Saturday 5th July - Audley Tournament, Stoke on Trent

Blue team: Ally, Dean, Lewis S, Tom D, Tom J

2-0 v Norton United White (Ally, Dean); 1-0 v Bradwell Bombers Blue (Ally); 2-0 v Forest Park (Dean, Ally); 2-1 v Cheshire Blades (Ally 2); 0-1 v West End Boys Black; Quarter Final 3-0 v Norton United Black (Tom D, Ally 2); Semi Final 1-1 v West End Boys Green (Ally), lost 3-1 on penalties.

Yellow team: Chris; Connor; Lewis C; Nathan; Rhys; Tom T

1-1 v Cheshire Blades White (Chris); 0-1 v Audley Aces; 0-0 v Bradwell Bombers Royal; 0-1 v West End Boys Green; 1-1 v Norton United Black (Nathan).

Saturday 28th June - Nantwich Tournament, Kingsley Field, Nantwich

Blue team: Ally, Dean, Jack, Lewis S, Tom D

4-1 v Wistaston Lions (Dean, Tom D (2), Ally); 3-0 v Crewe Town Girls (Dean (2), Ally); 0-2 v Crewe FC; 6-2 v Panthers (Tom D (2), Dean (3), Ally; Semi-Final v Nantwich Diablos 0-0, won 2-1 on penalties (Dean, Ally), Final v Crewe FC 0-2.

Yellow team: Chris, Connor, Nathan, Tom J, Tom T

0-1 v Crewe FC; 3-1 v Panthers (Tom T, Chris, Connor); 0-5 v Nantwich Diablos, 1-2 v Bocca (own goal).

Tuesday 20th May v Alsager Panthers (home) at the Barony

So we reached our last league match of the season. We knew that the result would make no difference to our League position - we have finished a very creditable 4th whatever the result but the boys wanted to go out in style. Alsager themselves have had a good run finishing just below us, so we knew it wouldn’t be easy and so it proved. The match started off end to end with half-chances to both teams before Brookfield took an early lead. A fantastic pass from Tom D split the Alsager defence leaving Ally to hit home from short range for a 1-0 lead. TJ then sent a great ball over the Alsager defence to an unmarked Ally but his shot was blocked. Alsager then pulled themselves back level when their striker managed to beat several of our defence to score for 1-1. Ben had a good shot from distance well saved and there were several more chances for each side before half time with the score locked at 1-1. Brookfield started the second half strongly with several chances, Ben had a good shot headed clear and Rhys shot from distance just over the bar. Tom and Ben combined well but the shot was blocked. Then against the run of play Alsager attacked and after a goalmouth scramble hit the ball home to lead 2-1. Brookfield struck back almost immediately with some great football from Tom and Rhys sent the ball through to Ally for an equaliser 2-2. Shortly after Rhys sent the ball to Tom, who turned fantastically to send the ball through to Ally on the goaline who tapped the ball in to give us the lead 3-2. After several more chances to both sides, an Alsager attack resulted in their player going down in the box after what seemed an innocuous challenge and the ref awarded a penalty. Lewis in goal went the wrong way giving Alsager another equaliser 3-3. There was still time for a last minute goalmouth scramble with both Ally and Tom having shots cleared off the line but the final score was 3-3 and a creditable draw. We could look back with pride at our performance this season, especially having lead the table for many weeks. A final position of 4th was still a fantastic result and all credit to each of the boys for the part they played in the team.

Thursday 15th May v Stapeley Corinthians (home) at the Barony

We went into this match knowing the League had rearranged it so that Stapeley could get the win they needed to confirm them as League Champions prior to Friday night’s presentation evening, the insinuation that a win was guaranteed was pointed out to the boys and gave them an even greater incentive to secure a win. The match started off end to end with Stapeley showing well in attack, they had a couple of very fast forwards but TJ and Nathan did well to keep them out. Unfortunately with only a few minutes on the clock, they opened the scoring after we didn’t mark up well at a corner, the ball being deflected into goal off their player’s shins. The goal clearly settled Stapeley who must have thought they had the game won but we showed we had other ideas with several very good chances, once again we couldn’t get the ball in the net though. Ally was through 1 on 1 with the keeper but their keeper did well to save, the Ally and Ben combined well but Ben’s shot was saved then Eddie beat two of their players, turned and shot but the ball sailed narrowly wide. Just before the half time whistle, Ally managed to sail through their defence again, with only the goalie to beat, but again the goalie recovered to save well. So half time saw us losing 1-0. After the break, Stapeley came out and put us under a bit of pressure, Tom D had to make an important clearance and Lewis S in goal for us and TJ were kept busy. Ally again had a magnificent chance to put us level when he had a superb shot saved by their goalie who couldn’t hold the ball but managed to after a second shot from Ally. TJ then was called into action to make another important clearance and then Stapeley hit the post with the ball rebounding to safety. Brookfield looked the most likely side to score as the match drew to a close, Ben played a fantastic ball across the pitch to Ally but his shot skimmed across the face of goal with nobody able to get a touch and turn it in. As we worked hard to get an equaliser, Lewis was called into action to make a great one handed save but the ball just wouldn’t run for us and the match finished 1-0, giving Stapeley the League title. They celebrated with champagne but our boys could take credit for a very strong performance.

