defenders now managed to regain position, but he is full of confidence in front of goal and a further step to the right and thunderous shot low to keeper Paul Grears’ left gave Brocton a lead they just about deserved.
However Griff who have been in fine form this season pressed for the remainder of the half, forcing one or two dangerous moments with free kicks 25 and 30 yards from goal in central areas, but the Badgers defence held firm and went in to the break with their lead still intact.
The game could have been made safe just 4 minutes into the second period when another Reeves throw across goal found a hesitant Griff defence leaving it for one another and Andy Harrison was a whisker away from nipping in to convert it.
It was really only at that point that the home side began to play incisive passes of their own and found joy down either flank with well paced balls beyond the defence and swift runs into the channels. In particular, their left wing produced a number of opportunities, all of which were eventually stifled, though not without some heart in the mouth moments.
Andy Hume twice had what looked to be better than half chances, hitting the first early with his weaker right foot on target, but comfortable for the keeper and then the second was blasted with his left and too high. He had worked hard to make the opportunities and gave both a good try. In the dying moments Brocton nearly paid for not adding to their tally when Griff did finally get beyond the Badgers back line but the normally prolific Tom Thacker thundered his shot against the post.

Alveston 1 Brocton 3

Brocton won this game on the strength of a vastly improved second half performance. During a lacklustre first half neither side were able to stamp any authority and the game looked to be heading towards stalemate. Brocton had had the clearer cut chances, in the 15th minute Ben & Andy Harrison worked well to open up the Alveston defence and Neil Dollochin’s effort went just wide. Just before the interval, Andy Hume’s power header was well saved by the keeper and Andy Harrison was well positioned to score from the rebound; unfortunately his legs were taken from under him, but appeals for an obvious penalty fell on deaf ears.

After the interval Brocton emerged a much sharper side - Richard Jones stated their intentions straight from the kick off with a superb effort, which narrowly missed the target. When substitute James Dyke was introduced he combined well with Andy Harrison, and the two made an immediate impact on the game with some good penetrating moves. A good cross from skipper Steve Kneller found Darren Gardner in front of goal, but the shot ended just wide. Moments later a fine header from Dyke suffered a similar fate. Dyke was again in action setting Andy Harrison away for a run on goal. The striker worked the ball well rounding keeper Manuel, only to be brought down. Craig Millen stepped up to convert the spot kick and put the Badgers in front.

From the restart Alveston came to life, and Ollie Boyle was presented with a simple chance, which he gratefully accepted, following slack defensive work. Shortly after, Rees forced a brilliant save from ‘keeper Mike Shelper, who just managed to tip his effort round the post for a corner. It was not long before Brocton’s lead was restored – James Dyke and Ben Harrison combined well to send Andy Harrison on another run down the right, this time he lobbed the ‘keeper from just inside the area, and the shot sailed perfectly into the far corner of the net.

Dyke maintained the pressure on the home defence, breaking through and only an awkward bounce prevented him from finding the net. The Badgers kept pressing and Ben Harrison’s effort hit the woodwork, then the unfortunate Dyke found himself wrong-footed, and unable to follow up the rebound. A tenacious performance from Andy Harrison was rewarded with a second goal as he rifled home an injury-time shot, following a goalmouth melee to make the final score 3-1

Staffs FA Challenge Cup Round 1
Brocton Reserves 0 Sporting Khalsa

Brocton Reserves went out of the competition falling at the first hurdle when they played Sporting Khalsa at the Chetwynd Arms Ground. The teams seemed evenly matched until Gurminder Singh gave the visitors a first half lead. Then Khalsa took control and added a second after the break through Manpreet Schota. Despite it being a cup-tie Brocton failed to step up their game and in the end Khalsa thoroughly deserved their place in the next round.

Sep 9th
F.A.Vase
Brocton 2 Kirby Muxloe 1

Brocton’s first venture in the FA Vase was a success with a 2-1 win over Leicestershire Senior League outfit Kirby Muxloe at Heath Hayes last Saturday.

The Village side owed their victory to the strength of the spine of the team with keeper Mike Shelper, central defender Andy Chandler and striker Andy Harrison all playing starring roles.

The Badgers had their noses in front as early as the second minute when the visitors defence hesitated as Brocton appealed for handball and Andy Harrison crashed in a shot from outside the box that caught out keeper Elliott Shilman as it bounced right in front of him and spun wickedly over his shoulder making it virtually unstoppable in the end.

The visitors stormed back and forced a series of corners, but all were defended well and Brocton remained in the ascendancy. A free kick in the 13th minute gave Brocton their next opportunity when Andy Hume found Neil Rolston on the edge of the box. Rolston fed Hume back and turned into the area, but the return was too firm and the chance was lost.

Mid way through the half Kirby’s superior fitness began to tell as they got on top and had three good chances in succession, the middle one of which brought a full length save from Mike Shelper in the Brocton goal. Once again the pressure was relieved and Craig Millen found Andy Harrison on the right, who put Neil Rolston through on goal, only to see his shot blocked for a corner.

Kirby got their reward in the 37th minute when Lewis Allen’s shot bounced in a similar manner to Harrison’s to deceive Shelper and put the visitors level.

Both sides had reason to believe that they should have gone ahead before half time, but first a dangerous corner from Kirby Muxloe was smuggled away from the Badger’s box and then a Kirby throw was pinched by Andy Harrison and fed in to Rolston, who turned his defender only to find the keeper pouncing on the ball at his feet.

The Badgers went back in front just 8 minutes into the second half. Steve Kneller played the ball out to Craig Millen on the right wing and his cross found Andy Hume coming in from the left with only the keeper to beat. However Shilman managed to parry his effort only for Andy Harrison following up to slam the ball home.

Kirby had Brocton on the ropes for the following ten minutes, as they pressed hard for the equaliser. Once again it was Mike Shelper to the rescue as a 30 yard shot could only be half cleared and the rebound was arrowed towards goal. Shelper recovered to stretch full length and smother the return.
More space at the back as Kirby pressed forward gave Brocton chances on the break, but it was the visitors who produced the shot of the game and Shelper the save of the game on 73 minutes as a dive to his left just touched the ball round the post and away.

In the final moments substitute Neil Dollochin lobbed keeper Shilman but the un predict table bounce took it wide of goal and the hardworking Andy Harrison tried to turn the ball towards goal, but it hit the side netting to deny him what would have been a deserved hat trick.

Brocton are drawn away to Newcastle Town in the next round.

Staffs County Senior League

After a goal less first half Brocton Reserves went down 3-1 at New Penny. Mick Nixon scored twice and Shane Reaney added a third. Steve Bennett scored a consolation for the Badgers.

Saturday 2nd September
Brocton Reserves 1 Hanley Town Reserves 4

The Badgers’ second string were brought back down to earth on Saturday

With a strong wind making playing conditions difficult the teams seemed fairly evenly matched until some naive defending from the Badgers allowed Daniel Bew to net from close range after a left wing cross. Bew was on target again just before the break when he deftly lobbed the ball over keeper James Tinkler.

Any thoughts Brocton had of hitting back after the interval were dashed when Hanley stretched their lead to 3-0 in the 46th minute with the goal of the match, a sweeping move down the left ending up with Bew putting a diagonal low cross into the box for Nathan Shaw to turn in on the back post.

Man of the match Daniel Bew collected a cross from the right on the edge of the box and fired low to Tinkler’s left to complete his hat trick and make it 4-0.

The introduction of substitutes David Weals and Paul Stirling gave the Badgers a new lease of life and they started taking the game to Hanley. They won a penalty for handball and Steve Bennett expertly despatched the kick. Weals then had on disallowed for offside. It was of course too little too late but if Brocton had displayed the sort of energy and commitment they produced in the closing stages from the start it might have been a different story

Wed 30th August
Walsall Wood have made an excellent start to their campaign in the Midland Combination Premier Division and it was easy to see why. They play at a tempo which Brocton found difficult to match, especially in midfield and they dominated a fascinating and at times exhilarating first half.

Despite a huge advantage in terms of possession and territory, the visitors could not create any more than the opportunity for long range efforts at goal and loose ball in and around the Brocton penalty area. The Badger’s back four, clearly confident in a fully restored Mike Shelper in goal, were themselves confident and kept chances to a bare minimum.

It would have been entirely against the run of play though, had the one chance which fell to Andy Harrison late in the half been converted. In the event it was blocked and cleared.

