Brantham  V East Bergholt   (Friendly)

Brantham were looking to improve from the previous week and this friendly was just what they needed. Right from the start Brantham looked more of a team and started to play the ball around the opposition. Tanner and Davidson were busy about the midfield and it was Tanner who opened the scoring from a corner which he struck superbly into the roof of the net. Bergholt continued to push forward though and a flowing move saw the ball ending up in the left hand corner of the Brantham net. This really was end to end stuff and from one attack O. Brett was up ended in the penalty box. Davidson took the kick and after a great save from the Bergholt keeper slotted home the rebound. That wasn’t the end of the scoring though, Bergholt hitting straight back leaving Day no chance from a corner guided in by a head.

Half time Brantham A  2  East Bergholt A 2

The crowd were eager for more goals and both teams were trying hard to make the breakthrough. When called upon Davidson was solid again in goal and Day and Tanner started to combine with O. Brett to make chances Day hitting the post from one left foot effort. Indeed it was the midfield combination who combined to end the deadlock with Tanner finally finishing a volley past the Bergholt keeper. Chances came and went but no other scores were added meaning a great win for Brantham in this entertaining match.

Full time Brantham A  3   East Bergholt A 2

M.O.M -  Chris Tanner

The ‘B’s started off the days friendly games and certainly warmed up the supporters. Right from the start Brantham competed and Tillett and C. Greenhalgh up front both caused the Bergholt defence problems. The trio of Humphrey’s , R. Greenhalgh and Palmer supported the forwards with fine defensive displays getting distance on clearances which previously had caused problems to them. It was C. Greenhalgh who started the goal scoring finishing from close range past the Bergholt keeper. Brantham did seem quite solid defensively but from a speculative long range Bergholt effort saw Clarke picking the ball from the Brantham net.   

Half time  Brantham B  1   East Bergholt B 1

The pattern of second half play mirrored the first half with both teams looking for goals.

Humphreys returned to goalkeeping duties turning in a fine display keeping Bergholt at bay whilst the team overall were much improved positionally. It fell to Miller to strike the winning blow sweetly connecting to send the ball spiralling over the Bergholt keeper. A fine strike to compliment his hard work during the game.

Full time  Brantham B  2   East Bergholt B 1

M.O.M  -  Rhys Greenhalgh

Kirton kestrels V Brantham   (League)

 ‘A’ Team

 With it being Guy Fawkes Brantham were hoping for fireworks of their own against Kirton who they had previously drawn against earlier in a friendly match. Things early on were even with chances happening in both goal areas. Kirton though seemed to have a stranglehold in midfield and the ball always came back into Branthams half. The two goals that Brantham conceded were soft ones. Firstly in open play they gave Mayes too much room and he calmly slotted home; then from a set piece they stood and watched as Mayes helped himself to another.

Half time Kirton Kestrels A  2  Brantham A  0

A stern team talk was supposed to bring Brantham back to compete in all areas of the pitch but it seemed the will just was not there. Kirton looked up for more goals and they produced two of them; with Pane finishing nicely and saving the best till last with Horton having an awareness of were the goal was to slot home from just outside the box. A well beaten Brantham hoping to attend better fireworks displays than they gave on the pitch.

Full time Kirton Kestrels A  4  Brantham A  0

Could the ‘B’s give Kirton a sterner test. Well they did compete more across the pitch. Humphrey and Miller in particular put in the effort all be it as the half progressed in rear guard action. Brantham did not though really have an effort on the Kirton goal with Tillett and Conor Greenhalgh up front struggling to make an impression.

Half time Kirton Kestrels B  0  Brantham B  0

Brantham were once again soon defending with Rhys Greenhalgh in the thick of the action. Eventually the Kirton pressure told and a crack in the defence appeared with Cullen finding the net. Spurred on by conceding Brantham did manage a couple of efforts on the Kirton goal but whilst attacking space appeared at the back and Cullen helped himself to another goal.