Sunday 11th May v AFC Redstar (away) at MMU Alsager

The sunny spell had remained with us as we took to the field for our last away game of the season. ‘Field’ being the operative word as the pitch had been mowed and no line markings remained. With the aid of a few handily placed bottles though we managed. The match started with the boys immediately putting Redstar under some pressure. Ally had several chances whilst Nathan also had a good shot and Tom D, Ben and Rhys were doing well in midfield. Rhys sent a superb pass into the box to find Ally who just slid the ball into the net to give us the lead 1-0. Shortly after, Ally and Rhys combined well again but the ball just bounced to safety. We weren’t having it all our own way, Redstar managed to beat our defence but Lewis, in goal, made a fantastic save before Ally had another shot sail just wide. Ben and Tom were playing some superb football but couldn’t get a shot in then Ally passed a good ball to Ben whose shot was saved. At halftime the score was 1-0. The match restarted with us again on the attack, Ally was put through 1 on 1 with their keeper but the keeper made a good save, Lewis C sent a good cross into the box but nobody could get on the end of it and Ben sent another pass across the face of goal which Ally just failed to reach. Lewis C and Ally combined well to pass to Ben but his shot went just over. Lewis S then launched a massive goal kick to Ally who played a neat one-two with Ben to score a fantastic goal from an acute angle to put us 2-0 in the lead. Redstar then had their best chance of the match, James got back well to make things difficult for their player but he still got a shot in which hit the inside of the post but, fortunately for us, rebounded to safety. Nathan did well to beat several players before sending the ball through to Ally but their keeper came out to save then, from a corner, TJ had a fantastic header cleared off the line leaving him to wonder if he will ever collect his goal-scoring bonus! Tom then hit a free kick against the woodwork, TJ drilled a shot in that rebounded to Nathan but his effort went over the bar. Good football from Tom and Ally saw Ally fire another goal home to bring the score to 3-0. There was just chance for Tom to have another effort that was just wide before the match ended in a 3-0 win for us. A great result and another fantastic team performance with every boy playing their part in ensuring we got a win.

Friday 9th May v Crewe FC (away) at the Barony

Another lovely warm and sunny evening as we took to the field for what we knew would be a stern test. The match started off at a fast pace and play switched from end to end without either team having any real goalscoring opportunities. As the half continued, Brookfield began to see a lot more of the ball and Ally had several good chances. Crewe, who have a couple of very fast forwards, were quite dangerous on the break but Nathan and TJ were looking solid in defence until one of their players managed to give our defence the slip and struck the ball home to give them the lead 1-0 which was probably against the run of play. The boys continued to play well and Tom did superbly to beat several of their players and send the ball across goal but Ally could just not get on the end of it. Ben and Ally combined well to get the ball to Eddie who had a fantastic shot but their goalie saved well. At half time we went in a goal down 1-0. Soon after the restart, Rhys had a good shot but their keeper saved well again. Then there was a big scramble in the Crewe goal with Ally, Tom and Eddie trying to knock the ball in the net but the ball just wouldn’t cross the line. Ally then did well to beat several players as he raced through from the halfway line but a defender got back well to clear the ball. Brookfield were looking more and more like scoring when disaster struck, Crewe played the ball out of defence well and managed to beat our defence to make the score 2-0. Tom sent a good ball through to James but he was unable to get a shot in and then Lewis, in goal, did well to parry the ball away after Crewe had a shot from distance. Although we kept up the pressure we couldn’t pull a goal back and the game ended as a rather flattering 2-0 to Crewe. The win sent them to the top of the table so we can take credit from the way we performed against a good side.

Tuesday 6th May v Tarporley Wanderers (home) at the Barony

In contrast to Sunday’s torrential rain we arrived at the Barony to find it bathed in sun and the conditions, for once, made it quite enjoyable to be outside. We knew we needed to be at our best today as Tarporley had beaten us 5-0 earlier in the season and were currently above us in the league. The match got off to a quick start and we soon had a great chance when great work by Ally and Tom D split their defence to put Ben clear but his shot went just wide. Both sides were evenly matched and play was end to end without many proper chances, TJ and Nathan looking strong in defence for us but then Ally put a good cross in to Tom whose shot sailed just over the bar. Then a superb move between Ally, Ben and Eddie saw Tom have another chance that just went wide. Ally then did well to beat their defence leaving him 1 on 1 with their keeper but the keeper managed to save the ball. At half time the score was 0-0. Shortly after the restart, Brookfield had a lucky escape when Tarporley hit a post with the ball rebounding to safety. Ally then had another good chance that was well saved, then another chance where he crossed to Rhys but his shot was just wide. Ally again beat their defence running half the length of the pitch but the goalie again saved. Rhys, who was having a good game in midfield, sent a great pass through to Ally but his shot was just wide. After having so many good chances, Tarporley then caught us with a sucker punch managing to scramble the ball home after some desperate defending by Lewis C and James for a 1-0 lead. With only minutes remaining Rhys managed to get the ball to Ally who beat two defenders and coolly slotted home for his 30th goal of the season and to give us a deserved draw 1-1. At the end of the match we could reflect on a very even game which shows the progress we have made since our 5-0 defeat to Tarporley at the start of the season.