Surely the pace of Walsall’s play must relent in the second period and Brocton be able to create more openings for themselves ? It may have done. But whilst Brocton raised their own tempo, the visitors seemed to relent not one bit at the start of the half and it was service as usual. Neil Rolston did manage to race away with the ball at his feet and worked a position on the left hand side of Wood’s area, but was well marshalled by Craig Heaney at the heart of the defence and the chance was gone.

Walsall then forced a series of corners and at the fourth consecutive attempt as the ball was cleared beyond the Brocton area, Steve White hit a speculative shot with his left hard and low into the box. Shelper must have been unsighted as the shot went through a dozen legs and found its way inside the post for what turned out to be the winner.

The returning Richard Reeves came on in midfield and added a bit of bite to that area and the whole side seemed energised by the reverse of conceding a goal. A combination effort of Andy Hume to Andy Harrison and into the path of Reeves brought a shot wide of the post and moments later a throw from Reeves could only half be cleared before Andy Hume flicked the ball over the keeper only to see him recover and tip the effort over the bar.

The resurgent Badgers mounted pressure for perhaps twenty minutes of that second half but like their opponents in the first half, were unable to produce that vital moment and indeed it was the visitors who nearly capitalised when a back pass was under hit and it took a fine save from Mike Shelper to keep out the nippy Ashley Wells.

Staffs County Senior League

Brocton Reserves 2 Newcastle Town Yth 1

At the Chetwynd Arms ground a first half brace from James Fowler put Brocton in the driving seat and despite being pegged back when the young Newcastle side scored through Jamie Cauldwell goal after the break they held out to chalk up their first win of the season.

Saturday 26th August
Cadbury Athletic 2 Brocton 0
Brocton paid the price for failing to take their chances in this game as they conceded a goal in each half to enable Cadbury to take the points.

The Badgers were on top early on with Chris Baker rounding the keeper only to see a defender get back to clear his shot off the line. Then Andy Hume sent Ben Harrison through in the inside left channel but he shot into the side netting when a square ball might have found his brother Andy or Baker in a better position.

It was very much against the run of play when Cadbury took the lead when Adam Ainge brushed aside Andy Chandler and shot low to Mike Shelper’s left in the 16th minute. It is an old adage in football that goals change games and Cadbury were in the ascendancy for the next twenty minutes but did not take the chances that could have seen them extend their lead.

Brocton got back into it and Andy Harrison worked himself an opening after a corner but his shot lacked the power to trouble Michael Stoney in the Cadbury goal. Then a good move involving Andy Harrison, , Chris Baker, and Steve Kneller ended with Kneller firing just over the bar.

On 43 minutes Andy Hume’s run down the left ended with a cross into the box that the defence missed leaving Chris Baker with just keeper Stoney to beat but he fired high and wide from 10 yards out.

At the start of the second half Brocton brought on Neil Rolston and Richard Jones for Chris Baker and Darren Gardner both of whom were struggling with injuries and again the Badgers began the brighter with Hume twice firing in shots from the edge of the box and Rolston also going close.

Kneller curled a shot over the angle of post and bar on 74 minutes but it was Cadbury who scored when Ainge put substitute Nathan Singh through five minutes from time as Brocton looked in vain for an offside flag.

Brocton created further opportunities in the closing stages with Andy Harrison getting in a far post header but Stoney got back to claw it away then Kneller turned to create a shooting chance but his effort flew over the bar. Finally Andy Harrison failed to take advantage when Stoney mis-kicked as he tried to clear a back pass.

SCSL
Congleton Vale 5 Brocton Res 0

Tuesday 22nd August
Continental Star 0 Brocton 2
Continental Star have some good young players and seem willing to give them their head. They are naturally quick footed and throughout the game they pressed Brocton hard and gave them few periods of respite. However they could not make that decisive breakthrough as man of the match Mike Shelper made a string of saves in both halves to keep a well deserved clean sheet.

Playing up the gentle slope in the first half on a tricky pitch after the dry recent weather, it was good work from newcomer Neil Dollochin on the edge of Continental Star’s box, which created the chance for Steve Kneller to hit one of his specials from 25 yards. It flew home straight and true to give Brocton an interval lead.

The second period saw more of the same from Star and it took all of the resilience of the Badger’s defence to keep them at bay with Shelper continuing to field those longer-range shots which did get through and find the target.

It was Chris Baker who settled the visitors nerves when he forced home a header half way through the second period and he could have gone one better near the finish when a repeat performance beat Star’s keeper but hit the bar and fell safe. Although Baker once more took the plaudits with the strike, it was good to see an improving understanding between himself and fellow striker Andy Harrison. Certainly the Badgers will need them to feed well off each other this season.

Continental Star did not lower their principles because of the setback, but continued with their use of their youngsters using all three of their substitutes, all of whom looked to be prospects for the future.

Monday 21st August
SCSL
Barlaston 3 Brocton Res 0

Saturday 19th August Brocton v Coventry Sphinx

Coventry Sphinx seem to be most people’s tip for the title at this very early stage of proceedings and they certainly began as though they have that belief. There was excellent pressing of the ball right from the start and when in possession they had choices from wide runs, speed and strength in central attack and very good support in numbers from midfield.
That said, Brocton exposed their one tactic that could prove to be a weakness in their very high line at the back. Andy Harrison had been caught twice when the Sphinx back line had moved up past him anticipating a forward pass, but on only 7 minutes they did that once too often and it left Chris Baker with the chance to lob Sphinx’s keeper whose job it was to try to sweep up behind the defence anything played behind them. Baker confidently took his chance.
Despite the set back, Sphinx still managed to appear the more confident team and continued to press Brocton back but could have gone further behind when Baker latched on to a long kick direct from Mike Shelper. He held off a defender and once again lobbed the advancing keeper, but this time saw the ball go over the bar. The offside trap was beaten again moments later and this time with the keeper also beaten, Andy Harrison’s effort on goal was cleared off the line.
It was from this attack that Sphinx finally found a way round the Brocton defence. A fine run on the right flank almost reached the bye line and a firm cross could only be palmed away by Mike Shelper. The ball bounced awkwardly for Sphinx’s Rob Stevenson, but he had the composure and technique to strike it home and bring Sphinx level on 29 minutes.
Andy Harrison once more was played through the offside line and again the keeper had advanced out of his area to try to sweep. Harrison lifted his shot over the keeper, but missed the target. On 35 minutes Andy Hume was through on the left and hit an inviting early cross into the box with Sphinx retreating. Andy Harrison’s shot could only be blocked, but Brocton in the shape of newcomer Neil Dollocin could not quite replicate the Stevenson effort and his return shot was also beaten away. Sphinx took the lead a few minutes before the break when a wicked free kick could only be half cleared. The ball appeared to be handled into the area, before being put away after yet another rebound, by Danny McSheffrey, but Sphinx went in worth their 2 - 1 lead.
The second period consisted almost all of Sphinx pressure as Brocton’s game got longer and longer. Only 5 minutes into the half, a corner whipped into the box had Gary Tinkler stretching to head out, but Wayne Pulford gave the visitors a two goal cushion when he headed home the resulting second corner, of equal quality.
Brocton did mount a little pressure of their own towards the end of the game and an Andy Hume side foot shot with his right just wide and a Chris Baker penalty which was saved showed what could have been, but it was a desperate lunge by Gary Tinkler and the resulting penalty put away by Stevenson which helped Sphinx to a convincing win.

Brocton 1 - 4 Coventry Sphinx

SCSL
Brocton Res 0 Manor Inne 5

August 14th
Redgate Clayton Res 1 Brocton Res 0 SCSL

August 12th

Chesterton 4 Brocton Res 0 SCSL

Brocton FC Hat Trick Soccer Fives Tournament

Around 250 young footballers largely managed to avoid the showers as they competed in the second annual Hatrick Soccer Fives organized by Brocton FC at Staffordshire University.

Rugeley Rangers were the most successful club but honours were spread both North and South with Leek Town Rangers and Warstone Wanderers both enjoying success. Local clubs also held their own with teams from both Stafford Soccer School and Stafford Falcons coming away with trophies.

Tournament organizer Brian Chandler thanked all the referees and volunteers who gave up their time to help him run the event.

The results of the finals were:-

Hat Trick Signs & Graphics Under 8 Winners were Longton Harriers and Runners Up were Chase Athletic, Longton winning 3 v 0

Elite Services Under 8 Player of the Tournament was Shay Finney of Longton Harriers

Davies Motors of Stafford Under 10 Winners were Rugeley Rangers A and Runners Up were Stoke Rams, Rugeley winning 2 v 1.