Full time Kirton Kestrels B  2  Brantham B  0

Boxford Rovers V Brantham  (Cup)

‘A’ Team

Brantham headed to Boxford for this Cup tie looking to build on the two wins against East bergholt the week before. A wet heavy pitch greeted them but this did not deter them. Early exchanges were even with both sides having corners and getting into there opposition’s penalty area. The deadlock was broken by the home team. Brantham had been seeing most of the ball with Day and Davidson supporting O.Brett but from a long clearance a Boxford player (J.Lambert) found too much space and calmly finished past Tanner. Heads seemed to drop again and not long after from another set piece (corner taken by S. Beven) the ball somehow found it s way into the Brantham net.

Half time Boxford Rovers 2    Brantham  0

Brantham came out for the second half trying hard to make the breakthrough. Indeed Davidson worked hard with Day and Tanner supporting but the ball always seemed to fall to a Boxford player; with there defence never missing a clearing opportunity. Brantham also looked solid this half with Clarke looking more composed on the ball and the terrier like H.Breet constantly worrying the Boxford forwards whilst also getting up to support attacks. Palmer also looked assured playing left back and although Brantham passed the ball about a lot better not many clear cut chances were created. It was a shame then when the ball was spilled by the Brantham goalie and R. Cheeseman gleefully hit the back of the net.

Lots of positive play from Brantham just a result that seemed more convincing to Boxford than it actually was.

Full time Boxford Rovers 3    Brantham  0

M.O.M -  Matt Day

‘B’ Team

The ‘B’s had to play this game as a friendly through lack of players. A much changed line up saw more pitch time for Davidson and O. Brett. These two  were a handful for Boxford with plenty of chances being created and from one the ball ended up in the Boxford net even after a brave attempt to clear. Boxford then tried to get level but the Brantham defence with Humphrey and Palmer looked solid enough. The second Brantham goal was a fine one ending a combination of passes with O. Brett striking the ball hard into the Boxford net.

Half time Boxford Rovers 0    Brantham  2

The second half saw Brantham becoming even stronger with Miller looking solid in midfield and moving the ball about, creating numerous chances. From one of these O. Brett helped himself to another goal. W. Tillett tried hard to add a goal for himself but it was not his day although he worked hard for his team.

Humphreys in goal did save well from two late efforts from  Boxford after watching most of the game but right at the end of the half from a 4-5 pass move Brantham narrowly missed connecting with the final cross which would have capped a fine all round display.

Full time  Boxford Rovers 0    Brantham  3

M.O.M  -  W. Tillett

Bildeston Rangers V Brantham  (League)

Brantham were keen to take to the pitch after watching the B’s go close in the first game. Soon Tanner and Day were combining with Davidson and chances started to be created. Tanner had a shot well saved and the home team keeper saw plenty of action. Having missed some easier chances then it was somewhat of a surprise when Davidson sweetly caught a volley and dispatched it high into Bildestons net. Brantham knew that more goals were required having to play against the wind second half and pushed for more. In goal H. Brett rarely saw the ball but although Brantham created the chances the failed to get in another clean strike before half time.

Half time Bildeston Rangers 0    Brantham  1

Brantham came out for the second half expecting Bildseton to throw everything at them and they did not disappoint. This time the defence of Clarke, Tanner and Hammond were kept busy constantly battling to clear their lines. Bildeston didn’t seem though to have their shooting boots on and chances came and went. When Brantham did attack on the break H. Brett , Day and Davidson all looked dangerous. This seemed to be the pattern but from another home attack a good shot by O. Clemson resulted in the ball ending up past Palmer in the Brantham net. Brantham now seemed to be holding on with their supporters anxiously waiting secretly hoping for the final whistle. Another twist though was to take place and from another breakaway move Davidson latched onto the ball and dispatched it past the despairing dive of the home keeper. His goal celebrations worthy of the goal finish and a fitting way to end a close fought contest.

