Match Reports

1st March 2009

Brighouse U13's - 7 Vs Honley U13A's - 1

Brighouse’s run of form continued in emphatic style against a good Honley side. It was one of those games where everything fell right for the home side. Honley threatened from the off and found the back of the net but rightly ruled offside but it was Brighouse who broke the deadlock on the ten minute mark.
A through ball from Kyle Broadbent found Liam Moffat in space on the edge of the area who superbly found the bottom corner for the first. That sparked the forwards into life as Max Thirlwall sent Harry Sellars clear only denied by a good save.
That was quickly followed by another burst into the area from Sellars only to be brought down and from the resulting penalty Thirlwall’s spot kick was too strong for the keeper to keep out. That seemed to spur Honley on and almost from the kick off they broke clear but shot wide. Just before the break Brighouse got the all important third, great play between Moffat and Scott Henry set up Thirlwall who blasted his effort into the top corner.

Into the second half and the next goal would still be crucial as Honley’s strike force were a constant threat, causing problems for Jordan Spencer, Louis Andre, Jacob Green and Broadbent, but with Luke Jarrom in top form at present saving a couple of decent efforts then superbly tipping the ball round the post to maintain his clean sheet. But as the half continued Brighouse began to dominate with James Metcalfe, Scott Henry, Lewis Hobson and Thirlwall all linking well with Moffat and Sellars upfront.
An early effort from Andre flew over the bar, but it was Thirlwall who struck a beauty to give the keeper no chance and bag his first hat-trick for the team to make it four. Second half substitutes Joe Howard and Alex Orrell-Turner came on and made an immediate impact as more pressure from a corner had Honley in all sorts of trouble and Orrell-Turner was quickest to react with a speculative lob that beat the keeper for the fifth.
Another superb strike this time from Moffat made it six, then a great move down the left involving Andre to Spencer through to Moffat, then Sellars onto Turner for him to slot past the keeper for the seventh. With the last attack of the match Honley got a consolation goal as last ditch tackling just failed with the ball breaking loose and finally getting struck past Jarrom. Man of the Match went to Max Thirlwall.
A resounding win for the lads which will put them in good spirits for the upcoming Quarter final cup match against Britannia.

22nd February 2009

Brighouse U13's - 4 Vs Longcroft Lions U13A's - 0

What a difference that bit of confidence, belief and determination makes. Following recent weeks excellent performances Brighouse put in perhaps their best this season. An early break from Jake Malcher set up Harry Sellars but he was denied by a good save.
That was quickly followed by an excellent save from Luke Jarrom to thwart Longcroft. But as the half continued Brighouse looked that bit more eager with Jacob Green, Jordan Spencer, Louis Andre and Kyle Broadbent proving difficult to break through, whilst in midfield James Metcalfe, Lewis Hobson, Liam Moffat and Max Thirlwall were beginning to dominate, all linking up with Harry Sellars and Jake Malcher.
The breakthrough finally came courtesy of an own goal, Malcher holding the ball well then released Moffat whose teasing cross resulted in the defenders clearance finding the back of his own net. That seemed to inspire Brighouse on, as Sellars set Malcher clear only denied by a good save, then Malcher set Sellars free but his chip over the keeper also cleared the bar.
The last few moments of the half saw Luke Jarrom pull off another fine save to keep Brighouse’s lead intact.

Another dominant second half performance from Brighouse as within minutes a Max Thirlwall free kick was too good and found the back of the net. More pressure from Brighouse had Longcroft in all sorts of trouble, culminating in Liam Moffat’s effort bouncing awkward and through the keepers grasp for the third.
Waves of attacks continued as Sellars blazed his effort over and substitute Scott Henry saw his effort somehow cleared off the line. Longcroft tried to get back into the game and came close midway through but were again denied by a save from Jarrom. Back on the attack and Brighouse struck the bar with Thirlwall’s effort from an indirect free kick and any hopes of a comeback were well and truly stifled out when a flighted corner from Brighouse had a defender head into his net.
It wasn’t Longcroft’s day in many ways as in the last few moments their striker broke clear, looked sure to score only for Jarrom to save with an outstretched leg to turn the ball round the post. A good team effort from Brighouse with everyone on the top of their games, best perhaps Luke Jarrom, Max Thirlwall and Man of the Match Harry Sellars.