Elite Services Under 10 Player of the Tournament was Sam Bryant of Rugeley Rangers

Black&White.co.uk Under 11 Winners were Rugeley Rangers and Runners Up were Shamblers, Rugeley beating Shamblers 3 v 0.

Elite Services Under 11 Player of the Tournament was George Wright of Rugeley Rangers

The Oxleathers of Stafford Under 12 Winners were Warstone Wanderers and Runners Up were Stafford Soccer School. The final going to Warstone Wanderers by 4 v 0.

Elite Services Under 12 Player of the Tournament was Kane Cork of Warstone Wanderers

UV2 Windows, Conservatories & Doors Under 13 Winners were Rugeley A and Runners Up were Leek Town Rangers. In a high scoring final, Rugeley A ran out 4 v 2 winners.

Tilly’s Taxis of Rugeley Under 13 Player of the Tournament was Sean Vivian of Rugeley Rangers

Black&White.co.uk Under 14 Winners were Stafford Falcons B and Runners Up were Longton Harriers Falcons B, the final going to Stafford Falcons by the narrow 1 v 0 margin.

Tilly’s Taxis of Rugeley Player of the Tournament was Alex Jones of Stafford Falcons.

Viking Office Supplies of Rugeley Under 15 Winners were Chase Athletic and runners up were Penkridge Juniors. Despite a comfortable 4 v 0 victory in the final it was the Penkridge goal keeper who came away with the Tilly’s Taxis of Rugeley Player of the Tournament.

Brocton FC have now signed a 30 year lease on the Old police Sports ground in Silkmore Lane Stafford

It is expected that U16 & U18 teams will play there in 2006-07 season.

Brocton FC will now be able to start drawing the Ł58750 awarded by the Big Lottery Fund after winning the ITV Peoples Millions Vote on Wednesday 2nd November 2005. The funds will be used to install changing facilities for which planning consent has already been granted.

It is understood that Brocton FC polled by far the biggest vote for any project show cased on Central during the Peoples Millions week and achieved the second highest vote nationally.

The Club is extremely grateful to those who helped to publicise our cause and to all who took the time to phone & text in their Votes and of course to the BIG LOTTERY.

MATCH REPORTS 2006

Sat April 22nd

Midland Combination Premier Division

Brocton 3 Castle Vale 3

Despite being Brocton’s last game of the season this match was hard fought with excellent football being played by both sides.

The first goal came on 14 minutes when the Badgers defence failed to clear and the ball fell to Craig Evans who hit a brilliant 20-yard volley into the roof of the net. Castle Vale were unlucky not to go further ahead when Aaron Smith hit the post.

Brocton levelled in the 19th minute when a Vale defender tried to pass the ball in his own box but only succeeded in finding Nick Wellecomme who gratefully accepted the gift to slot home the equaliser.

Five minutes later and the Badgers had their noses in front when an excellent move saw Andy Hume make space for himself on the left and cross to the far post where Wellecomme headed back across goal for Steve Gregory to nod home.

Brocton doubled their advantage on the half hour when Craig Millen hit a vicious shot from outside the box that gave the Vale keeper no chance.

Castle Vale pegged it back to 3-2 just before the break when Aaron Smith capitalised on indecision in the Brocton defence to rifle home.

Brocton dominated the play for 25 minutes after the break but missed a catalogue of chances to restore their two-goal cushion. As the game entered the final quarter Vale sensed they could salvage something from the game and began to increase their share of the play but Brocton were still creating and missing the best chances.

In the 89th minute a gilt edged opportunity fell to Andy Hume he only needed to tap it home with his right foot but switched to his favoured left and somehow managed to find the keeper instead of the gaping net.

As the game moved into stoppage time Vale won a corner and Adam Hughes fired in the equaliser through a crowd of players to make the final score 3-3.

The Badgers were left rueing their missed chances in a game that summed up their season

Monday April 17th

Midland Combination Premier Division

Brocton 2 Barnt Green Spartak 0

This game had an end of season look about it in the first half with Brocton ensconced in mid-table and Spartak’s title bid petering out a few weeks back neither team had anything other than pride to play for.

The second half saw Brocton step up a gear and thanks to Nick Wellecomme’s determination to chase apparently lost causes they went ahead. A long high clearance from defence saw most players stop as they expected the ball to be gathered by the visitors keeper but Wellecomme sprinted forward and leapt like the proverbial salmon to head the over the goalie and into the net.

The second followed a goalmouth melee and the ball fell to Brocton’s substitute keeper Robbie Plant who was entertaining the crowd by playing up front but he took too long to tee himself up for the shot. Steve Gregory who had an excellent game in midfield burst past him and fired home to seal the win.

Staffs County Senior League

Abbey Hulton United Reserves 0 Brocton Reserves 1

The Badgers squad was stretched to the limit with club Vice Chairman Nigel Pepper amongst the substitutes and it was still 0-0 when he joined the action with three minutes to go.

As the game entered stoppage time Paul Stirling went on a run down the right before cutting inside and firing the ball in towards Pepper who was lurking near the penalty spot. The veteran tried to deflect the ball goalwards however the defence cleared but only to the edge of the box for Warren Picken to lash in a tremendous shot and secure the three points for Brocton.

Saturday April 15th
Staffs County Senior League

Hanley Town Res 1 Brocton Reserves 1

This game was played in good spirit and saw Hanley have most of the early possession however Brocton kept them at bay and by the 25 minute mark had got on top and remained so for the rest of the first half but neither side managed to create any real chances.

Early in the second half Hanley tried a tactical change bringing on Otis Fox for the ineffective Mark Harrison and Brocton were forced into a change when Paul Irving pulled up injured and was replaced by the promising Daniel Daines.

Hanley went close when Karl Miller controlled the ball on the edge of the box and fired in a shot that went inches wide of the post. Then on 68 minutes Ollie Rodwell needlessly fouled just outside the box and Delroy Fox curled in the free kick and although James Tinkler got a hand to it he could not keep it out and the Badgers were behind.

Brocton stepped up their efforts and Tom Edwards broke through on the right and rode a tackle but home ‘keeper Ben Jackson was quickly off his line to save at the striker’s feet.

A few minutes later Andy Chrimes corner was cleared only as far as the edge of the box and Edwards collected it in the inside right position before turning and firing in a brilliant dipping 25 yarder that flew past the helpless Jackson.

As the game entered stoppage time Andy Nairn almost repeated Edwards goal but this time Jackson managed to finger tip his effort on to and over the bar and the resulting corner came to nothing so the Badgers had to settle for a point.

Tuesday April 11th

Meir K.A 1. Brocton 1

On a heavy pitch that simply did not take a bounce, both teams should be applauded for their attacking intentions in this all Staffordshire derby game. Brocton laid siege to the Meir goal from the kick off and went close to scoring when Steve Gregory took a free kick and had Meir keeper Stuart Pope at full stretch to tip over. Meir weathered the storm and showed some good movement down their left flank and on no fewer than three occasions got a deep cross into the box beyond the Brocton defence just asking to be headed towards goal, but without anyone close enough to provide the strike.

Unaccountably the young left winger swapped with Meir’s best player, Richard Minor and whilst he showed some good touches, speed and balance, he had the habit of drifting in from the flank and making it much easier for Steve Kneller to keep tabs on him. When Minor eventually returned to his right flank, he needed close attention from Andy Chandler, but by that time Meir seemed to have forgotten all about their early success on the left and channelled everything through Minor.

In the 18th minute Shelper’s long punt down field was headed on by Steve Gregory to Nick Wellecomme who turned and rode three tackles before getting in a shot that went over the bar. Then a poor clearance from Pope fell to Craig Millen who intelligently whipped it back into the middle for Wellecome but this time his shot lacked power and Pope gathered easily.

Richard Minor continued to be a threat when Meir attacked but Brocton were creating more and more opportunities. Millen was again involved when he found Andy Chrimes who created room for a shot across the keeper that went wide despite Wellecomme’s efforts to get to it. Wellecomme had one more chance just as the half closed when a period of pressure on the home area could only be half cleared and Wellecomme’s return shot itself was blocked by one of fully twenty legs on or about the goal line. The inevitable rebound fell to Andy Chrimes and his shot went wide.

The pattern continued in the second half with Minors a constant thorn in Brocton’s side when Meir attacked and Wellecomme tormenting Meir when the Badgers went forward. The first real chance of the second period came when Andy Chandler’s pass into the box for Wellecomme found keeper Pope bravely taking the ball off the striker’s toes as he was in the act of shooting.