Full time Bildeston Rangers 1    Brantham  2

M.O.M -  William Davidson

Captain – B. Clarke

The ‘B’s started off the days proceedings and immediately set about the tough challenges ahead from a heavy pitch and strong wind conditions. Playing with the wind Brantham were looking confident passing between each other with O. Brett in particular not putting a pass astray. Chances though were once again missed with C and R Greenhalgh going close O. Brett worked the goalie but no breakthrough came. Even a fine set of corners from Humphreys created problems for the Home team but no one for Brantham could get the all important final touch.

Half time Bildeston Rangers 0    Brantham  0

The second half saw Brantham now battling against the wind and this seemed to give the home side a boost having kept the first half goalless. They set about causing the Brantham defence the problems they had, had to deal with. Miller was now in a more defensive role with Tillett helping in midfield but neither could stop the first Bildeston goal from C. Talbot who sweetly struck the ball low past Hammond in goal. Brantham did try to get into their opponents half but all to soon the ball came back at them although Hammond made numerous saves he was eventually beaten by another effort Bildeston adding a second from C. Head.

A good even contest with Brantham hoping finer conditions next time will ensure they turn the tables on Bildeston.

Full time  Bileston Rangers 2    Brantham  0

M.O.M  -  Conor Greenhalgh

Captain  -  D. Humphreys

Brantham  V Holbrook   (League)

‘A’ Team

Brantham were looking to build on last weeks performance. However they came up against a well organised Holbrook team. Brantham always so plenty of the ball with Davidson full of running but rarely troubled the Holbrook defence. Indeed they had an early warning of how the game was to go when the ball found its way to a Holbrook player in plenty of space only for a brave save by Clarke in goal. The next time though Holbrook’s Pittman scored. O. Brett had worked a few nice moves with Davidson and Day in midfield but failed to worry the Holbrook defenders. Just when Brantham looked like holding their own a long Holbrook throw caught a Brantham foot and ended in the Home teams net. Indeed the opposition were unlucky not to add another but for brave defending and the cross bar.

Half time Brantham A  0  Holbrook A 2

The second half again saw Brantham with plenty of the ball again but failing to force any real goal scoring efforts and it was to be Holbrook scoring through Pittman again adding to his goal tally. At 3-0 down Brantham looked more determined not to concede any more with H. Brett winning some crucial tackles. It was from one of these and a run by Davidson that saw a free kick awarded centre field. Tanner stepped up striking the ball beautifully high into the Holbrook goal. The supporters were hoping for a comeback but any hopes were soon extinguished as Brantham looking to attack left gaps at the back surviving an effort which crashed off the bar again only to see a very strong run from Winter end with the ball once again nestling in Brantham’s net.

Full time Brantham A  1   Holbrook  A 4

M.O.M -  O.Brett

Captain – W. Davidson

‘B’ Team

The ‘B’s were looking for a positive result this week but came up against another strong team from Holbrook. C. Greenhalgh worked hard with Miller to try and work the ball up to Tillett but all too soon the ball was back at the Brantham end with R. Greenhalgh

D. Humphrey’s and T.Palmer struggling to clear their lines. H. Brett in goal gave another fine display coping with all of Holbrooks efforts in the first half.

Half time  Brantham B  0   Holbrook  B 0

The pattern of second half play mirrored the first half with Holbrook continuing to look for goals. It eventually came out of the blue from a fine swivel half volley shot from Willens which ended up hitting the Brantham post and rebounding off Day into the goal. They added another through Myers from Holbrooks best move of the match with him finishing right in the corner. Brantham’s best move of the match fell to C. Greenhalgh who played in on goal hit his shot wide of the target. The final goal was to be Holbrooks with Thrower hitting the ball high into the Brantham net.

Full time  Brantham B  0   Holbrook B 3

M.O.M  -  O. Brett

Captain – B.Miller

Kirton kestrels A  V Brantham A   (Friendly)

The ‘A’s had seen the B’s play so well and seemed up for the challenge although with the weather deteriorating and the pitch getting very heavy it seemed that it would not suit them. Early exchanges were even and both keepers were involved. Miller seemed assured with his handling and most of the play centred about the middle of the pitch. It was here where the first goal came from with Day and Tanner missing the chance to rob Knight of the ball who having eluded the Brantham midfield took aim as Clarke and H. Brett looked on finishing with a thumping shot past Miller.