15th February 2009

Kirkheaton U13's - 3 Vs Brighouse U13A's - 4

Thanks to a dominant second half display Brighouse progressed to the quarter final stages of the Cup.
With Kirkheaton’s pitch unfit the St Andrews pitch was in remarkably good condition. Within minutes of the kick off Kirkheaton were off to a flier, thanks to long range effort from their six foot number 5, who shot from just over the half way line , the ball flying over Luke Jarrom and under the bar.
That seemed to unsettle Brighouse for ten minutes as they struggled to get hold of the game. However improved passing and movement helped as Brighouse drew level, a good pass from Joe Howard set up Max Thirlwall to thunder his shot past the keeper.
Both sides were cancelling each other out, not enabling too many clear chances, but from a Kirkheaton corner, which fell just right for their big number 5, he headed them back into the lead. Towards the end of the half there was good signs from Brighouse in attack as they spreaded the ball about quickly.
An equalizer was unfortunate not to come before the break when Jake Malcher was bundled in the area for a soft penalty, but unlucky for Joe Howard as his spot kick thundered against the bar and away to safety.

Brighouse started the second half brightly and constantly caused problems for the Kirkheaton defence. Substitutes Liam Moffat and Scott Henry both proving to be a handful. Down the left Moffat was linking well with Jordan Spencer and when Moffat wriggled clear he crossed to Malcher whose header flew wide.
A good passing move ended with Harry Sellars setting Malcher free, who slotted in the equalizer. That was quickly followed with an excellent attack involving Thirllwall to Sellars, who then got a superb pass back from Malcher, for Sellars to finish into the bottom corner.
At this point Kirkheaton struggled to keep Brighouse at bay, frustration though, as Brighouse dominated play but were unable to break through again. Scott Henry twice clear on the right without troubling the keeper, another fine header from Malcher just wide, then two good shots as Thirlwall’s effort flew wide and Moffat’s was superbly tipped round the post. At last and deservedly, Brighouse got their fourth when Sellars netted his second, quickest to react from a corner as Kirkheaton struggled to clear.
The only disappointment from a superb second half display, was into the last few minutes when Kirkheaton pulled one back on a rare break through the Brighouse defence. What faint hope Kirkheaton had, quickly went as Brighouse played out time and progressed to the next round.
Best for Brighouse was Max Thirlwall and Jordan Spencer.

1st February 2009

Brighouse U13's - 2 Vs Deighton U13A's - 2

Another fine effort following on from last week’s performance. As Brighouse was denied a win with a late goal from Deighton.
With several players ill the subs came from the U12’s thanks to Louis Barker and Jordan Hoyles.
A more competitive look in midfield again with Lewis Hobson and Kyle Broadbent adding that extra edge along with Max Thirlwall and James Metclafe.
Deighton’s superior height and speed down the flanks were a constant threat but Greg Roper, Jordan Spencer and again top performances from Jacob Green and Louis Andre provided stiff opposition, and when Deighton did break through Luke Jarrom was again having a blinder in net.
Upfront fro Brighouse Harry Sellars and Jake Malcher put themselves about but struggled to create those gilt edge chances. The first half ended 1-1 as quickly as Deighton had scored a scorcher from Max Thirlwall had drawn Brighouse level.

Brighouse continued with their effort into the second half and took the lead midway through, another fine shot from Max Thirlwall too hot for the keeper as Harry Sellars made sure knocking the ball in on the line.
An excellent team effort seemed to be reward from Brighouse’s effort from all the lads but into the last few minutes what seemed to be a goal from nothing was frustrating as Deighton netted to share the spoils.
Once again another top effort, with best being Louis Andre, Jacob Green and Luke Jarrom.

25th January 2009

Britannia U13's - 5 Vs Brighouse U13A's - 1

A cracking effort from the lads as the scoreline doesn’t tell the true story. At this age group its not easy playing on a full size pitch but the whole of the first half there was little between the teams with very few clear cut chances.
Luke Jarrom in net for Brighouse was in top form as he easily handled tame efforts at goal and when needing to come out he cleared his line comfortably.

On the half hour mark Brighouse took the lead, a flighted free kick from Louis Andre was headed on by Greg Roper and Kyle Broadbent was quickest to react at the back post to head in the opener. Frustratingly for Brighouse, Britannia equalized on the stroke of half time, another blatent offside allowed to play on giving the Brighouse defence no chance to catch up as they netted past Jarrom.