Richard Minor then produced his best move of the game jinking his way through the middle of the Brocton defence and getting free in front of goal, but his shot was directed straight at a grateful Mick Shelper. Andy Hume found room on the left then and twice in quick succession put in crosses from that flank. The first was of good heading height, but a little too close to the keeper and the second fizzed all along the floor. The Badgers pressure finally paid off on 80 minutes following a Steve Gregory free kick as Wellecomme chested down Craig Millen’s cross into the box and rifled the ball home.

Brocton’s joy was short lived as Meir fought back with pressure of their own. On 85 minutes an excellent left wing corner was clawed away from under the bar by Shelper but when new signing Rob Kent looped a header back in the ball ended up in the net as Shelper complained bitterly, but in vain, of being baulked in trying to make a save. So honours were even in the Mid Comb’s Staffordshire derby.

Sunday April 9th
Staffs County Minor League
Brocton Youth went down 4 - 1 away to Stafford Rangers. They were 1 v 0 down at half time and had a silly ten minutes in the second half when they conceded two soft goals in mix-ups inside the box. Rangers then scored a cracker to make it 4-0 before George Carter scored an equally good consolation goal for the Badgers.

Sat April 8th

Brocton 1 Nuneaton Griff 4

Playing into a strong head wind Brocton made the better start to this game and only the early loss of Lee Bailey from midfield spoiled what otherwise was a competent display. In fact, it was whilst Bailey had treatment in an effort to get back into play, that Brocton took the lead. It was in the 12th minute that Andy Chrimes was fed the ball with his back to goal on the edge of the box and he did well to turn and slide a perfectly weighted pass into Nick Wellecomme’s path. It was the sort of service, which cries out for a good finish and that is exactly what it got. Wellecomme took one stride to his right and struck an unstoppable shot across the keeper to give Brocton an early lead.
Andy Nairn was soon to replace the injured Bailey and before he had time to get into the match Nuneaton Griff were on the attack and only some cool play under pressure and on his own goal line by Richard Reeves kept them at bay. That moment apart, Brocton were coping well with mainly over hit passes and shots on a destructive wind and looked comfortable 30 minutes into the match.
But, like the weather on the day, nothing that had gone before hinted at what was to follow. On 33 minutes a speculative effort from deep eluded the Brocton rear guard and Stef Jones latched on to a loose ball to beat Brocton keeper Mike Shelper. A few minutes later Lea Tatton won the ball on the half-way line before brushing aside two weak challenges and firing a wind assisted shot into the top corner to put Griff ahead.

Nick Wellecomme came close to pulling Brocton back on terms almost on half time, but it was the visitors who pulled further ahead in stoppage time as a heavily struck forward lob bounced ahead of both Stefan Jones and chasing defender Andy Chandler. The bounce was too high for either to reach although Chandler tried to get a head on it and Shelper was beaten to the ball by Jones as he came out to help.

Brocton tried in the second period to emulate their visitors and make use of the still strong wind now at their backs, but in doing so lost shape and Griff kept them at bay comfortably enough. The best goal of the game gave Tatton his hat trick as he spun through a high back line to accept a cheeky flick through and raced fully forty yards to strike past Shelper.
A period of ten minutes heavy hail halted proceedings and sent referee and players scurrying for cover, but when the elements relented the game was resumed and ambled its way to a conclusion.

Staffs County Senior League

Brocton Reserves trailed to a Michael Dunn goal on seven minutes at Foley but came back to snatch a points thanks to Paul Stirling’s 55th minute equaliser.

Wed April 5th

Brocton 3 Feckenham 0
Feckenham are a very well organised and physically strong side, who currently sit fifth in the league table and deservedly so. On the evening Brocton matched them physically despite giving away pounds and inches in almost all positions and by keeping their own game to a high tempo, always kept their visitors on the back foot.
Visiting teams always pay close attention to striker Nick Wellecomme these days, but he posted his intentions early on after Andy Chandler slipped the ball infield to an advancing Ben Skelton and he put a perfectly weighted pass into Wellecomme’s run. Wellecomme hit a fierce shot in his stride and thumped the cross bar.
Defending from the front, Wellecomme along with willing help from his strike partner Andy Chrimes and timely darts from midfielder James Dyke, kept pressure on Feckenham’s back line and it was Wellecomme’s own interception of an attempted clearance under that pressure which led to the opener.
Two previous near things might have led to that ‘one of those days’ feeling, but on 30 minutes Wellcomme calmed the nerves. Intercepting the pass out, he strode forward, already catching most of Feckenham’s defence on their heels. He still had to shake off one desperate attempt to throw him off balance, but cut on to his left and beat keeper David Gorton. He had another chance almost immediately as a run down the right by Dyke produced an infield pass which Wellecomme was able to cut back and then strike across the keeper, but it also beat the far post.
Feckenham’s swift attack following that could easily have undone all the good work as their nippy number 9, Matt Cooke got beyond the Brocton rearguard and hit a fine shot low across the advancing Mike Shelper, only to see it go wide.
The Badgers could have doubled their lead as the half closed when Andy Chandler found space on the left and fed Wellecomme along the line. His quick flick and sheer pace took him past full back Tom Harris and he cut the ball back from the bye line to a supporting Andy Hume. Finding the ball under his feet and unable to slow his momentum, Hume could get only minimal power in his shot and Gorton gathered gratefully as the whistle blew
Feckenham raised their own tempo in the second period and for a while Brocton were pressed back, without any serious threat on goal. The game was effectively settled 15 minutes into the second half when Steve Gregory went down the right. His run was blocked, but the alert Richard Reeves quickly retrieved the ball, took a throw and got the ball back from Gregory. His early dink into the box allowed an equally alert Wellecomme to nip in in front of Gorton and head home.
The visitors changed their shape by going to three at the back and from then on Brocton never quite had the fluency through midfield, but when Craig Millen came on for Andy Hume, he was in the right place at the right time to seal the game. Steve Kneller made one of his trade mark powerful runs with the ball and unleashed a thunderbolt which pounded off the bar, rebounding straight to Millen, who returned it into the roof of the net with what was his first touch of the game.

March 25th

Midland Combination Premier Division
Brocton 0 Pershore Town 1

Brocton were soon into their stride in this game and inside the first ten minutes had amassed no fewer than three opportunities for front man Nick Wellecomme. The first came when his partner Andy Harrison won the ball out on the right and slid the ball into Wellecomme as he sprinted forward. The pass was just a little strong and Wellecomme could only get enough purchase on it to put it out. The second came from Harrison again as he received the ball from a Richard Reeves throw and crossed invitingly into the box. Wellecomme met it, but there was enough pressure on him to force him to nod wide. The third and best saw Wellecomme beat the offside trap , ride a desperate tackle and beat the advancing keeper, only to see the ball hit the inside of the right post, the left post and rebound out to a grateful keeper’s arms. On 12 minutes Wellecomme won the ball wide himself and set Steve Kneller free, but he was tackled as he shot and yet another chance went wide.
Andy Hume then had a great run down the right flank, riding two tackles en route and found Steve Gregory in support. Gregory cut the ball back into the box, but it was well intercepted and cleared. Then it was Lee Bailey’s turn to run the right flank and his cross beat all of the defence and the keeper, but Wellecomme could not get a head on it in front of an empty net.
Hume followed that up with a repeat performance on the left flank minutes later and hit a superb cross at full speed from almost the bye line. It found Steve Kneller on the edge of the box but took an awkward bounce from his shin and away from him; fortuitously finding Nick Wellecomme whose shot on the turn went over the bar.
More chances came and went as the half drew to a close and when a lob through the middle went over Richard Reeves’ head and was met on the half volley to beat Mike Shelper in Brocton’s goal, but fortunately for the home side, also the post. The alarm bells began to ring as all the Brocton pressure had created a hatful of chances and no goals. Surely Pershore were going to get chances themselves and they did have a couple of half chances when clearances were missed or too many home players were committed to attack.
The one that mattered came 28 minutes into the second period. Steve Gregory lifted his foot and gave away what could have been an indirect free kick for a dangerous challenge, but he did also connect, so no complaints that it was given as direct. The free kick was flighted into the top left hand corner of the net with Shelper unable to move.
Brocton tried to raise their tempo and when full back Lee Bailey had to give way to an injured ankle, Tom Edwards came on as a third striker, but all shape was gone in the desperate chase for a goal of any sort and Pershore contained Brocton comfortably enough for the remainder of the match and might even have snatched another as the defence was left under manned in the dying minutes.

