Under 18's hit 7 past Haverhill on cold evening!!

RIDGEONS UNDER 18's LEAGUE - WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 24th
BRANTHAM UNDER 18's 7 HAVERHILL UNDER 18's 0
A very low crowd, and really who could blame them, as it was freezing cold, turned out to see Brantham under 18's hit 7 goals past Haverhill under 18's. Brantham bounced back after the home defeat by Felixstowe in emphatic style as they destroyed bottom of the table Haverhill with some top class football. Brantham attacked from the start with Danny Garrad causing the Haverhill defence problems with his speed and skill. Brantham took an early lead when Danny Garrad jinked round two men before being brought down in the area and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Danny dusted himself down and calmy slotted the spot kick home. Brantham doubled the lead minutes later to go 2-0 up inside ten minutes thought skipper Alex Stocker's deft header past the beleaguered Haverhill keeper. It was not all one way traffic and Brantham custodian Tom Williams had to make a couple of good saves to deny the Haverhill front runners. Despite this, Brantham made it 3-0 when Alex Stocker grabbed his second of the night after some great passing football. James Turner was leading the line well and had a couple of half chances. Brantham kept the pressure on and it was soon to be 4-0 when Ross Cooper netted a well worked goal. Haverhill rarely threatened in the latter part of the first half and just prior to the break Tom Williams in the Brantham goal comfortably saved a couple of tame efforts. Half time - Brantham, 4 Haverhill 0
At half time Haverhill switched keepers but it still didn't get that much better for them when Shaun Webb finally scored a good goal to make it 5-0. Turner, Garrad and Stocker all had efforts to add to the lead but could not make them count. With just 15 minutes left substitute Jack Birkett came on and notched two classy goals. The first was set up by fellow sub Stewie McFarland, with Jack calmly sliding the ball past the keeper. Jack's second came after a good move between Webb and Turner put him through to grab his second and Brantham's seventh of the night. Jack might have added another when he ran towards goal only to see his fierce shot saved by the keeper. Tom Williams made a great save from a strike from well outside the area which he tipped over his bar. With just minutes left Brantham could have made it eight when Burkett set up Turner who shot wide of the goal. In the end as comfortable victory and a top quality performance. No doubt Haverhill will be looking for revenge when we travel to New Croft next Thursday (Dec 2nd) for another league fixture.
Brantham - 1-Tom Williams. 2-Dan Page. 3-Jay Welham (replaced by Jordan Ramsey). 4-Shaun Webb. 5-Ryan Dawson. 6-Dale Gregory. 7-Alex Stocker. 8-Ross Cooper. 9-James Turner. 10-Danny Garrad (replaced by Jack Burkett). 11-Tom Simpson ( replaced by Stewie McFarland
--Thanks to Dan Allen for the report---- barry felgate.

Brantham draw away to Wroxham-but at a cost-photo of two goalscorers

Photo= The two men on target for us,both from the penalty spot. David Grimwood, who was our "Man of the match" is on the left of the photo and alongside is leading goalscorer Ollie Mann.

RIDGEONS PREMIER DIVISION - SATURDAY NOVEMBER 20th
WROXHAM 2 BRANTHAM ATHLETIC 2
The first team made the journey to Wroxham (writes Barry Felgate ) and after a game that was not for the faint hearted we came away with a great 2-2 draw and all credit to all of the team who ALL played their part in such a good result. Prior to the game the Wroxham people were quick to tell us that they had won the last 9 matches and this would be number ten( in the end it just didn't weork like that for them. The first half of the report is in minutes--
2 mins - Wroxham tried to clear the ball but it hit the referee and fell into the path of the livewire Lee Grimwood.Lee made ground and hit a great volley which went just over the bar.
5 mins - Wroxham settled into the game and a good three man ended with a forward taking a snap shot from just outside our area which clipped the Brantham bar.
8 mins - A good move down the flank saw the ball end with midfield supremo David Grimwood, who turned 2 men before shooting at goal only to see the keeper position himself to take the fierce effort.
10 mins- new signing Marc Lowe was unceremoniously was dumped on the ground after a hard challenge but after treatment Marc got up and carried on (phew! - we were sweating on if Marc would take any further part!)