Sunday 4th May v MG Juniors (home) at the Barony

After three straight defeats we were hoping for a return to form, the signs were good as we were back to a happier hunting ground for us of the Barony although the weather was atrocious - torrential rain. We were playing the League’s bottom side and, due to holidays, they unfortunately could only field six players (one player short).. The driving rain meant several areas of the pitch had large puddles but the match got underway and we were soon on the attack with Ally shooting just before TJ made a superb clearance from inside our half which looped over their defence and sent Ally through for 1-0. Tom made an nice pass to Ally but he shot just wide again, then Ally and Tom again combined well to send a cracking pass through to Nathan who hit home for 2-0. TJ headed just over from a corner then Ally had a great shot that hit the post before rebounding to Eddie who shot home for 3-0. Ally then picked up the ball from our own half, beat their defence and keeper to shoot home a great goal for 4-0. There was still time for Ally to have another shot which went just wide before half time with the score at 4-0. The rain had started to ease off now but the boys didn’t ease off the pressure on MG, who had changed their goalie at half time. Tom was just wide from a free kick, before a superb run from Ally saw him send the ball across goal to Rhys, who would have scored but the ball got stuck in a puddle and the opportunity was lost! Tom sent Ally through on goal but he hit the post, Ally then again hit the post from a corner - the post was keeping the scoreline respectable! Ally had a shot that was well saved before Tom blasted just over, Ally had another shot that hit the post, the he had another good shot well saved after a nice cross from Ben. TJ sent a good pass through to set Rhys up but the keeper saved well with his legs, before their keeper again saved them stopping a good shot from Tom. The keeper could do nothing though when Ben sailed in a fantastic shot from near the half way line which sailed over the keeper for 5-0. Ally then broke from the half way line, rounded the defence and the keeper saved the ball right on the line with the help of some sticky mud. TJ then had a header cleared off the line before Tom had a nice shot saved but the ball rebounded to Rhys who hit home his first goal of the season for 6-0. Ally again broke from the half way line, tore through their defence only to see his shot hit the post again. Ally had another shot that hit the post but this time it rebounded to Tom who hit the ball home for 7-0. A great ball from Tom set Ally up to slot home for his hat-trick and 8-0. Rhys and Tom combined well to put Ben through but he also hit the post. Eddie and Ben had a good move but the keeper saved well before they combined together again but this time the shot went wide. Tom sailed a shot just over the bar before the ref ended play on a comprehensive victory of 8-0. Lewis our goalie was the cleanest boy on the pitch without a real shot to save but credit to MG who kept battling right till the end. Hopefully this great result will boost our confidence ahead of Tuesday’s important top-of-the-table clash with Tarporley.

Thursday 1st May v Cheshire Blades (away) at McLaren Street

Our McLaren Street hoodoo continued, three matches now played there and three defeats after having lost only three games in the whole of the rest of the season. The pitch was again in poor condition, with large puddles in the goalmouth making it more suitable for ducks than playing football though, for once, the sun was shining. Play got underway with both sides evenly matched and chances few and far between. Lewis pulled off a good save to stop what would have been an own goal. We were struggling to break through the Blades defence and then their player made a strong charge which split our defence before he hit the ball home to put them 1-0 up. This seemed to sting us into action as shortly after Ally broke with the ball on the half way line, beat three defenders before slotting the ball home for a magnificent equaliser. We now had our best spell of the match. Ally had a good chance that was well saved and we had a couple more efforts but went in at the break 1-1. Shortly after the restart Ally again broke through the defence 1 on 1 with their keeper but their keeper came out of goal to make a great clearance. Ally was very sharp up front and the ball again found it’s way to him, he had a great shot from the edge of the penalty area but it hit the post and rebounded to a Blades player. Blades were looking dangerous themselves on the break and Lewis was called into action to make a good save with his feet before Ben had a shot that went just wide and Eddie shot but it was tipped round the post by their keeper. With just a couple of minutes remaining, their striker broke through our defence, Lewis made a good save but could only parry the ball to their player who shot home to make the score 2-1 and send us to another defeat. Our next match is at the Barony so hopefully we will be able to return to winning ways.

Friday 25th April v Crewe FC (home) at McLaren Street

After a run of poor results we went into the match knowing a win would put us back above Crewe but it wasn’t to be. Things didn’t start too brightly when the referee failed to arrive, a Crewe FC coach offered to take his place so that the match could take place. Unfortunately there were several poor decisions which underlined the good job the normal referee’s do! The match started very end to end with both teams having several chances, Tom had a good shot that was well saved and then TJ almost got on the score sheet but his effort was tipped round the post. Crewe had a few chances of their own before Tom D sent a great pass through to put Ally 1 on 1 with the keeper and he coolly slotted home to put us 1-0 up. Ben then had a superb run past two of their players but his shot was saved, Ally and Ben then combined well for Tom to send another good shot just wide. So we went in 1-0 up at the break. Shortly after the restart Ally was clean through but their goalie saved. Crewe were starting to apply a lot more pressure and their pressure soon paid off when our defence were unable to clear the ball and they equalised 1-1. Rhys had a good shot that went just over but Crewe were having chances of their own, one shot skimmed along the line but Lewis and TJ managed to scramble it clear. Then their striker sent a long looping ball towards goal which our defender handled so Crewe were awarded a penalty. Despite Lewis getting a hand to it, the ball went in to give Crewe the lead 2-1 with only a few minutes of play remaining. There was still time for Rhys to have another great shot but unfortunately it sailed just over the bar and with it any chance we had of pulling back level. So the final scoreline was 2-1 but a good effort from everyone in the team. Hopefully we will get back to winning ways with our next match on Thursday against Cheshire Blades.