March 18th
Midland Combination Premier Division
Coventry Copsewood 0 Brocton 1

Brocton made their second successive away trip to Coventry but this time they returned with three points thanks to a goal from their inspirational Player-Manager Steve Kneller.

Copsewood who have reached the semi-finals of the Coventry Evening Telegraph Cup finished in the Mid Comb Premier Division’s top three for the past two seasons but they have struggled in the league this term after losing manager Paul Mills and several experienced players.

Brocton look a better balanced side with Lee Bailey and Steve Gregory in midfield and both played prominent roles as the Badgers got on top in the first half. Kneller did find the net early on but the assistant referee flagged Nick Wellecome offside and the “goal” was disallowed.

Just before the break Referee Shearer booked Copsewood’s Sean McCallum for a foul on Richard Reeves. When the free kick was floated into the box Andy Harrison got his head to the ball but it went straight into the arms of ‘keeper Lee Wilson..

At the start of the second half Andy Harrison sent in a looping cross from the left wing and with the defence beaten Steve Kneller arrived on the far post to knock the ball past Lee Wilson to give the Badgers a deserved lead.

They should have doubled the advantage on 54 minutes when Nick Wellecomme broke clear down the right. He drew the keeper and squared the ball towards strike partner Andy Harrison but the big forward was put off by his marker and failed to connect as he tried to flick the ball into the empty net.

Over fussy refereeing saw Steve Kneller and Nick Wellcomme join Copsewood’s McCallum in the book and prevented a game that was played in good spirit between the two teams from flowing in the second half.

Copsewood mounted some late pressure to try and salvage a point but whilst they huffed and puffed the home side never seriously threatened to ruin Mike Shelper’s clean sheet.

Staffs County Senior League
Brocton Reserves 3 Foley Reserves 2

At the Chetwynd Arms Ground Brocton’s second string also chalked up a win and like the first team now occupy 11th place in their league table.

The Game was just 3 minutes old when Brocton took the lead. The move started well inside their own half with a long ball down left to Andy Nairn, whose perfect cross was converted by Tom Edwards. Brocton’s grip on the game strengthened, as Andy Chrimes made it 2-0 moments before the interval.

Ten minutes into the second half Russell Johnson pulled one back for Foley, but it was against the run of play with Foley rarely threatening, and Brocton’s two goal cushion was soon restored, as Tom Edwards found himself through with just the keeper to beat, and made no mistake.

As has often been the case this season Brocton lost concentration in the closing stages and allowed Woodhouse through to score a last gasp goal, as they appealed in vain for an offside flag. Some poor clearances gave Brocton some anxious moments in injury time but they held on for a deserved victory.

County Minor Sunday Youth League Division 1 South

Sunday 12th March Wolstanton v Brocton

The two previous contests between these two sides have been electric and this was no different. Brocton, despite conceding the winner last week in the dying moments of the match had done enough to feel confident of competing and Wolstanton in grabbing that late winner had every right to expect at least as good an outcome this time.
Circumstances dictated a change of formation for Brocton with Sam Betts taking the second striker role and Idean Farshabaf dropping a little deeper into midfield, but with an eye on attack when possible.
At the back, Tom Kimber retained his central defensive spot after a man of the match display last week even though Tunde Olaoye was back in contention for that birth.
It was the prolific Mark Devin who stole the limelight though, with a goal made and taken by his own efforts. First he won a ball that he had no right to, when Wolstanton were moving comfortably with the ball away from their goal and then he fought off a series of tackles to get into the box, from where he gave keeper Adam Garbar no chance.
He was on hand less than a minute later to accept a pass from Idean Farshbaf which set him dangerously clear again, but a fine tackle on the edge of the box made him hit his shot straight at Garbar.
The game was again played at break neck speed and both sides looked to switch the ball quickly to the danger area. Either side could have had further goals, but both defended in depth and attacked in numbers. Bitterly cold it may have been, but that was just for the spectators. The players provided their own central heating.
A tactical switch at half time saw Sam Betts give way to Tunde Olaoye, allowing Brocton to field a back four for the second period. Richard Martin then had to give way to an ankle injury and his place went to Richard Kirkland. Still the back four looked solid enough, but Olaoye too took a knock to an ankle and had to be replaced by striker Chris Ward with man of the match Colin Reeves dropping back from central midfield.
Wolstanton had continued to press in any case and their attacks had looked more and more threatening without these enforced changes and it is to the credit of the Brocton lads that they kept concentration and spirit high whilst trying to sort themselves into a new shape.
With seconds only on the clock, a final push by Wolstanton so nearly snatched a draw and , who knows, if one had gone in whether they might have nicked the match, but on this occasion the gods were with Brocton, not least so when the ball pounded against the crossbar and dropped invitingly close to the goal line only for Tom Kimber to scramble a clearance away and with it Wolstanton’s last opportunity. After three superb games though, no one would begrudge Brocton’s win.

Wolstanton 0 v 1 Brocton
Midland Combination Premier Division
Saturday 11th March Brocton v Dudley Sports

Dudley began the brighter and quickly worked the ball to the right hand edge of Brocton’s box and their lively number 9 hit a shot on the turn to bring a sharp save at his near post by Mike Shelper.
Brocton had their chance with a crisp series of one twos leading to Andy Harrison with room on the left flank. Spurning a quick cross with his left, Harrison turned back onto his right and his effort was blocked. On 10 minutes the move was repeated with Nick Wellecomme collecting the ball in a promising position on the left hand edge of Dudley’s box. Andy Harrison checked his run into the centre of the box and found the perfect spot, but Wellecomme had not spotted Harrison’s run and hit the shot himself on his left and straight at a grateful keeper.
Dudley then brought a fine double save from Shelper as they broke from midfield and ran the ball across field. The final pass was checked back inside, wrong footing Gareth Hardwick and the shot, saved by Shelper, was hit on the follow up and looked in until the keeper turned it round for a corner.
Andy Harrison and Warren Picken then combined neatly down the left again and this time Picken produced a deep cross which Andy Hume did well to meet , but his right foot volley was hit over the bar with the keeper scrambling. With Brocton growing in confidence, it was Nick Wellecomme who next went close when his right foot shot from the edge of the box could only be parried and fell back at his feet. His left footed follow up lacked the power to beat the keeper. It began to look just a matter of time though as Gareth Hardwick fed Andy Hume in central midfield and Hume’s dink over the back four set Richard Reeves free on the right. Early cross found Andy Harrison in the box with Nick Wellecomme along side, but once again the keeper positioned himself well and smothered the shot.
Just as the half was drawing to a close with Brocton pressing, the ball was lost in midfield and a repeat of the earlier fine early ball across the front of the Brocton defence had Hardwick in two minds. This time the cut back inside and shot brought dividends, but only because it took a wicked deflection and found Shelper committed to its original path. Even then it hit the post and agonisingly dribbled over the line.
The second period demanded a good start from the home side, now a goal down, but worse was to come as the ball was crossed left to right and then cheekily lobbed over the advancing Shelper to give Dudley Sports a two goal cushion in the first minute of the half.
Brocton worked hard from then on but their visitors showed that they were quite capable of soaking up any pressure and rarely broke formation in search of further goals for themselves. With Tom Edwards and Andy Chrimes both entering the fray for the final quarter of an hour, Brocton risked a full out attack, but despite one or two dangerous moments Dudley weathered the storm comfortably enough, leaving Brocton to rue those three minutes either side of half time.

Brocton 0 v 2 Dudley Sports

Saturday 4th March
Midland Combination Premier Division Coventry Sphinx 3 Brocton 0

Sphinx came into this match looking to extend the seven games unbeaten run that has carried them to second spot in the table and the difference in confidence between the two sets of players could not have been clearer. Sphinx began brightly and clearly expected to score. Their movement was purposeful and when passes went astray, there always appeared to be someone on their toes and ready to pick up anything loose. In contrast, Brocton attempted to be deliberate and anything of theirs that was not 100% accurate found a Sphinx player contesting for it.
The goal, which had been coming took only seven minutes to arrive. With Brocton on the attack, having apparently weathered the early bombardment, the ball was lost in midfield. Sphinx attack on the break was swift and immediate. With players hugging both right and left touchlines, the ball was swept right and crossed deep beyond the far post. The ball looked to have gone safe for Brocton, having been over hit, but it was rescued brilliantly and returned across goal where Wayne Pulford gratefully tucked it away.