13 mins - a well worked move by Wroxham ended with Cook seeing his shot saved by Ross Welton in the Brantham goal.
20 mins- a good through ball from Lee Grimwood picked out Kieran Lawler and Kieran's first time shot was deflected for a corner.
22 mins- a good move by Wroxham started in their own half saw their centre forward hit a fierce shot that seemed to cannon off Ross Welton's chest but Ross was quick enough to get the ball away and out of danger
24 mins - a good move started at the back by Brantham by Andy French saw Ollie Mann run onto the ball and only a last ditch tackle stopped Ollie hitting the ball from just outside the area.
26 mins- a Wroxham man broke through and he tangled with Andy French before hitting the deck. The referee brandished the red card for Andy as he was deemed to have denied the Wroxham man a goalscoring opportunity. Speaking to Andy after the game he said the foul was in the area but the referee brought the kick back to the edge of the area but it didn't make that much difference as Howes blasted the perfect free kick home.

30 mins - Wroxham started a move from the back and a quick thinking forward latched onto a through ball and his shot was not that far off target.
33 mins- a superb through ball from David Grimwood picked out Lee Grimwood who saw his shot go just wide of the post.
37 mins - our central defenders Jack Sibbons and Adam Bloss were having top class games in keeping the Wroxham front men from adding to their score,making vital tackles when it mattered.
39/40 mins- Ross Welton in the Brantham goal made two very good saves, one after t'other to deny Wroxham a second goal.
The second half started with Wroxham still convinced that the points were going to them but the Brantham team were still battling on. Lee Grimwood put over a good centre which Ollie Mann just could not reach. At our end Ross Welton made a good save to deny Durrant and Ross cleared the ball upfield and it ended with Simon Mann who put his first time effort wide . Minutes later Lee Grimwood was brought down in the Wroxham area only for the referee to wave play on. A well worked moved saw David Grimwood send in a stinging shot which the keeper saved at the second attempt. We drew level in the 75th minute when Jack Sibbons, who had made ground into the Wroxham area ,was brought down by a clumsy challenge. Up stepped David Grimwood, made sure his boots were alright, and then sent in the perfect spot kick home hard and low.1-1. The game seemed to quieten down a little bit after this and during that period it was Wroxham who regained their lead when Gilmore hit home a great shot from well outside the area, the ball going home past Ross Welton like a rocket. Ollie Mann,leading the line superbly, got through a lot of work up front and saw some good strikes not that far wide of the target. Tackles seemed to be flying in thick and fast and we then lost Adam Bloss who clattered into a Wroxham man and after the melee that followed both Adam and Wroxham's Lemmon were given their marching orders. Brantham manager Tony Hall had to make adjustments to his team of just 9 players on the pitch. Brantham's "man of the match" David Grimwood was then unceremoniously clattered off the park and as he lay injured on the touch line a ball was then kicked at him which seemed to hit him in the face. With time running out we were given a second life-line when the referee pointed to the spot for the second time. David Grimwood, our usual penalty taker, was still feeling the effects of his injury and up stepped Ollie Mann, and with our hearts in our mouths we watched as Ollie took his run up and slammed it home to the right of the keeper to bring us level again at 2-2. We still had more to come as in the dying minutes Lee Grimwood and an opponents collided and for some obscure reason Lee was booked and then a couple of minutes later Jack Sibbons received his second yellow card for a tackle and we then played the very last part of the match with just 8 men on the park. As the lads came off all of the Brantham supporters stood by the entrance to the ground and clapped them off for such a great performance. As chairman Peter Crowhurst said " the Brantham lads were a credit to the club and themselves.
Thanks once again to our fantastic travelling supporters, who again were there to cheer the team on, and welcome to the new member of the clan, Mickey Lowe, and Mickey can be proud of son Marc who had a fine game in his first game with the team.
Brantham - 1-Ross Welton 2-Simon Mann. 3-Andy French. 4- Jack Sibbons. 5- Adam Bloss. 6-Kieran Lawler. 7-Chris French. 8-Marc Lowe. 9-Ollie Mann. 10- David Grimwood. 11-Lee Grimwood . subs used - Kieron Smith-Edwards. subs not used -Danny Garrad, Sean Gunn and Nathan Munson.
----barry felgate---