Saturday 12th April v Betley FC (away) at McLaren Street

This was our first League game on a Saturday and also our first match at McLaren Street, unfortunately it turned out to be our first defeat for three months as well. As usual here the pitch was in a poor condition, the goalmouths needing to be dug over to drain excess water away before the start and a glass/poop patrol required to check the pitch for any nasties. However the match started in damp and blustery conditions with both sides looking keen to attack. Ally and Ben both had good chances before Lewis S in goal made a good clearance to thwart a Betley attack. Tom D picked up a nasty ankle injury after a bad tackle but bravely played on. Towards the end of the first half Brookfield started to become a bit more dangerous in attack with Ben having a shot from distance and then Ally and Tom combining well but the shot went just over before Ben scored a spectacular goal from well outside the penalty area to put us 1-0 up. Shortly after Ben almost grabbed another after a good cross from Ally but he couldn’t turn the ball into the net, leaving us 1-0 up at half time. The second half started with Betley becoming more dangerous, though Tom and Ben combined well to force a good save from their keeper. Half way through the half, with us still hanging on to our lead, the heaven’s opened with an almighty hailstorm, the ref called the boys from the pitch and everyone had to get what shelter they could from the few bushes. When the match resumed Betley immediately piled on the pressure again, our boys seemed to find it difficult to regain their rhythm after the stoppage. Betley grabbed an equaliser when Lewis, our goalie, was injured in the box without play being stopped. After treatment to his shoulder he bravely continued but Betley continued to put us under pressure and we conceded two more goals in the final minutes to leave the final score at 3-1. We were left to rue our missed chances in the first half and the disruption of the stoppage in play, with not playing next week we can only wait and see how other teams get on as they catch up their games in hand.

Sunday 31st March v Stapeley FC (home) at the Barony

After the disappointing draws in our last couple of games and knowing that the teams behind us are starting to play their games in hand it was important that we got a victory in today’s game and the boys did just that, grinding out a hard-fought 2-0 win in an end to end game. The pitch was quite muddy after heavy overnight rain but the conditions were quite good as the match got underway. There were chances for both sides before a good move saw Ben shoot home to put us 1-0 up. Ben and Ally then combined again for Ally to get a good shot on goal but their keeper saved well. The sides were evenly matched and both defences were snuffing out any attacks, Nathan and TJ were kept busy in defence and Lewis C was on hand several times to stop Stapeley’s forwards so the teams went in 1-0 at half time. Soon after half time Ally was put through 1 on 1 with only the keeper to beat but their keeper did well to block his shot. Stapeley were coming into the game more and had a few chances of their own. Tom had a good shot before he combined well with Ben to set Ally up to shoot home and make the score 2-0. Tom then hit a post with the keeper saving the rebound. However the game ended 2-0, a good win for us and perhaps more importantly a very good team performance with every member of the team playing an important role in gaining the victory.

Sunday 16th March v Mow Cop Hornets (away) at MMU Alsager

We went into this game knowing that Stapeley Corinthians had been held 1-1 in the earlier match on the pitch so a win would take us well clear. Unfortunately it wasn’t to be though the team started brilliantly on a very cold day. This really was a game of two halves, Brookfield played some lovely football in the first half and had several chances before Ben had a great shot that hit home for 1-0. Eddie and Ally were combining well and Ally had a couple of good chances that he couldn’t convert. Mow Cop did have a couple of chances themselves including a header that just went over the bar before Tom D and Ben worked a good move that sent Ben through to score and make it 2-0 going into half time. This should have been a comfortable lead but though Tom and Ally both had good chances saved Mow Cop were coming into the game more and had some chances of their own. Ally and Ben both shot wide before Rhys and Ally worked a good move but Eddie’s shot was blocked. Mow Cop then managed to beat our defence and pulled a goal back to 2-1. Lewis in goal made a fine save a Mow Cop piled on the pressure, another shot sailed just over the bar before, with the last kick of the game, they again managed to get through our defence leaving Lewis no chance as they slotted home an equaliser. The boys were all stunned and there was no time left to try and make amends. However, although at the end the long faces would make you think we had lost, we had still gained a point which might be invaluable at the end of the season. With a break for Easter, the boys are sure to be raring to go for the next game.

Sunday 9th March v Wistaston United Lions (home) at the Barony

After such a long run of stunning performances it was perhaps inevitable that we would have an off day before long so credit to the boys for clawing back this game to gain a draw after being 2-0 down at one stage. The match started brightly with chances for both teams, though Lewis S in our goal was the busier keeper and pulled off a couple of good saves to keep Wistaston out. At the other end Ally tried to lob the keeper but his effort was just over the bar then Ben and Ally combined well but their keeper made a great save so at half time the score was 0-0 though Wistaston had had the better of the game. Shortly into the restart and Wistaston grabbed a quick goal when their forwards caught our defence napping 0-1, Lewis S then made a great save when their forward was through with just him to beat but then they scored again, with our defence again well beaten to bring the score to 0-2. This seemed to shake the boys into action as first Ben and then Ally had good chances before Ben finally got us back into the game with a well worked goal. He then had a good shot fly just past the post. Wistaston weren’t sitting back and almost increased their lead when a free kick hit the crossbar and, luckily for us, rebounded to safety. Ally then almost equalised but his shot sailed just past the post before a good goal kick from Lewis sent Ally through to level the score at 2-2. There was time for Ben to almost snatch the win but his shot went just over and we could count ourselves lucky to gain a creditable draw after a pretty poor performance for long periods of the match. Hopefully the boys will be back on top form for next week’s match.