At that moment it would have been little surprise for Brocton to cave in, but in fact the opposite happened. The Badgers rallied and took the game to Sphinx and on fifteen minutes Nick Wellecomme broke through a disciplined off side trap and bore down on goal. He had to ride two desperate tackles, but got free and his left foot shot beat keeper Ian Brooks keeper but lacked power and Sphinx were able to clear off the line. Once more the break out was swift and direct and in seconds Brocton were struggling again as the ball was volleyed over when it looked easier to score.

On 25 minutes Andy Harrison was sent through on the left and his early cross beat a retreating defence but also bounced cruelly over Nick Wellecomme’s outstretched foot with the goal gaping in front of him. Just two minutes later it was Wellecomme himself who found himself free on the left and he too hit an early cross, which this time went just behind the defenders struggling to get back into position. Steve Kneller was perfectly positioned and struck a first time half volley only to see it flash wide.

With the Sphinx rearguard looking increasingly stretched, but with nothing to show for it, Brocton had one more “might have been” moment when Andy Harrison was through the back line with the ball at his feet only to be given off side and then the home side struck the body blow. A lob into the Brocton area was headed goal wards by Petajon Gordon for Sphinx and Mike Shelper seemed simply to be collecting it. He got both hands to the ball, but inexplicably he, hands and ball collided with the post and the ball dropped agonisingly into the net.

From then on it was all Sphinx. Brocton tried hard to raise their game in the second period, but even with the wind now at their backs, were reduced to hopeful balls beyond the back line, mopped up by the ‘keeper Brooks. Insult was added to injury almost literally as both Wellecomme and Andy Harrison suffered knocks and had to be replaced. Sphinx wrapped up the points when a short corner was taken collected by Adam Knibbs whose shot found the Brocton net before anyone had reacted.

25th February
Staffs County Senior League
Ball Haye Green Res 1 Brocton Res 0
A Tony Hulse strike on the hour was enough to give Ball Green all three points.

18th February
Midland Combination Premier Division
Bridgnorth Town 0 Brocton 1
For Brocton the triple returns of Lee Bailey, Ben Skelton and Nick Wellecomme were a huge boost for manager Steve Kneller, but in the first half particularly it was goalkeeper Mike Shelper who stole the show with a series of excellent saves and vital clearances to keep out a rampant Bridgnorth Town.
It was fully 15 minutes into the match before the Badgers were able to break clear of their own half with any decent possession and Steve Kneller had a choice of runners to right and to left, chose to pass the ball into the run of Andy Hume on his left and Hume was quickly closed down. The very next move brought yet another fine save from Mike Shelper and Brocton were on the break again. This time Kneller put an early pass into the home box and Nick Wellecomme got in a shot on goal, but it was well blocked.
Bridgnorth put a well flighted free kick into the Badgers’ box on 35 minutes and a deflection from Wellecomme nearly undid all of Shelper’s fine early work, but an impossible twist of body and outstretched hand scooped the ball away as Shelper refused to be beaten. Just 3 minutes later and Shelper made his first error as the ball slipped from his grasp. But Richard Reeves was there on the line to blast it clear before any damage was done.
A break down the left through Andy Hume looked promising until Hume was unfortunate enough to over run it a touch, but Richard Pemberton was in close attendance to pinch the ball back and sweep it out to Lee Bailey, who shot into the side netting. On 40 minutes Bridgnorth’s frustration led to too many players ahead of play and when the ball was pinched in midfield, Brocton for once had superiority of numbers. The ball was quickly sent out to Andy Harrison on the left once again with options on both wings and his pass infield to Nick Wellecomme was not wasted as Wellecomme held off defenders and slotted the ball home. Bridgnorth nearly struck back immediately and only the feet of Mike Shelper prevented the strike.
In the second half, with the slope now in their favour, Brocton had more of the approach play and a deep corner headed back across goal threatened briefly to unsettle the home defence, but it was cleared safely enough. An unusually nervous spill from the almost immaculate Shelper then caused momentary panic in the visitors’ box, but again it was cleared. Richard Pemberton won the ball in midfield and set Nick Wellecomme on a run and outstripping the defence, he got in a full-blooded shot, but only found the side netting. With Bridgnorth now looking a little ragged, the ball was again won in midfield and swept out left. The ball into the box found almost too many cooks as no fewer than three separate headers contrived to put the eventual shot over the bar.
Bridgnorth continued to look dangerous, but now they were restricted to breaks. A free kick with just five minutes to go was beautifully flighted into the Brocton box and the defence had to tussle to keep from being overwhelmed by the superior height of the Bridgnorth attack. But hold on they did, even from the final corner right on time that had to be cleared off the line having rebounded goalwards off Nick Wellecomme.

Staffs County Senior League
Brocton Reserves 1 Manor Inne 0

Brocton Reserves also chalked up a 1-0 win when an Andy Nairn goal 10 minutes from time was enough to give them all three points against Manor Inne at the Chetwynd Arms Ground

Midland Combination Premier Division Saturday 11th February

Brocton 1 Highgate United 1

On a pitch which was very hard under foot, but the top of which was treacherously slippery, both sides should be commended for producing entertaining and flowing football. In territorial terms, Highgate had the better of the first half with good movement off the ball and well weighted passes into space. Never the less, they could find no way through a solid Brocton defence and did not manage to test keeper Mike Shelper throughout the half.
The Badgers fared no better, despite some bright moves and their only moment of danger came when Ian Brown slipped in Tom Edwards, but had to take an extra touch to ensure safe delivery of the final pass and that allowed an alert Highgate defence to step up as Edwards ran through. It was close, but Edwards was caught off side.
Both sides decided that the game was there for the winning and upped the tempo in the second period. The increased pace and greater room around the pitch seemed to suit the home side better and once again it was the Ian Brown, Tom Edwards combination which unzipped the Highgate defence. This time they sent Andy Hume through but whilst he did get a shot on target, it was comfortable for the keeper.
Just ten minutes into the half, Andy Harrison pinched the ball on half way as the visitors tried to work an opening for their forwards. Catching everyone off guard, he was able to take the ball wide of the left post before putting in a delicate chip across goal. No one could get a touch on it from either side and it went agonisingly wide of the far post.
A swift break from Highgate had Brocton scuttling back, but Shelper collected the ball and delivered on of his huge up field kicks, reminiscent of his play of previous seasons. Andy Harrison and Ian Brown were both involved in collecting the high ball and Brown was flattened for his trouble. Andy Hume broke through as the ball was flicked on and, clear through on goal, could only blast over.
Another Highgate break nearly bore fruit as it needed a brave slide by Steve Kneller to put off a final shot and it went wide. In the very next move though Highgate received a gift of a goal as Andy Chandler sent a pass back to Mike Shelper aiming across goal to put it on his right foot. Unfortunately Shelper had anticipated the pass and come across goal. On that surface there was no chance to change direction and the ball needed only a tap in.

To their credit, the Badgers then produced their best football and for the remainder of the match put Highgate under tremendous pressure. First Richard Pemberton crossed and Tom Edwards volleyed over and then roles were reversed as Pemberton volleyed over from Edward’s delivery. Edwards was on hand soon after though to convert a Richard Reeves stab across the box to make it 1-1. In the final minutes Ben Harrison took the ball to the edge of the goal and attempted to pull it back, only to see it smuggled out and both Andy Harrison and Andy Hume hit over when clear and with just the keeper to beat, but both had given their all for the cause and on another day would have scored.

Staffs County Minor League

Sunday 12th February Stafford Rangers U17 2 Brocton Youth 2

Rangers set out from the start to try to get the ball beyond Brocton’s back four and it took some good communication from Tunde Olaoye to keep his partners focussed. With previously ever present Richard Martin missing, Sean Dawson was making his first start of the season having come back from a close season broken leg. Sadly Dawson lasted only ten minutes before having to go off to hospital as a result of a fifty fifty clash which left him in trouble and Laurie Stanley came on at right back pushing George Carter over to take Dawson’s place on the left.

Whilst the reformed back line were still getting their composure, Rangers broke through and Ben Rawsthorne found himself one on one with Brocton’s keeper Joe Garmson. Rawsthorne did everything right but Garmson managed to spread himself and smother the attempt.
Frank Downey sped to the bye line on the left moments later and was awarded a free kick from the tackle preventing his early cross. George Carter took the free kick and Idean Farshbaf headed wide of goal. The response from Rangers was immediate and once again a ball beyond the Badgers’ back line left Garmson exposed. This time Rawsthorne made no mistake.