Brantham Reserves go nap! and two goal man Alex Drouet

Photo-Alex Drouet who was on target with two goals in the reserves top class 5-0 win at hme to Witham Reserves

RIDGEONS RESERVES SOUTH - SATURDAY NOVEMBER 20th
BRANTHAM RESERVES 5 WITHAM RESERVES 0
After last weeks poor showing in the cup we welcomed Jono Crouch,Adam Thompson and Alex Drouet into the starting 11 (writes Nathan Burrell), this meant a couple dropping down to Joe's "A" team and lads this was nothing to do with performance or ability but a surplus of personnel. The "Gaffer" also left himself out of the squad as he was disappointed with his own showing last week. We started the game on the front foot and within 5 minutes, and with our first meaningful attack, Adam Thompson found Ben Sparrow who skipped past the fullback and delivered an inch perfect cross for Alex Drouet to calmly volley into the corner of the net. 1-0 and the perfect start. There was no stopping us and we won the ball back with Alex Street finding Ben Sparrow who in turn played in Lee Wilcox and Lee finished past the keeper at the second attempt to put us 2-0 up. It was all Brantham at this stage and Ben Sparrow was causing the back four of Witham real problems with his movement and pace. We scored our 3rd goal on the 15th minute mark when skipper James Long played a great long ball down the wing for Alex "Streety" Street to latch onto and he in turn knocked in a delicious cross which found Ben Sparrow who finished with ease on the turn.We had another couple of great chances to increase our lead, firstly when Shaun Webb shot over from yet another Sparrow raid down the right and Alex Drouet clipped in a great cross which Alex Street headed just wide. We didn't have to wait long for the fourth goal which duly arrived on 40 minutes. James Long whipped in a great ball and found the composed Alex Drouet who again finished on the half-volley into the bottom of the net. Right on half time we had a glorious chance to make it 5-0 when a great run by Alex Drouet found Shaun Webb who just failed to connect with a header from 5 yards out, so half time 4-0 with at times some fantastic football ,which was also very pleasing, as we had worked at crossing and finishing at training and before the game. So just goes to show boys the more you practice the better you will be. The second half started and we knew that Witham would up their game and this they did taking the game to us with plenty of possession but really failing to create any real chances. We brought on all three subs with Shaun Webb, James Long and Adam Thompson all having a deserved break. We notched up our fifth goal when Ben Green made ground down down the pitch and crossed for Alex Street to finish well into the corner of the net. I have to make the comment at this point with the "Gaffer" who throughout the whole game was warned several times by the man in black to keep off the pitch and stay in his technical area, but somehow "Merch" had found himself on the other side of the pitch after clollecting a loose ball and after our fifth goal decided to sprint across the pitch. Unfortunately for "Merch" he wasn't quick enough and the eagle-eyed referee sent him to the stands much to the amusement of myself and Robbie who were both in stitches at his escapade.
So a great 3 points and sets us up nicely for the tough game away to Braintree on Saturday, also a huge thanks to Kensington for the smart track-suits we received.
Brantham - 1-Tom Williams. 2-James Long. 3-Adam Sturman. 4-James Glen. 5-Jono Crouch. 6-Shaun Webb. 7-Adam Thompson. 8-Lee Wilcox (1 goal). 9-Ben Sparrow(1 goal). 10-Alex Street (1 goal). 11- Alex Drouet (2 goals). subs Scott Cooke, James Turner and Ben Green.
---thanks to Nathan Burrell for his report--- barry felgate

Brantham Reserves go out of cup-photo of goalkeeper Tom Williams

Photo- Goalkeeper Tom Williams who could not be faulted for the two goals that we conceded.

During the match Tom made some top class saves to keep us in with a chance.