For twenty minutes of the second half play continued like the first with nothing between the sides. Again Jarrom in net handled everything but as time went by, Britannia began to assert themselves. When they finally netted past Jarrom on the half hour mark they quickly scored a third and with Brighouse tiring and playing a 42 minute second half Britannia netted twice more. Some excellent performances from Brighouse, perhaps best being Louis Andre in defence, Lewis Hobson’s tireless efforts in midfield but Man of the Match went to Luke Jarrom for a commanding display in net.

Sadly not a good performance from the Referee, (who if unable to keep up with play, what is wrong with the linesman making off side decisions), let too many Britannia challenges go through the player and over the top, with a just get on with it attitude ! Not surprising that parents feelings spilled over as four players were unable to continue and Brighouse played out the game with nine men !!

18th January 2009

Brighouse U13A's - 2 V Hartshead U13 - 6

A first half goal blitz from Hartshead proved enough as they netted four times in the first 20 minutes. The first came when Luke Jarrom managed to parry the ball away but there was Hartshead’s striker quickest to react to the loose ball.
That was quickly followed by a couple of excellent strikes that gave Jarrom no chance, then heads were well and truly down when the fourth flew in as the defence was caught giving away far too much space.
Closest effort from Brighouse was a Harry Sellars header just over the bar, but it seemed a relief to be only 4 down at half time.

The game sparked into life straight from the kick off as Max Thirwall netted twice in 2 minutes with two great strikes giving their keeper no chance. However Hartshead managed to pull three clear immediately as Brighouse were almost still celebrating.
Brighouse continued to press forward and came close two or three times and the game was still up for grabs. The turning point came midway through when Brighouse was awarded a penalty for a blatant hand ball, up stepped Joe Howard who, at the second retake could only hit it straight at the keeper, from there, his kick downfield was arguably handled to keep control as Hartshead’s elusive striker clipped the ball over Jarrom and in.

The game at that point could have swung either way, but with Brighouse unable to lift themselves with any more goals it was Hartshead who managed to see out time and take all three points. Best for Brighouse was Joe Howard.

11th January 2009

Collegians U13A's - 4 V Brighouse U13 - 1

Playing the first half against the slope and wind Brighouse battled extremely well against a strong physical side. Brighouse only managed to break out of their own half on a few occasions but came close with a Jake Malcher effort forcing the keeper to parry away to his right, then Malcher again denied when bundled over in the penalty box.
With the conditions play was in Brighouse’s half but with good defending and a couple of excellent saves from Luke Jarrom it wasn’t til late in the half that Collegians broke the deadlock, frustratingly the wind having as much control of the ball as the players, the ball fell kindly to a Collegian striker to hit past Jarrom for the opener. Into the fifth minute added on Collegians crucially netted the second following a corner when Brighouse failed to clear the ball.
Brighouse then suffered a big setback when having 3 chances to clear a Collegians attack their striker was then clipped in the area with the resulting penalty slotted home for the third.
Brighouse heads were well and truly down and that was followed by a late tackle with the free kick lashing into the net past Jarrom. Midway through the half Joe Howard netted from the spot when he was tripped in the area. Malcher again forced another good save from the keeper but what little hope of a comeback time seemed to peter away as Collegians comfortably saw out time.
Two or three players put in lack-lustre performances from Brighouse was disappointing but on the positive Jake Malcher’s comeback is looking promising, whilst there was good efforts from Joe Howard and Lewis Hobson but Man of the Match went to Luke Jarrom in net who produced some fine saves.

21st December 2008

Brighouse U13A's - 2 V Rastrick U13 - 2

How this game wasn’t won by Brighouse was unbelievable ? Playing the first half with the slope Brighouse should have netted five times in the first ten minutes as Brighouse had Rastrick pinned back and only denied by several good saves, the woodwork and some poor misses.
How often it seems to happen in football, as Rastrick who rarely got out of their own half capitalized when Brighouse gifted them the opening goal, Jarrom in net poorly kicking clear then when Andre dived in the tackle and missing, it was an easy cross to leave a free header for the first.
The half continued with constant pressure from Brighouse without a goal, nearly everyone had had a chance ! It wasn’t until into the last few minutes that a good move between Harry Sellars and Liam Moffat who then found Alex Orrell-Turner who neatly slotted past the keeper for the equalizer.