Sunday 2nd March v Wistaston United Cougars (away) at MMU Crewe

Today’s match report is courtesy of our goalie Lewis S:

After a super run of matches where we have managed to battle our way to three points every time, we headed to the MMU with high hopes for our fifth consecutive victory. We were still strong in all aspects of the field even though we were missing Lewis C and Rhys, that was the only down for us heading to the match. We started off slowly as we were struggling to keep a hold of the ball, and Cougars piled pressure on but Tom J and James kept tight, they couldn’t all the time but Lewis S stayed strong in goal and refused to concede. It took just over 15 minutes to get rolling and a stunning half-volley by skipper Tom D lead to a 1-0 deficit for Cougars. And it wasn’t long for the ball to connect with net again after Ally netted his 22nd of the season to make it 2-0 just after the restart. Both teams continued to create chances, but the defences wouldn’t fall. Some great defending by Cougars to block a Nathan tap-in wasn’t enough as the rebound, which may have only been from a metre away, but was still a great goal as he launched it over the defender to seal the victory and extend the non-conceded record to a month!

Sunday 24th February v M G Juniors (away) at the Barony

The boys kept their fantastic winning streak up today with another superb win 5-0 against MG Juniors. Before the game the table showed us in top position and MG Juniors languishing at the foot of the table but these sort of games are always tricky so the boys knew they had to be on top form. The game got underway in sunny but blustery conditions and Brookfield were first on the attack with a couple of good moves before our pressure paid off and Ben grabbed an early goal 1-0. Ben then had another great chance which went just over the bar before Eddie floated in a corner that somehow found it’s way into the net for 2-0. Soon after Eddie sent through a fantastic pass to Ally which cut the MG Juniors defence but their goalie saved well. Brookfield were playing some great football now but MG Juniors were keeping our forwards at bay. Ben sent through a great pass to Ally, their keeper made another great save with the ball rebounding to safety. Shortly after Eddie found himself unmarked in the box and placed his shot past the keeper for 3-0 and this was the score at half time. After the restart Lewis, in goal, took a fantastic goal kick which set Eddie up but their goalie saved. Our defence were finding space to push up, a superb move saw Tom J, on the promise of an extra pocket money bonus for a goal, come as near as you can to scoring without actually doing so, when he hit a glorious shot on goal which appeared to bobble along the goal line before being kicked to safety. Lewis C had a good run on goal before Tom D took a free kick, just outside the penalty area but the goalie tipped the shot over the bar. Another good move saw Ally put the ball home for 4-0 and then right on the final whistle Nathan capped off a great performance to score for 5-0. So another great all round team performance, credit to MG Juniors for playing the game in good spirit, we know the feeling to be struggling near the bottom of the table which makes our performance this season all the sweeter.

Sunday 10th February v Nantwich Town Diablos (away) at the Barony

Another great win for the boys today as we kept our place on top of the table secure. The pitch was quite frosty at the Barony but luckily the weather was much warmer than the previous few weekends as the match got underway there were chances at either end as both teams pressed for a goal. Tom J and James were seeing a lot of action but both played superbly to keep their forwards out and so we went into halftime with the score still 0-0. Soon after the restart, Ben had a chance cleared off the line after a superb move. However we soon took the lead as Tom D fired the ball home after good work by Ally, who saw a goalbound effort well saved by their keeper, and then Ben tried his luck before the ball found it’s way to Tom so 1-0. Lewis C then had a good chance but just couldn’t control the ball as it found it’s way to him in the penalty area. Brookfield were now having quite a few chances but Tom J and James still needed to keep things tight at the back as Nantwich looked dangerous as they counter-attacked and Lewis in goal was called on to make a couple of clearances. Tom D and Ally combined well but Ally’s shot was just wide before our goalie Lewis made a fantastic long clearance which sent Ally through their defence to put the ball away for 2-0 which was the final score. This was a very pleasing result after good performances by the whole team against a strong Nantwich side.

Sunday 3rd February v Knights (home) at the Barony

After last week’s closely fought game we knew we’d have to be on top form to get a result today. In freezing cold and wet conditions the match kicked off and we soon got an early goal to settle things down after a great move saw Ally through 1 on 1 with the keeper and manage to slide the ball into the net 1-0. The match was now quite even with chances to both sides but after a good move involving Ally and Nathan , Ben found the back of the net to make it 2-0. Ben then had another great chance, he chipped the keeper but the ball went just wide. At the other end Knights had a shot shoot just wide of the post. So half time saw the score at 2-0. Within seconds of the restart and with many of the crowd still getting their half time drinks, Ally managed to poach a quick goal to make the scoreline more comfortable at 3-0. Ally then had a good chance but their keeper made a good clearance before Ben shot superbly from distance to make the score 4-0. The boys then sat back somewhat and went to sleep in defence, allowing Knights in round the defence to bring the score back to 4-1. Ben then hit the bar, the ball rebounded to Ally but the keeper managed to save. At the other end, Lewis in goal made a good save before Eddie firstly hit the bar and then just after rattled a post. The boys were playing some good football now and a great move saw Ben score to complete his hat-trick, making the score 5-1 then Ally, not to be outdone, raced through to complete his hat-trick bringing the final score to 6-1 and a comprehensive victory though we were, again, slightly flattered by the scoreline.