Half time  Kirton Kestrels A  1   Brantham A  0

The pattern of second half play mirrored the first half in that most of the play was around the midfield area again. Brantham did create chances to equalise though with Davidson  and then Day / Hammond just failing to get that bit of luck around the goal area. Hammond went closest having been put clean through and running strongly from there to crashing the ball against the post / upright which somehow failed to go over the goal line. Perhaps this was not to be Branthams day and to confirm this a ball lost in midfield again resulted in the ball nestling once more in the Brantham net this time Patterson the scorer. A good even contest so much better from Branthams point of view than the league encounter although still losing but giving a better account of themselves.

Thanks to all at Kirton in particular the ref who did an excellent job in both games on a difficult day weather wise.

Kirton kestrels B  V Brantham B   (Friendly)

‘B’ Team

Brantham ‘B’s started off the days proceedings with Henry Hunter starting in his first game. Right from the start they looked confident and set about the highly placed Kirton team. Indeed it was to be the new boy Hunter who opened his account from a cracking strike which the goalie could not hold. This gave the boys confidence and with Palmer looking strong defending it gave the platform for more attacking play and the next goal came from O. Brett finishing coolly. Kirton tried to reply but Humphrey’s in goal dealt with anything that came his way and it was new boy Hunter again with another powerful strike that flew past the home goalie.

Half Time Kirton B  0    Brantham B   3   

Kirton set about reducing the deficit early on and went close before Dolan finished strongly past the hapless Miller in goal. This though seemed to spur Brantham on again and from another Hunter strike a deflection saw it end in the net. Brantham’s goal tally was to increase again with Hammond joining the goal scorers finishing well giving the keeper no chance. By this time Kirton were shell shocked but to there credit kept coming forward but credit must also be paid to Branthams R. Greenhalgh who did not seem to lose out in any tackles. The game was rounded off with Hammond again finishing to complete the highest scoring win for the guys.

Full time  Kirton B  1    Brantham B  6

Ransomes  V Brantham   (League)

‘A’ Team

Brantham were looking to test a Ransomes side at the top of the league table. A few changes had been made and with Hunter making his debut the team looked forward to a good encounter. Early exchanges centred on the middle of the pitch but Branthams main problem seemed to be their inability to clear the ball from defence with any distance. Time after time the ball came back all too quickly and Palmer; Clarke and Miller saw plenty of touches. With half time looming and Brantham looking to re-group Ransomes Kinkaid saw an opportunity and hit the Brantham net.

Half time Ransomes A  1   Brantham A  0

Ransomes were straight back at Brantham after the break and Miller saw himself beaten once again when unsighted by Minns. This did have an effect on Brantham who then mustered their best move of the game and saw it end with Davidson having his goal bound shot saved by the brave Ransomes goalie. The game was 2-0 right up to the last 5 mins of the 25 mins played of the second half and the set piece defensive problems resurfaced with Brantham picking the ball out of the net 3 more times from Rayner and Thrower (x2). Although Ransomes deserved the victory from the amount of possession they had throughout Brantham could have made the score more respectable if only they could defend set pieces with more thought, confidence and bravery.

Full time  - Ransomes A  5   Brantham A  0

Captain  -  Chris Tanner

M.O.M -  Henry Hunter

‘B’ Team

After last weeks result at Kirton; although much changed the ‘B’s hoped for another positive scoreline. They did not bank though on running into a goal scoring machine called Pearson. Whilst Brantham tried to come to terms with some changes to positions Pearson plundered goals running sometimes unchallenged right through to finish past the stranded Humphrey’s in goal. By the time he drew breath 5 goals had been added and Brantham were glad when the half time whistle went.