Into the second half and even against the slope Brighouse completely dominated the half. For 20 minutes Rastrick held out thanks to more good saves to deny Malcher, Moffat, Turner and Thirwall to name a few. When the woodwork again saved them from a Malcher effort it seemed a huge relief when Turner finally put Brighouse in front. But as Brighouse were unable to put the game far out of reach of Rastrick ,with 5 minutes to go a rare corner saw them draw level with a fortunate equalizer.
No matter how many efforts Brighouse were to have it was one of those days that Rastrick managed to hang on to a dramatic draw. Lets look forward to the return match and if there is a similar performance from Brighouse hopefully it will not be the same result ! Best for Brighouse Alex Orell-Turner.

14th December 2008

Brighouse U13A's - 3 V Gomersal U13 - 1

A good team performance saw Brighouse progress through to the third round of the cup. With Gomersal in good form, currently second in Div 2, the home side would have fancied a cup upset. Gomersal passed and linked well early in the game but without breaking through a solid defence from Brighouse. Jacob Green and Louis Andre at full backs both first to the ball as too Kyle Broadbent and Greg Roper thwarting Gomersal's strike force then passing through to midfield.
Max Thirwall sent a long range effort wide before a good chance fell for Scott Henry, when he was sent clear by a Joe Howard pass, only for him to be denied by a good save. Moments later however Brighouse took the lead, a through ball saw Harry Sellars chest down to Liam Moffat, Sellars then peeled away received the ball back and then shot into the top corner giving the keeper no chance.
Gomersal almost struck back immediately but for a great save from Luke Jarrom, then a free kick from Gomersal flashed wide. Then with Brighouse back on the attack James Metcalfe linked with Thirwall as his effort flew high, then perhaps rather fortunate Brighouse extended their lead when a clearance rebounded back into Liam Moffat's path for him to run onto and finish neatly. Just before the break Gomersal pulled one back when they broke through and blazed into the top corner giving Jarrom no chance in goal.

The second half had a similar pattern with Brighouse just having the better of chances than Gomersal. Jordan Spencer sent Moffat clear on goal but was well saved, Thirwall let fly but wide after a mazy run and Greg Roper's shot went straight at the keeper. Gomersal had their best chance to draw level but Jarrom pulled off another fine save.
A good spell of pressure from Brighouse saw them netting the third when Lewis Hobson rose and headed home from Thirwall's corner.
A powerful run down the line from Alex Orrell-Turner right into the six yard box should have been put away but Brighouse continued to thwart Gomersal and deservedly saw out time to progress through to the next round.
A really good team performance from Brighouse with man of the match going to Jacob Green.

23rd November 2008

Brighouse U13A's - 0 V Hepworth United U13 - 2

A narrow home defeat as Brighouse again lost out in a close game. As in a couple of previous games that rub of the green seems to be against them at the moment as the lads deserved at least a point from the game.
Playing against the breeze in the first half they held Hepworth to the solitary goal, initially a good save from Luke Jarrom but unable to hold onto the ball as it fell kindly to the advancing striker to tap in.
Defences seemed well in control as Jarrom was forced into a couple of good saves as too was his counterpart at the other end. Although as the half came to an end perhaps closest Brighouse came was a free kick just too high from Max Thirwall and a Harry Sellars effort flashing wide.

Into the second half and Brighouse pinned Hepworth in their half for long periods without getting the telling breakthrough. Scott Henry fired in a shot which the keeper did well to hold on to and from one of several corners a Harry Sellars strike was somehow deflected wide.
Then midway through, from nothing, a back pass to Jarrom bobbled as he kicked then missed as the ball then rolled into the path of the striker to tap in. It took 5 minutes for the team to regroup but the half finished as it had started with Hepworth all out to keep Brighouse at bay and take all the points.
Frustrating for the lads but is was a pretty good team performance without the reward. Best for Brighouse was Max Thirwall and Greg Roper.

16th November 2008

HAFC U13A's - 2 V Brighouse U13A's - 1

A close local derby saw the home side take all the points as Brighouse was left ruing several gilt edged chances. Brighouse seemed to have the better of the first half with Lewis Hobson, Max Thirwall, Joe Howard and Scott Henry on top in midfield all of whom passing and linking well with Liam Moffat and Harry Sellars upfront.