Sunday 27th January v Knights (away) at MMU Alsager

After no game for a couple of weeks, we were pleased that the league managed to rearrange this fixture on what should have been a blank Sunday. Brookfield had a full complement of ten players to pick from and started off well with several good shots on goal keeping their goalie busy including one from TJ from near the halfway line which the goalie saved. Our pressure soon paid off when the ball found it’s way into the net from what looked like their player’s leg but Eddie was right on the spot and claimed his first goal for Brookfield. We went further in front shortly after when a good move resulted in Ben having a great shot that the keeper saved but couldn’t hold, the loose ball came back to Ben who tapped it home 2-0. We then started to let Knights back into the game, James, playing in a more defensive role, saved a goalbound shot on the line before a good header looped over the defence, giving Lewis in goal no chance, to bring the score back to 2-1. The match was now end-to-end with Ben, Nathan and Tom D all having chances well saved and Eddie shot just wide to leave the score 2-1 at half time. We started the second half well with Ben putting Ally through for a great chance 1 on 1 with the keeper but the keeper made a magnificent save. At the other end, Lewis in goal had to come out quickly to stop a dangerous attack but was adjudged to have fouled their player in the process and a penalty was awarded. Lewis did well to get a hand to the shot but he just couldn’t keep the ball out leaving the score 2-2. Knights now had the bit between their teeth and piled on the pressure, Lewis in goal pulling off another good save and Lewis C and Rhys, in defence, having to work hard to keep Knights out. Unfortunately, a Knights player went down injured after a tackle and couldn’t continue, as they had no subs this left them a man short and soon after Tom D got round their defence to rifle a shot in from a tight angle making it 3-2. Knights were still not beaten as Lewis had to make two more good saves before, with the last kick of the game, Ben managed to get past the defence to shoot home and make the score 4-2. The final score was perhaps flattering to us, the game could have gone either way and with playing Knights next week, they have an early chance to seek revenge.  Click here for photo's.

Sunday 6th January v Stapeley Corinthians (away) at MMU Crewe

After being top of the table for the last couple of months, we went into this game knowing that a victory was crucial. Unfortunately the team didn’t really get going today and play as well as we know they can, perhaps eating too many chocolate bars over Christmas was to blame! The match started with Stapeley showing their intent to win straight away, Lewis S was called into action several times making some good saves with TJ, Rhys and James busy in defence. Our one glimmer of hope came when Ben managed a good shot from distance which went wide. As half time approached we looked to have kept the scores level but we got caught on the break and their player sprinted through giving Lewis no chance to make it 1-0 as the half time whistle sounded. After half time we came out with all guns blazing and had Stapeley rocking under our pressure, we had several good efforts on goal with Ben having the best chance which trickled just wide. Just when it looked like it was only a matter of time before we got an equaliser, Stapeley benefited following a poor clearance to tuck the ball home and make it 2-0. Shortly after, our defence didn’t clear the ball well, Lewis made a great save to keep the ball out of the net but it rebounded to one of their players to slot home for 3-0. With literally the last kick of the game their player fired home to make the score 4-0. A disappointing score and performance although the final result did flatter Stapeley. However, the boys will surely bounce back next weekend when we face the new league leaders Crewe FC.

Sunday 16th December v AFC Redstar (home) at the Barony

We went into the game top of the League and keen to retain our place so that we would be top all over Christmas and going into the New Year. So with a full squad to choose from in the freezing cold conditions at the Barony we got off to a fantastic start with an early goal from our skipper Tom D, which was just what we needed to settle any nerves so 1-0 up with just a minute on the clock. We kept up the pressure on Redstar and had several more good chances with Ally going close a few times. At the other end TJ and Rhys were keeping the back line tight with some good solid defending. Midway through the first half we increased our lead to 2-0 with a great goal from Ben leaving the score 2-0 going into half time. Into the second half and Ally again went close several times doing everything but score. James, Lewis C and Nathan both did well snuffing out any attacks that Redstar mounted and Lewis S in goal made several good saves if anyone did get through. The match ended 2-0, our first clean sheet of the season and a great way to the end the year, top of the table as we await our first clash of the new year against Stapeley Corinthians.

Sunday 1st December v Betley FC (home) at MMU Crewe

Another wet and windy day for our match but we knew before a ball was kicked that a win would put us on top of the table as Stapeley Corinthians match had been postponed due to them suffering from a flu bug, so the incentive was there. And what an incentive it proved to be as, within a minute of the match starting, Ally ripped through the Betley defence to slot home and put us 1-0 up. What a great start! We settled in nicely with the cushion of our goal advantage and had a couple more chances before Ben scored a cracking goal with his left foot to put us 2-0 up. Betley then started to come back into the match and Lewis S made a super save for us to keep us with a clean sheet and 2-0 advantage going into half time. After the restart an excellent move between Tom and Ben saw the ball threaded through to Ally but the Betley keeper made a fine save, then Lewis and Ally combined well to set Tom up with a chance but that went into the side netting. Betley had a couple of attacks but TJ was keeping things tight at the back before they were awarded a corner and the ball found it’s way into our net pegging the score back to 2-1. Betley had a couple more chances that were well kept out before Ben and Tom both had good chances to score but their keeper was in fine form and saved both before the final whistle blew and we were 2-1 victors and back on top of the league.