Half time  Ransomes B  5   Brantham B  0

The ‘B’s came out for this half looking more determined with Hammond , H. Brett and R. Greenhalgh making the challenges to upset the Ransomes play. Through the tireless running of O. Brett and C. Greenhalgh Brantham managed some attacks of their own but the corners that were won did not put any pressure on the Ransomes defence and they were soon back on the attack forcing Humphrey’s into action. Ransomes did manage 1 more goal this half from Webber. A better second half then; with the ‘B’s showing great determination in coming back after a difficult first half and restricting Ransomes to fewer opportunities.

Full time  Ransomes B  6   Brantham B  0

Captain – Oliver Brett

M.O.M  -  Cayce Hammond

Brantham V Wickham Market (League)

‘A’ Team

Brantham sponsored by Thornton’s Of Frinton were looking to dominate a Wickham team who they had beaten earlier in the season. However with heavy conditions underfoot the game was always going to be hard work. With only Humphreys coming in goal after good work last week the side were unchanged. It was though Wickham who seemed the more confident, particularly from long throw ins which tested the Brantham defence.

Half time Brantham A  0  Wickham Market A  0

After some encouragement and an orange at half time better things were expected. The midfield of Day and Tanner now competed for any loose balls and this led to pressure on the Wickham defence from runs by Davidson and Hunter. Several corners followed but accuracy was missing. Then after lots of pressure Wickham broke away behind Hammond and Palmer the Brantham defence. Only a timely challenge by the chasing Palmer kept the scores level. Then when the game seemed destined for a draw Davidson pounced on a goalkeeping error to poke the ball home. Brantham have played better and lost but walked away this time counting themselves lucky.

Full time  - Brantham A  1  Wickham Market A  0

Captain  -  William Davidson

M.O.M -  David Humphreys

‘B’ Team

Keeping the same line up as last week outfield; Brantham were hoping for another good team performance. They did not disappoint. Right from the start they set about Wickham and soon O. Brett managed to get a shot away which crept under the goalkeeper. Encouraged by this Brantham pushed on with H. Brett following his brother onto the score sheet. This stirred Wickham into action and they put Clarke and R. Greenhalgh at the back for Brantham under pressure. From one move they did manage to break through Mcwilliams finishing past the stranded Miller in goal. Brantham now had to work hard for each other and with H. Brett and C. Greenhalgh having fine games in midfield they managed to stem the Wickham enthusiasm and mount an attack of their own this time Tillet being in the right place to side foot home.

Half time Brantham B  3  Wickham Market B  1

The second half was just as competitive as the first with action at both ends. The strong pacy running of the Brett boys always caused problems for Wickham and from a mistimed tackle a penalty was awarded. O. Brett stepped up and had his strong shot saved by the keeper. As the heavy pitch took its toll Brantham were awarded a free kick centre field. Clarke stepped up to strike a shot which headed straight to W. Tillet who guided it goalwards to claim a second. Chances came and went with Tillet unlucky not to add a third and ensure an increase to his pocket money for this week.

Full time  Brantham B  4    Wickham Market B  1

Captain – Henry Brett

M.O.M  -  Ben Clarke

Brantham V Boxford Rovers (League)

‘A’ Team

A glorious sunny day greeted the delayed fixture between the two clubs with Brantham eager to try and reverse the previous result in the Cup competition. However right from the start it was clear that Boxford were looking to increase their goal tally and with their stronger physical presence set about the Brantham defence. Palmer, Tanner and Day were kept busy constantly having Boxford at them all of the time. It was then Boxford who took a deserved lead through Cheeseman who then went on to add another and they rounded off the first half scoring with Bevan with Brantham again conceding from a corner.

Half time Brantham 0   Boxford Rovers 3   

Brantham came out for the second half trying hard to get back in the game. Up front Hunter, Davidson and Hammond though seemed to lose the ball all too quickly to Boxford defenders who then launched it forward to set up another attack. Redwood added another for Boxford from a counter attack after a sustained amount of Brantham pressure and then from a long goal clearance Cheeseman scored for his hat trick. A demoralised Brantham  saw Matthews make it 6 and then after creating two defence splitting moves saw fine goalkeeping saves from the hardworking but un rewarded Davidson. There followed corners that just needed a touch but failed to get and when the supporters had given up eventually Hammond bravely dived in on a Hunter corner to claim a Brantham goal.