Best move early into the game saw Henry send Liam Mofffat through on goal but was denied by a good save. Minutes later Harry Sellars latched onto a through from the halfway line, kept his cool and slotted past the advancing keeper to break the deadlock.
Another break from Sellars had HAFC at full stretch to clear their line, first forcing the keeper into a fine save which then dropped to the advancing Joe Howard whose shot crashed against the bar which rebounded almost into the path of Scott Henry who couldn't quite get a touch before the d efender managed to clear from the line. At the other end HAFC had a couple of long range efforts wide of Luke Jarrom in net with perhaps closest being a long range free kick which was always a bit too high over the bar.

Late into the half though it was Moffat through on goal with a great chance to extend the lead only to be denied by the keeper. After the break HAFC grabbed a quick equaliser, a neat through ball splitting the defence for their striker to latch onto and let fly into the top corner.
Now it was Brighouse who were finding it difficult to break through with perhaps players trying to do that bit too much with long range efforts never quite threatening the goal. Midway through the half, hesitation between Spencer and Andre out on the flank led to HAFC pouncing and breaking through to eventually slotting the ball past Jarrom to take the lead.

In the last ten minutes Brighouse pressed for the equaliser, which nearly came when Sellars was again through on goal, slotted past the advancing keeper but saw the ball run past the wrong side of the post. HAFC managed to see out the remaining time to take the points.
Frustration for the lads to get nothing from the game but perhaps a lesson in finishing ! Best for Brighouse Harry Sellars, Joe Howard and Jacob Green.

9th November 2008

Dewsbury V Brighouse U13A's

2nd November 2008

Howden Clough U13A's - 3 V Brighouse U13A's - 4

Brighouse started brightly from the off with several attacks involving Scott Henry and Joe Howard both linking well with upfront Liam Moffat and Alex Orrell-Turner.
But it was Howden Clough who opened the scoring with their first effort on goal as they broke down the right and let fly from 20 yards giving Patrick Simpson in net no chance.

Brighouse was well on top in midfield and came close when Max Thirwall released Henry who was denied by a fine save from the keeper. A great move saw Brighouse draw level as Howard and Henry linked to release Orrell-Turner who set up Moffat to slot in the equaliser.

Orrell-Turner had an effort well saved before another slick interchange from himself to Moffat led to his second as he again slotted past the advancing keeper. Minutes later though Howden Clough drew level with a breakaway goal. Feeling hard done by to be still level Brighouse managed to take the lead on the stroke of half time when from a corner Kyle Broadbent headed on and there was Liam Moffat to prod in for a fine first half hat-trick.

Into the second half and Howden Clough started the better as they quickly equalised themselves, then for a ten minute spell Brighouse were fortunate not to go behind as first Simpson was lobbed with a goal bound effort in all the way but for Jordan Spencer chasing back to clear off the line.
Then Simpson was beaten again but this time the crossbar came to his rescue. However Brighouse lifted their game into the last ten minutes, with Orrell-Turner firing an effort wide, then from a Howard corner Kyle Broadbent was quickest to turn and shoot into the net off the post.
Brighouse should have then put the game beyond reach as Harry Sellars blazed over, then was denied when he crashed a shot against the bar and in the last few minutes Moffat blazed over when it looked easier to score.

A good team performance from the lads with best for Brighouse Scott Henry, Liam Moffat and Alex Orrell-Turner.
A similar performance this weekend will make them difficult to beat when they play Dewsbury in the cup.

26th October 2008

Brighouse U13's - 6 V Penistone - 1

Brighouse bounced back to winning ways thanks to a second half goal blitz.

In the first half Brighouse piled on the pressure with chances just not finding the net. A floated free kick from Max Thirwall had 2 or 3 teammates all trying to get a touch as it went through a crowded area. Jacob Green then went close as his drive flashed wide and two great interchanges from Liam Moffat to Alex Orrell-Turner saw him twice unlucky not to score.

However, Penistone struck having moments earlier gone close when their striker drove past Greg Roper in net. With Brighouse stunned it wasn't until on the stroke of half time that they got the deserved equaliser, Liam Moffat turned and let fly from 20 yards to give the keeper no chance.

Into the second half and Brighouse quickly took the lead, a Thirwall free kick into the area saw Kyle Broadbent react quickest to slot past the keeper. Penistone were now pinned in their own half as Moffat again went close before James Metcalfe found himself in acres of space to slam in the third.

A peach of a drive from Max Thirwall found the top corner, quickly followed by an equally good finish from Joe Howard. Penistone had a couple of clear chances to try and reduce the lead but the second half rout was completed near the end with an own goal from their defence whilst under pressure from Orrell-Turner. Best for Brighouse was Liam Moffat and Lewis Hobson. Hopefully now the team will take confidence from this performance as they travel to Howden Clough at the weekend.