Brocton responded well but an over enthusiastic tackle gave Rangers a free kick in a dangerous position on the right. The well flighted ball into the area was met on the run by Ollie House who helped his side to a 2—0 lead within a space of two minutes. Tom Kimber epitomised Bocton’s spirit with a chase into the Rangers box where he found Chris Millage following up and his strike produced the first of several fine saves by Rangers keeper Matt Sargeant. Idean Farshbaf was next to be involved and his cross from the left found George Carter, whose shot was deflected wide by his own player. It was Broctn who had a free kick wide right as the half drew to a close as Tom Kimber was bundled over and the alert Frank Downey received the ball from Kimber on the edge of the area from where he powered home.

Spirits now soaring, Frank Downey and Mark Devin combined down the left flank and with keeper Sargeant already down in an attempt to save, the ricochet fell to Devin, but his effort to return the ball was blocked on the line and despite two corners in quick succession, the half closed with no further score.

It seemed impossible, but both sides found an extra gear in the second period and the action was truly end to end. Rawsthorne was once again through the Brocton back line, but this time forced wide of goal and his narrow approach was blocked by a well positioned Garmson. Next a Frank Downey corner almost undid the home side as Colin Reeves powered a header down only to see it go wide of the mark. Rangers roared back and from a free kick into the area a shot on the volley went over the bar. Brocton came back again and won a corner. The first was blocked, but only for another and this time the deep ball was headed back across goal for Tom Kimber to head home.
Two excellent saves in the final minutes from Sargeant kept Brocton out, the best of which came from a fierce strike from Colin Reeves bound for the top right corner.

February 4th
Midland Combination Premier Division

Southam United 1 Brocton 0

After a disappointing performance that saw them bow out of the Walsall Senior Cup at the quarter final stage in mid-week Brocton were again below par as they sank to another defeat against Southam United

They made a promising start with Steve Gregory sending Tom Edwards away. The young striker pulled the ball back from the by-line but the inrushing Andy Harrison just failed to get a touch on the ball in the 6-yard box.

Both teams were short of key players and chances were few and far between although Brocton were generally on top the only other first half chance came on 22 minutes. Ben Harrison played a perfectly weighted pass down the inside left channel for Tom Edwards but instead of shooting with his left foot he tried to use the outside of his right boot and ‘keeper Richie Meadows gathered comfortably.

Southam began to get the upper hand as the half drew to a close and a Barry Shearsby free kick caused problems in the Badgers defence.

The second half opened with a Steve Kneller free kick flying over the Southam bar but in the 51st minute Brocton failed to cut out a right wing cross and Mike Shelper did well to palm out Andy Stidder’s shot that was destined for the top corner. However despite the efforts of Shelper and Richard Reeves on the line Neil Austin bundled the ball in to give Southam the lead.

Brocton then went down the other end and won a corner which Steve Gregory headed goalwards but Meadows made a good save. Brocton’s inability to string passes together meant that Southam were on top for most of the second half and the Badgers had a let off when Neil Austin headed a Barry Shearsby free kick against the bar with Shelper beaten.

A rare Brocton attempt on goal came when Ben Harrison got a headed flick to an Andy Hume free kick but Meadows gathered comfortably.

However in the last minute the Badgers almost snatched a point when Ben Harrison’s chipped pass found Warren Picken inside the box. The youngster shot hard and low but Richie Meadows spread himself to block the ball brilliantly, Picken retrieved the ball and crossed to the far post but substitute keeper Adam Lane playing up front pushed a defender and Southam relieved the pressure with a free kick.

This Saturday Brocton will look to return to winning ways when they entertain Highgate United at Heath Hayes (kick off 2.45pm)

Staffs County Senior League
Brocton Res 2 Hanley Tn Res 1
Brocton had the lion’s share of the play in the first half, but at the interval, had just a single goal advantage, to show for it. The goal came towards the end of the session, Gareth Hardwick’s cross into the area from the right was heading towards Paul Stirling, and the Hanley defender covering him forced the ball past Stair in goal.
After the interval Hanley restored the status quo, courtesy of Delroy Fox, and as the game progressed, the visitors began to dominate, with Brocton showing signs of fading a little. Brocton subs, Chris Cooper, Nathan Bevan & Dan Oxley were all introduced, and the home side suddenly burst into life once more. Richard Rea found himself in good scoring positions, but the striker’s luck was out, Stair, in goal denied him on more than one occasion. It was Nathan Bevan who restored Brocton’s lead, breaking through, and latching onto a long ball, slotting past the advancing Stair. The ‘keeper had narrowed the angle for the shot, but Bevan placed his shot well, the ball hitting the inside of the far post. Hanley replied with quick pressure, and James Tinkler in goal for Brocton, was forced to make a brilliant save, to keep them in the game. Despite some end to end play in the dying stages of the game, Brocton hung onto their lead and were well worth the three points.

Saturday 28th January
Midland Combination Premier Division

Brocton 1 Pilkington XXX 2

Brocton and Pilkington’s squad’s were both down to the bare bones so this match was not the best of advertisements for the Midland Combination.

The first half saw a well worked move involving Ben Harrison three times end when Andy Hume’s shot tested visiting keeper Neil Leech in the 20th minute.

Pilkington then won a corner and this was followed by a spell with them on top when they forced two good saves out of Mike Shelper. Brocton then regained the upper hand with Steve Kneller shooting just wide of the post on 32 minutes and Hume having another shot saved by Leech on 35. The pressure on the visiting defence was relieved when Rob Blakeney made an excellent clearance in the 41st minute.

Pilkington tried to get at Brocton early in the second half as Martell Beckford and then Romaine Foster set them on the attack. They won a corner in the 48th minute and Rob Blakeney’s flag lick was pushed back out to him by Shelper and when the ball came back into the box the Badgers defence failed to deal with it and centre back Darren Field who had gone up for the corner lashed a left foot shot into the Brocton net.

The Badgers drew level nine minutes later when Andy Hume won a right wing corner. After a mis-kick in the Pilkington defence Steve Gregory sent the ball goalwards and Richie Pemberton was on hand on the far post to net from close range.

Andy Harrison won a corner in the 65th minute. Steve Kneller’s kick caused problems for Pilkington and the ball fell to Andy Chandler in the six yard box but he could not get it out from under his feet to get sufficient power on it to beat the defender on the line.

At this stage it was all Brocton and Leech saved well to deny the hard working Andy Harrison and Kneller fired wide from a free kick. Then a throw in from Craig Millen found Steve Gregory whose excellent pass found Warren Pickin on the far post. The young forward chested the ball down superbly but screwed his shot wide of the far post.

In the 79th minute the Badgers paid the penalty for missed chances when some shambolic defending left two Pilkington players unmarked in the inside right channel and Nick Martin sent a looping shot over Shelper to give the visitors a 2-1 lead.

Martin ended his day on an unhappy note though as he left his team a man short when two minutes from time he stupidly head-butted Warren Pickin leaving referee Lance Blackwood no option other than to show him the red card.

Saturday 21st January

Midland Combination Premier Division
Continental Star 1 Brocton 1

After the previous week’s victory over high riding Sphinx the Badgers again showed their lack of consistency and inability to put a string of good results together by failing to despatch bottom club Continental Star at Oldbury last Saturday. Brocton were clinging to a one goal lead as they came under increasing pressure in the closing stages and Star picked up a deserved point when Andre Robinson broke through a square back line and beat Mike Shelper to equalise.

The game had begun promisingly for Brocton as Warren Picken won a first minute corner. The flag kick was followed by a clear hand ball in the box but referee Hembry inexplicably chose to ignore the Badgers’ penalty appeal. Continental Star mounted a series of attacks with Kirk Maragh featuring prominently but although they won a number of corners they did not seriously threaten Shelper’s goal in the early stages.

In the 10th minute Andy Harrison headed on to set up a chance for Andy Hume but the latter’s shot was poor and went well wide. Roles were reversed a few minutes later when Hume sent Harrison away on the right. The big forward beat his man and produced an excellent cross but his colleagues could not capitalise and the ball was cleared. Then Star attacked and Allando Davies had Shelper scrambling across his goal to cover a shot that went a foot wide of the post. The Badgers’ custodian again showed his mettle in the 39th minute to deny Andre Robinson at point blank range and Ben Skelton completed the clearance with an overhead kick.

Just before half time Brocton’s best chance came when Ben Harrison burst through the home defence and into the box only to be denied by a fine save from Andy Pring at the expense of a corner.