Sunday 25th November v Stapeley FC (away - cup) at MMU Crewe

After winning our league encounter against Stapeley just a couple of week’s ago we had high hopes of repeating that success in today’s cup game. However it wasn’t to be as we went down to a cruel winner in injury time. The match was played on a very windy day and the first half saw us with the wind behind us which gave us the advantage as we tried to push forward. We had several good chances to score and put the match out of reach of Stapeley before Ally scored a superb goal to put us 1-0 ahead and this was how the match stayed going into half time. After the break the match turned though as we now faced the wind and could hardly muster an attack. Rhys and TJ in defence were kept working hard keeping out their forwards and Lewis S in goal was seeing plenty of action. Stapeley got an equaliser when our midfield failed to get back to defend quickly enough and then, with the game heading for extra-time, Stapeley scored a winner with just seconds of added time remaining to leave the final score 2-1 and our cup dreams ended for another season.

Sunday 18th November v Alsager Panthers (away) at MMU Alsager

The boys kept their fine run of form going with a superb 4-1 win over Alsager today to keep us in 2nd place in the table. The match was played in freezing cold conditions and driving rain which made it hard for both sides. Brookfield had the better of the start though and a good ball from Tom split their defence to leave Ally with just the goalie to beat which he did to put us 1-0 up. Ally then had two further good chances when he only had the goalie to beat but their goalie pulled off two fine saves to keep Alsager in the match. Alsager were coming more into it now and after some hesitation in our defence when we didn’t clear the ball they managed to knock it home to equalise 1-1. The match was now quite end to end with chances to both sides but both goalies were having good games before Tom again sent a cracking ball across to Ally who slotted home to restore our lead 2-1, which was the score going into half time. Shortly into the second half one of the Alsager players unfortunately got injured and couldn’t continue which meant they were down to six players as they didn’t have any subs. This allowed us to have a lot more time on the ball and Ally had two good chances that their goalie again saved before he broke through 1 on 1 with the keeper and rounded him to bring the score to 3-1. Alsager to their credit kept going and had a couple of chances which were snuffed out by our defence before we won a corner which Nathan took, the ball bobbled in their box and their defence couldn’t get a touch as it bounced into the back of the net to make it 4-1, which was the final score. A creditable performance in tricky conditions. We didn’t play as well as some of our previous games but did enough to win today which was all that mattered.

Sunday 4th November v Cheshire Blades (home) at the Barony

Another superb win for the boys as we came from behind to beat Cheshire Blades 2-1. The match started off at a quick pace, though there was heavy fog shrouding the pitch so it was hard to see either end clearly, Ally and Tom looked dangerous up front and went close with a couple of good chances before Lewis S, in goal, made a good save when their player was through 1-on-1. Shortly after though, our defence failed to clear the ball properly which let Blades in to score and put them 1-0 up. Tom and Ben both had good chances which were saved well by their keeper and Ally kept up the pressure with another couple of shots, one of which was only just tipped round the post before a great move between Tom and Ally, saw Ally shoot which the keeper couldn’t hold and left Ben to put the ball in the back of the net, 1-1. The teams went in for half time level 1-1. Lewis C, on as a sub, started with a bang as he made a great cross to Ben who hit the outside of the post then Ally and Tom had several shots but the ball just wouldn’t go over the line. Blades had a few chances before one of their players got carried off injured after hurting his foot. With the clock ticking down Tom broke through their defence only to be brought down by a defender for a penalty. Ally stepped up to take the spot kick which was well saved by their keeper but he couldn’t hold the ball and Ally managed to knock in the rebound, winning us the game 2-1 and putting us on the top of the table.

Sunday 21st October v Stapeley FC (away) at MMU Crewe

A magnificent, thrilling win for the boys as we triumphed 3-1 against Stapeley who had come into the match as the League leaders with a 100% record and with only one goal conceded all season before meeting us. The match started off in driving rain and Stapeley soon showed how good a side they are putting us under constant pressure for the first ten minutes but our defence held resolute with TJ and Lewis, in goal, snuffing out any dangerous attacks. Ally then scored a superb solo goal, slicing through their defence to put us 1-0 up, probably against the run of play at that point. Nathan then had a good chance but we were happy to go in at half time with a 1-0 lead. The second half was end to end, Stapeley had a number of chances but Tom D scored a great goal, which their goalie nearly kept out but couldn’t quite stop to put us 2-0 up, shortly after Ally claimed another goal after good team work which put us 3-0 up and really flying high! In the last seconds Stapeley struck to pull a consolation goal back but the final score was 3-1 and a famous victory, and possibly one of our best ever, leaving us in 3rd place in the division on goal difference.

Sunday 14th October v Mow Cop Hornets (home) at the Barony

Another thrilling match this week and another good win as we ran out 4-1 winners over Mow Cop. The match started very evenly with both sides having several good chances, in fact Mow Cop probably were the better side at this point but our defence held firm, with TJ making several good clearances before Ally went on a superb solo run through the Mow Cop defence to put us 1-0 up and this is how it stayed until half time. Shortly after the match restarted Ben scored a superb goal from distance to put us 2-0 up and then Ally pounced on a loose ball that wasn’t cleared properly to put us 3-0 up. Mow Cop hit back with a couple of good chances before a mistake by our defence let them in to make the score 3-1. Tom then hit the bar from a free kick and then good work by Tom again let Nathan in to score from close range and bring the score to 4-1. Ben then hit the bar from long range and Rhys had a superb shot from the halfway line which soared just over the bar. All in all another good team performance with every boy playing their part to help the team win. We have a break next week as the cup game has been postponed but we shall have to be in fine form the following weekend when we take on Stapeley FC who currently have a 100% record.