Full time Brantham 1 Boxford Rovers 6   

M.O.M - Chris Tanner

Captain – Cayce Hammond

The ‘B’s were on the back of a win last week and were disappointed to have the influential H.Brett missing for this one. They did though set about testing Boxford with plenty of chances falling to O. Brett and W. Tillett up front. C. Greenhalgh worked hard in midfield with B. Clarke stepping up from the back to put in a strong display. Humphreys stepping in at right back also put in a great half pushing the front line on but for all the Brantham pressure once again a goal eluded them.

Half time Brantham 0 Boxford Rovers 0   

The second half saw Brantham try to carry on looking for that all important goals. Once again chances came and went with the side netting taking a few hits. As always though after a promising Brantham spell the ball looped over to an unmarked Douglas who finished past the stranded Hammond. This was a real knock back after most of the game had been in Boxford’s half but in trying to get back on even terms Douglas was left alone again and nodded in from close range.

Full time Brantham 0 Boxford Rovers 2   

M.O.M - Ben Clarke

Captain – Conor Greenhalgh

Brantham V Chantry Grasshoppers(League)

‘A’ Team

Firstly our thanks to Matt Morling and Chantry Grasshoppers allowing us to play our Home fixture on their ground.The Hoppers went into the game knowing a victory was vital if they wanted to stay in the promotion hunt. Brantham started with Davidson and Hammond up front looking to test the Chantry keeper and they forced him into an early save. Chantry though replied forcing Miller who had a fine game into a save and leaving him to watch a  powerful shot hit the side netting. After a frantic opening, play calmed down and both teams were passing the ball around well on a heavy;uneven pitch in particular Brantham’s Day and Tanner. It looked like both teams would go in level which would have been a fair reflection of the game however a slick Chantry move in added on time of the first half ended with  Chantry’s Brandon finishing the move with a powerful shot into the back of the Brantham goal to give the Hoppers a 1-0 advantage at half-time.  (H/Time: 0-1)

Brantham were not down and after some neat play they went close in the 23rd & 28th minute through Hammond and Davidson but they could not find that equalizer. It was then unfortunate when after 10 mins of even play and even Brantham pressure from another set piece corner Brantham failed to defend and let Farrell finish with no pressure on him. It was then that Brantham had there best spell of the match with the best moves from Day and Tanner ending with them being denied by Slater in the Chantry goal who made 3 wonderful saves in succession to deny Brantham, who could not believe their luck. It was then probably to be expected that with Brantham pushing on for a goal that they would be exposed in defence and though Palmer and Hunter had played well they were left with no chance as Duncan slotted home to make it 3. (FINAL SCORE: 0-3)

Captain: Tom Palmer         M.O.M: Henry Hunter

The B’s had being playing well lately as a team without the luck you sometimes need to get the results and hoped for better against Chantry. Brantham dominated the 1st five minutes of the game, forcing a brave save after 4 minutes from O. Brett and seeing the midfield of C.Greenhalgh and H. Brett forcing Chantry back. However once again they conceded cheaply Humphrey’s caught out and being lobbed by East. The rest of the half was seen with both sides huffing and puffing in midfield with neither really being able to put too much pressure on the keepers. A well done also to new boys Jack and David Dooley who seemed to enjoy there first runaround with the team.(H/Time: 0-1);

Humphrey’s made a good start to the second half making good saves from Chantry who were keen to add to their tally. R. Greenhalgh was also busy but never flinched from his task and deserved his man of the match award. It was now Chantry who were creating more chances with Brantham not providing any real strength in front of goal. The B’s though battled right to the end with both the Brett boys having chances late on. With chantry top of the league this was a good team performance with surely some luck due soon!!!!! FINAL SCORE: 0-1);

Captain: David Humphreys        M.O.M: Rhys Greenhalgh