Early in the second half Steve Kneller came on to replace Skelton who had taken a knock in the first half. Continental then won a corner but Brocton broke quickly through Richard Reeves. He exchanged passes with Tom Edwards and the move ended with Pring parrying Reeves’ shot and his defence clearing the danger.

Brocton’s next raid down the right led to a throw in taken by Craig Millen. Millen’s long throw found Andy Harrison in the 6 yard box he out paced his marker as he took the ball to the bye line and intelligently fired it across goal where it cannoned into the net off a defender’s legs to give the Badgers a deserved lead in the 54th minute.

Sloppy Brocton defending almost gave the Black Country side an immediate equaliser but Shelper got down low to his left to deny Kirk Maragh and he produced a similar save a few minutes later to keep out a Nathan Grey effort. At the other end Pring showed why he had been in the Mid Comb representative side when he denied first Tom Edwards and then Andy Harrison as the Badgers searched for a second goal.

Star who had been unlucky when Maragh rattled the angle of post and bar got the point their fightback merited when Andre Robinson beat Shelper in the 89th minute.

Leek Cup
Brocton’s playing squads are down to the bare bones due to a mounting injury list and this was reflected in the substitutes bench where besides Kneller only keeper Adam Lane and coach Dave Harrison whose two sons were in the side were available. This has had a knock on effect to the reserve side who took a 5-1 hammering in the Leek Cup at Ball Haye Green and injuries continue to pile up with the reserves player manager Rob Chrimes taken to hospital with a suspected broken ankle.

Ball Haye led 5-0 through Mark Birchall, Peter Johnson, Paul Kileer and two from Steve Plant before Chris Cooper netted a consolation goal 15 minutes from time.

Saturday 14th January
Midland Combination Premier Division

Brocton 1 Coventry Sphinx 0

After being without a match the previous week due to a waterlogged pitch at Copsewood Brocton returned to action with a victory over high riding Coventry Sphinx at Heath Hayes last Saturday.

There were goal mouth incidents a plenty in the game and each team matched the other for corners, seemingly coming in quick succession as neither could quite manufacture a clear enough opening to score.
It could have been very different when Mike Shelper had to produce a fine full stretch save at his right hand post after only four minutes. This produced the first of Sphinx’s corners, but the ball was then cleared and Richard Pemberton was quickly released in midfield. He found Andy Hume raiding down the left flank and Hume’s shot was deflected for Brocton’s first corner on five minutes.

Sphinx shaded a goal less first half by springing the more convincing breaks and by being more direct in their play. But the Brocton defence held firm and seldom looked in enough trouble to concede. Often their clearances simply fed the ball back to their opponents though and the pressure was building.

When Brocton did manage to break out, it took a little while to overcome a Sphinx back line which was constantly looking to catch any runners off side, but still Brocton forced their fair share of those corners, with their main threat coming down the right flank as Richard Pemberton tried to set Craig Millen free.

Two fine runs from Millen as the half drew to a close had him in the position to cross. The first was pulled back to Richard Pemberton and was nicked off his toes as he attempted to sweep the ball into the danger area, but the second was crossed early. It went just behind Tom Edwards, but Andy Hume was following up and got a good boot to it, only to see it go wide. Sphinx then forced their own dangerous looking corner, which Shelper managed to punch away under pressure and then Andy Harrison drew the half to a close as he raided down the right and despite having to ride a very late tackle, got in his cross, which was beaten away.

With a low sun in the eyes of the Sphinx keeper at the start of the second period it seemed that shots on goal from anywhere must cause trouble for him, but it was Sphinx who piled on the early pressure. It was Brocton though who came closest to scoring when Richard Pemberton’s replacement, Warren Picken, was immediately sent on a run down the left flank. That move came to nothing, but moments later with Sphinx still not having regained their composure, Picken pressed the right full back and his pass back to the keeper was intercepted by fellow newcomer Tom Edwards. Edwards took the ball on and crossed invitingly from the left for Andy Harrison to give Brocton the lead 23 minutes into the second half.

Sphinx increased their efforts and Brocton had to defend in numbers, eventually withdrawing striker Tom Edwards in favour of an extra midfielder in Ian Brown. Brocton had a great chance to make the game safe when Warren Picken could just not quite reach a ball across the Sphinx goal line, but the visitors could themselves have squared it in the dying seconds as a full length save from Shelper rebounded and was inches wide of the post with virtually the last kick of the match. The Badgers held out though to pick up the 3 points.

Staffs County Senior League

Manor Inne 3 Brocton Reserves 2

Despite goals from Gareth Hardwick and player-manager Rob Chrimes, on as a substitute, Brocton Reserves lost out on a point from their trip to Manor Inne when Nick Holdcroft netted a winner for the home side with the last kick of the match. Keith Peate & Keith Vincent were Manor’s other scorers.

2005
Saturday 31st December
MCP
Brocton 0 Atherstone 1
It was clear in the first half which team was brimming with confidence as Atherstone had time and room to play and movement to match. When Brocton did win the ball they showed their nerves and often played it too quickly and gave away possession.

Atherstone foundered as they moved into the last third of the pitch on most occasions, although it was clear that they had the ability to create chances and with the two top scorers in the league both playing for the visitors, they had every reason to be confident. Brocton battled in defence and began to look as though they could cause a little impatience in their opponents if nothing else.

Just half way through the first period though, the ball was lost in midfield when a genuine chance in attack looked set. Atherstone broke quickly and decisively and although defenders got back at every stage Atherstone had just one spare player. The last was Roy Dunkley and he accepted the ball and turned it into the net before anyone could get near to him.

It was nothing less than Atherstone deserved at that stage and it is a credit to Brocton that they continued to battle, gradually playing themselves into the game. In a strange sort of way, the goal down made the worry of conceding disappear and the Badgers began to play.

The second half was much more even, although Atherstone still held the upper hand, if only slightly. Twenty minutes into that period and Nick Wellecomme found a great position inside the six yard box and the ball was delivered to his feet. He had to shoot quickly and all the spectators, home and away alike went up to salute what would have been a fie goal at the end of a flowing move, but it went wide of the post.

At the other end, as the game became more stretched, the goal came under much more threat as less of the play dwelt in midfield. Mike Shelper, making yet another come back, this time after a twenty two week gap, had to save at full stretch and then needed his wits about him as he swept behind the defensive line to a cunning diagonal through ball.

Brocton were not without threats on goal of their own and Matt Inskip, on for his brother Richard, was just inches short of poking in to finish off a move down his left hand side, only for Atherstone’s alert keeper to smother the ball at his feet.

Saturday 24th December

Staffs County Senior League

Brocton Reserves 5 Holt JCB 1

With few other games taking place Brocton Reserves drew their biggest crowd of the season and matched it with their best performance eventually running out 5-1 winners at the Chetwynd Arms Ground on Christmas Eve

Tom Edwards led the way with a hat trick and gave Brocton the lead when Richie Pemberton played him in for a one on one with visiting keeper Andrew Cooper.

The Badgers doubled their lead when Edwards broke clear down the middle but this time Cooper saved his shot at the expense of a corner which Pemberton headed home.

In the second half Brocton continued to dominate and once again Cooper saved an effort from Tom Edwards at the expense of a corner. However this time it was quickly cleared and the Badgers defence were caught out by the speed of Holt’s breakaway and Robbie Brown pulled one back.

Brocton had of course lost 3-2 the previous week after being 2-0 up but before they could get too worried about a repeat an excellent move began by Kenny Bailey and carried on by the impressive Richard Rea ended when Edwards converted Rea’s cross to restore the Badgers two goal cushion.

The fourth goal came when Cooper who had had an otherwise excellent game in goal for Holt muffed a goal kick. Richie Pemberton was alert and volleyed the ball forward to Edwards who produced a clinical finish.

With his performance impressing watching first team boss Steve Kneller Edwards was substituted with a place in first team squad a possibility during the busy holiday period. His replacement Sam Betts then produced a nonchalant finish chipping the ball over Cooper and into the roof of the net after Richard Rea had once again created the chance to make the final score 5-1 to the Badgers.

Saturday December 17th
Midland Combination Premier Division

Cadbury Athletic 3 Brocton 3

For the second time in three away games Brocton led 2-0 but only drew. After their mid week pasting at Shifnal Brocton needed a good start and just 4 minutes into the game they got exactly the start they needed. Ben Harrison won the ball on the edge of the Cadbury bo

BROCTON FC

E-MAIL broctonfc@aol.com

LATEST NEWS