19th October 2008

Deighton - 5 V Brighouse U13's - 1

Another disappointing team display as they went down without too much of a fight. Deighton took an early lead which was doubled when a long range effort was too good for Patrick Simpson. Brighouse only managed half chances as Harry Sellars and Max Thirwall both sent efforts wide of goal.

Against the wind though the game was still there at half time with neither side getting on top. Within 5 minutes from the break Liam Moffat turned and let fly to find the top corner for his first goal for the team.

That seemed to lift heads and at that point the game was there for the taking but the midfield frailties emerged as too much play was lost in midfield enabling Deighton to increase their advantage.

New player Alex Torrell-Turner came on and brought fresh momentum and very nearly netted following a strong run. However two late goals sealed victory for Deighton, as for Brighouse they now need to pick themselves and play the football they are well capable of. Best for Brighouse was Liam Moffat and Jacob Green.

12th October 2008

Brighouse U13's - 0 V Britannia - 7

An even first ten minutes without either side really threatening but slack marking from a corner from Brighouse saw themselves behind. From then on Britannia totally dominated the first half. A fine passing move split the defence for their striker to slot past Simpson in goal for the second. Then four goals in ten minutes completed the first half rout, best of which was a thirty yard screamer crashing in off the underside of the bar. With too many lack lustre performances from Brighouse, the second half was more about restoring pride and belief in their own ability. A much more competitive display from the team resulted without any reward. James Metcalfe thundered a shot against the bar with Liam Moffat unlucky not to net the follow up. Louis Andre had a couple of long range efforts flash wide, however it was Britannia who extended their lead when a defensive slip led to their striker pouncing and slotting in goal number seven. A much better display than the first half with man of the match Scott Henry showing all the right qualities that were sadly missing from far too many in the first half. A tackle on James Metcalfe resulted in Harry Sellars free kick flying into the roof of the net to put Brighouse back in front. Then when Liam Moffat skipped past a couple of defenders he was then brought down giving the Ref no choice but to award a spot kick. Joe Howard placed his kick well to extend the lead. Matthew Parnell and Jacob Green thwarted any attacks wide from Hartshead and at this point the next goal was going to be crucial. Hesitation from Simpson led to the Hartshead striker pouncing and pulling one back. Momentum now seemed to be with Hartshead and when Brighouse lost possession in midfield a fine strike was too good for Simpson as Hartshead pulled level. Metcalfe limped off after another poor tackle left Brighouse with 10 men and into the last few minutes Liam Moffat was denied by a good save but Hartshead finished the stronger and scored the winner to secure the points. A hard fought game but one Brighouse can take lots of positives from, best for Brighouse was Liam Moffat, Kyle Broadbent and James Metcalfe. Hopefully several players will return from injury this week as they look to entertain Britannia at St Andrews

5th October 2008

Hartshead U13's 5  V  Brighouse U13's 4 ( H Sellars 2, J Metcalfe, J Howard )

On a rain sodden pitch Brighouse dominated for long periods but came away with nothing. Hartshead's size and strength proved difficult to cope with especially towards the end of the match. Slick passing and moving from Brighouse soon had Hartshead at full stretch, the opening goal wasn't long in coming. Joe Howard sent a through ball to Harry Sellars who neatly slotted past the advancing keeper. Liam Moffat was a real handful down the right as Brighouse continued to outplay their opponents. Against the run of play Hartshead equalised, Patrick Simpson tipping onto the bar but rebounded back to the striker to slam in. Brighouse responded well and took the lead again when James Metcalfe found himself in space in the area to turn and shoot and find the top corner. Scott Henry and Max Thirwall was linking up great from midfield into attack and it was Thirwall who was unlucky not to score as his snap shot flashed wide. Kyle Broadbent and Lewis Hobson did well to thwart Hartshead's strike force but just before the break a great strike gave Simpson no chance as they drew level. At halftime Luke Dalby replaced the injured Thirwall as Brighouse continued with great determination.
A poor tackle on James Metcalfe resulted in Harry Sellars free kick flying into the roof of the net to put Brighouse back in front. Then when Liam Moffat skipped past a couple of defenders he was then brought down giving the Ref no choice but to award a spot kick. Joe Howard placed his kick well to extend the lead. Matthew Parnell and Jacob Green thwarted any attacks wide from Hartshead and at this point the next goal was going to be crucial. Hesitation from Simpson led to the Hartshead striker pouncing and pulling one back. Momentum now seemed to be with Hartshead and when Brighouse lost possession in midfield a fine strike was too good for Simpson as Hartshead pulled level. Metcalfe limped off after another poor tackle left Brighouse with 10 men and into the last few minutes Liam Moffat was denied by a good save but Hartshead finished the stronger and scored the winner to secure the points. A hard fought game but one Brighouse can take lots of positives from, best for Brighouse was Liam Moffat, Kyle Broadbent and James Metcalfe. Hopefully several players will return from injury this week as they look to entertain Britannia at St Andrews

