BRINKLOW FC'S SCOTT BROADBENT TELLS IT LIKE IT WAS ABOUT THE DEFEAT TO STOCKTON...

"Another game in very quick succession and with no points on the board we headed in to the match desperate to get ourselves off the mark against a newly promoted and undefeated Stockton F.C. 

Edwin was once again forced to make some changes to personnel as a result of some unavailable players and no doubt to find the missing link that has caused a slow start to our season. Unfortunately this was not to be the day that we came out on top. 

The Stockton midfield and strikers worked up some good passing manoeuvres which carved through the Brinklow defence effectively. It was one of those well-worked combinations that resulted in us conceding a penalty early on in the game after Mally challenged at the feet of Stockton’s number 9. He was inches away from saving it but Stockton converted and were now leading the game 0–1.

We hit back strongly; some persistent attacking and a good sprint and low cross from Jordan unlocked the Stockton back-four. The goal came after Blake’s initial shot was blocked and Ben’s strike was saved with the ball falling kindly back at Blake’s feet and he made no mistake in finding the back of the net on his second attempt. 

In Edwin’s words, "...for the first time this season...” we had seemingly found the smart passing that we have worked on tirelessly during pre-season and it was good to see. However, we found ourselves trailing once more: a strong header at the back post was smashed in to the back of our net following a Stockton set-piece and cross. 

Half–Time: Brinklow F.C 1–2 Stockton F.C 

After a good old-fashioned tongue-lashing from an entertaining referee we headed out on to the pitch fully confident we could turn this round and get a result but this wasn’t to be.  

Not too long after the restart we conceded yet another penalty which Stockton confidently buried to extend their lead to 3–1. This would prove to be the trigger which saw the end of any real football being played by a riled up Brinklow team. 

Rather than channelling our frustration into our desire and determination to get back into the game we fell hook, line and sinker for some clever wind up tactics, myself included. The game petered out, finishing with nothing but some lazy passing, mistimed tackles and a lot of handbags. (Apologies for that one...) 

We face another battle on Tuesday at the hands of Folly Lane, so we must dust ourselves off and go again. The gaffer has said that we aren’t too far away from what we know we are capable of.  

Realistically we all expected to be up there at the top of this table but now we find ourselves propping it up. I think with more belief in our ability and desire to win a football match, the team will come good in no time at all..."

Scott 'Hughie' Broadbent, handbag salesman, Brinklow FC...