Sunday 7th October v Wistaston United Lions (away) at the Barony

This turned out to be a great match and it was a shame that one side had to walk away with a win but, of course, it makes a change for us to have a little bit of luck for once. The match started off at a pace, on a lovely autumnal day, and we went close several times before Ally slotted the ball home to put us in the lead 1-0. Wistaston had a few chances too but we defended well to leave the score 1-0 at half time. However, soon after the restart Wistaston caught our defence napping and scored two goals within a couple of minutes to put them in the lead 2-1. The match was now end to end, we had several good chances that their goalie did well to save whilst Wistaston also had several chances on our goal before Tom D rifled home to bring us back level 2-2. Within a few minutes, Ally picked the ball up near the halfway line and made a fantastic solo run on goal brushing off several challenges before he shot home to make the score 3-2. There were a few more chances for each side before the final whistle sounded and we knew we’d secured victory after a great match of football.

Sunday 30th September v Wistaston United Cougars (home) at the Barony

After last weekend’s disappointing result we were hoping for a better performance today. The match started off at a quick pace and it was soon apparent that the team were playing much better than last week, they were talking to each other on the pitch and passing the ball around well. Ally had a good chance to take the lead but then Wistaston struck twice, with two soft goals, to put them in the lead 2-0 at half time. After the break there was only one time in it really but the ball just wouldn’t run kindly for us. Ally, Tom D, Nathan and James all had good chances but their keeper was having a great game and managed to keep the ball out of the net. So the final score was 2-0 but the boys could be happy that they played much better as a team and hopefully the goals will flow again next weekend against the other Wistaston team.

Sunday 23rd September v Tarporley Wanderers (away) at the Barony

After such a stunning victory last weekend the boys were hoping for more of the same against Tarporley but, unfortunately we couldn’t get things together as well today and slumped to a 5-0 defeat. Tarporley seemed physically much bigger and stronger than ourselves and we just couldn’t get going, we soon found ourselves 3-0 down and with only one real shot to show for our efforts from Ally and we went in at half time 3-0 down. To the boy’s credit they came out fighting again after half time and Ally went close with a good shot that was just tipped round the post but Tarporley came back to score a further two goals to leave the final score 5-0. All the good teamwork and talking to each other that was shown last weekend seemed to be missing this week but hopefully the boys will learn from this defeat and bounce back again in our next game.

Sunday 16th September v Nantwich Town Diablos (home) at MMU Crewe

This was our first game in our new league and the first time we’d played at MMU Crewe. The match got underway in quite blustery conditions and we found ourselves a goal down within the first minute, not a good way to start the season. However Nantwich’s goal seemed to kickstart the boys and we never looked back. Within a few minutes of the opening goal we played some nice football and the ball dropped to Ally who fired home 1-1. There was then a great move between Ally and Ben with Ben shooting but the ball was well saved on the line then Tom fired a great shot just over the bar. We then won a free kick just outside the penalty area which Ally looped over their wall and into the net 2-1. A superb move between Ally and Nathan saw the ball run to Ben but his shot went just over the bar. We were really playing some superb football now and both Tom’s made some good clearances enabling Nathan, Ally and Ben to attack. Another good move between Tom D, Ally and Nathan saw Ben fire home 3-1 and we went into half time with a very respectable lead.

We started off the second half how we meant to carry on with a brilliant solo effort from Ally made the score 4-1. Another good move between Ally and Nathan saw Ben shoot just over before Nathan had a good shot saved on the line which trickled out for Ben to score 5-1. We had several more good chances before another fantastic solo run from Ally saw him shoot home 6-1. Ally and Ben then both had good chances saved by their keeper before James almost scored but the shot skimmed across the goal and Ben just couldn’t get on the end of it.

So the final score was 6-1, a fantastic start to the season and although it was obviously a superb scoreline it was perhaps more satisfying to see the wonderful football we played and how the boys played so well as a team. Hopefully this win will give us a boost to keep the run going and maintain our place as joint leaders of the league.

Sunday 9th September v Crewe FC (friendly)

After a few week’s training on grass we played our first proper match against Crewe FC at the Barony today. We played 25 minutes each way, which is longer than the League games will be this season, just to ensure everyone had a good run out and to try and build up a bit of stamina. Crewe FC started the match very strongly and we had a hard job getting the ball out of our own area as they put us under so much pressure and we soon found ourselves two goals down, we rallied a bit towards the end of the first half but they scored another great goal from distance to leave us 3-0 down at half time. To their credit the boys came out fighting after the break and Ben scored a great goal after a fine build up, shortly after James pulled another back after a good cross by Ally to bring the score to 3-2. Crewe were really rocking now and we had several more good chances, including a great shot from Ally that the goalie tipped over the bar. Against the run of play though, Crewe nipped through our defence to score again and then, with almost the last kick of the game, they scored another good goal to bring the final score to 5-2. Overall it was a good team performance and gives us plenty of hope that we will soon settle to playing on grass and under such different conditions than we’ve been used to.