28th September 2008

Brighouse U13's 3 ( S Henry, M Thirwall, H Sellars ) V Meltham U13's 2

From the off Brighouse had Meltham on the back foot. Dominating midfield was Max Thirwall, James Metcalfe, Scott Henry and Harry Sellars. Within 5 minutes great play down the left from Liam Moffat and Harry Sellars found Joe Howard who passed out wide to Scott Henry to finish off a great move. Continued pressure had Meltham at sixes and sevens, a defensive mix up led to Sellars pouncing on a loose ball to nett the second. Sellars was again in full flow but from the edge of the box his shot blazed over. From nowhere Meltham pulled one back, a floated free kick and the unmarked attacker gave Patrick Simpson no chance. Just before the break Scott Henry nearly increased the lead but was denied by a fine save from the keeper. Into the second half and Brighouse continued to peg back Meltham. Kyle Broadbent and Lewis Hobson restricted Meltham's strikeforce to scraps and Joel Macfarlane and Jacob Green thwarted anything out on the flanks. Brighouse extended their lead when a speculative strike from long range from Max Thirwall dipped under the bar. Minutes later Thirwall's shot forced the keeper into a fine save, but as in the first half against the run of play, Meltham pulled one back as Brighouse failed to clear from a long throw in. In the last 10 minutes Meltham tried in vain to push forward but it was Brighouse who should have been scoring as several chances went begging. Joe Howard was unlucky as his lob beat the advancing keeper but bounced wide, a James Metcalfe shot glazed the post and an almighty goal mouth scramble with the ball somehow not going in. A performance full of effort, determination and very entertaining to watch. A repeat performance will be needed this week as they travel to Hartshead.

21st September 2008

Longcroft Lions U 13's 6 Brighouse U 13's 4

( M Thirwall 2, S Henry 1, J Howard 1 ) Just before kick off the team proudly accepted their new kit from Malcolm & Margaret Taylor. Although busy at Brighouse Town Malcolm & Margaret watch their grandson Louis most Sundays. A big thankyou from all the boys for your support. What an exciting first game for the team that frustratingly saw them lose out in a ten goal thriller.Playing up the slope Brighouse started brightly and took a deserved lead. Jordan Spencer sent Liam Moffat clear whose deep cross found Scott Henry for him to finish neatly. Luke Jarrom was quick to save well to keep Brighouse in front. Whilst in attack Harry Sellars was denied by the keeper then the bar as the action began to flow from end to end. Another fine save from Jarrom led to a corner, slack marking though and a free header saw Longcroft net the equaliser. Sellars again hit the post, Joe Howard twice went close and as Brighouse seemed to be on top Logcroft twice netted in style just before the break. Revitalised after the break, Brighouse pressed forward taking advantage of the slope. An early free kick from Max Thirwall was too hot for the keeper to keep out, that was quickly followed by another Thirwall shot to nestle in the bottom corner for the equaliser. How unlucky Brighouse was not to take the lead at this point as Sellars again forced the keeper into a fine save, then Howard hit the bar, more pressure as Sellars again was denied by the post. Frustration then for the team as again poor marking at a corner saw Longcroft edge back in front. Now with spaces appearing Longcroft capitalised as Brighouse pushed forward, a swift break and good finish had them 5-3 up. Joe Howard quickly pulled one back when he skipped clear of the defence. In search of more goals Thirwall had a shot flashing wide and Sellars was again denied by the cross-bar. Into the last few minutes with Brighouse chasing the game Longcroft netted to make it six and secure the points. It was a great game between two good teams which could have gone either way. Brighouse will look to build on this effort as this week they entertain Meltham at St Andrews, 2.00 kick off.

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