SCFA SENIOR RESERVES CUP- SATURDAY NOVEMBER 12th 2010
BRANTHAM RESERVES 1 HAVERHILL RESERVES 2
We entertained Haverhill reserves in this 3rd round senior reserves cup tie in a confident mood after our impressive performances against Wanderers the previous week ( writes Nathan Burrell). But with a couple of regulars missing and a number of players cup-tied it was always going to be a tough game against a strong Haverhill eleven. The opening 45 minutes saw us struggle to get our game together and only two great saves from Tom Williams kept us all square early on. A poor clearance out of defence fell to a Haverhill player and with the ball sitting up perfectly for him he lashed a great shot from 25 yards out into the corner of the net giving Tom Williams no chance at all in the Brantham goal. The remainder of the half was a pretty drab affair with Haverhill the much better team and their two wide men giving our back four a bit of a chasing. Kev Mann was booked for a slightly late (being very generous!") tackle in the middle of the park and I was hoping this would get the boys up for the game but for the rest of the half we again struggled to put two passes together and the shape of the team was almost non-existent. We had a chance five minutes from half time when from a corner Shaun Webb shot wide,but in all honesty Haverhill fully deserved their half time lead. As you can imagine a few home truths were spoken in the dressing room but we were still happy to be in the game.
The second half and we changed the shape of the team with the angry Alex Street dropping into midfield and the front three of Sparrow,Turner and Garrad gave us a better looking shape. We had plenty of possession and the movement of Ben Sparrow gave the Haverhill defence more to think about but the final ball on the day was lacking and chances for either side were far and few between. Our first shot on target gave us the equaliser with Danny Garrad finding space 20 yards out from goal and driving in a great shot, so 1-1, and all to play for, Unfortunatly we were only on level terms for five minutes when a Haverhill forward took a tumble in the box and with Merch and James Glen looking astonished the referee pointed to the spot for a penalty which was converted to give Haverhill the lead again. We huffed and puffed but couldn't create that one chance and I knew it wasn't going to be our day when Ben Sparrow was pullked back a good 5 yards into the box only for the referee to award the free kick on the edge of the box.
So disappointment at the final whistle and again a 3rd round exit. This time last year we were in exactly the same position, top of the league but after a cup exit to Lowestoft we failed to win a game for 2 months, so as you can imagine the game this coming Saturday, when we are at home to Witham Town now becomes massive to make sure we get back on track in the league.
Brantham team - 1-Tom Williams. 2-Shaun Webb. 3-Scott Cooke. 4-James Long. 5- James Glen. 6-Kevin Mann., 7-Danny Garrad. 8-Alex Stocker - 9-James Turner. 10-Alex Street. 11-Allan Merchant. subs - Ben Sparrow, Adam Sturman and Jerome Primus.
Both Merch and Nathan would like to thank everyone who attended the quiz night on Saturday. It was a great night and we raised £500- so well done to everyone!
--Many thanks to Nathan Burrell for the report---barry felgate

Two goal Garrad not enough for Brantham Under 18's

RIDGEONS UNDER 18's League - WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 10th
BRANTHAM UNDER 18's 2 FELIXSTOWE & WALTON UNDER 18'S 3
Two well taken goals from an inform Danny Garrad were not enough as Brantham went down 3-2 at home to Felixstowe & Walton in their Ridgeons Youth South Division clash.
A somewhat scrappy first 40 minutes saw very few chances created by either side with Felixstowe perhaps just about having the edge. It was Felixstowe who took the lead five minutes before half time. Brantham quickly levelled though, just 39 seconds later, when Shaun Webb shot at the keeper and the shot was saved by the keeper but the rebound came out into the path of Danny Garrad who tapped the ball home. On the stroke of half time, Tom Williams in the Brantham goal, made a great one-on-one save to deny Felixstowe from retaking the lead.
Brantham came out trying to take the lead and Danny Garrad shot wide from distance, before Tom Williams made another good one-on-one save as a forward was allowed to gain ground into the area. Brantham failed to clear the ball and a defender was adjuged to have fouled a forward,although it looked like the Felixstowe man had made the most of a slight challenge. The penalty was given and was cooly converted. Felixstowe went 3-1 up minutes later and Brantham had to thank custodian Tom Williams who ,again, pulled off a top class save to deny a forward adding a fourth. Brantham's Page rattled the post from a driven shot as Brantham looked to get back into the game. In added-on time Brantham were awarded a penalty and up stepped Danny Garrad to tap home for his and Brantham's second of the night.
--thanks to Daniel Allen for the match report---barry felgate---

Brantham Reserves great 4-1 win away to Wanderers plus photos!!

Top photo - Goalkeeper Ross Welton who made a superb save frtom a penalty to keep us level at 0-0. Bottom photo - manager Allan Merchant who had a top class game at the back and was urging the team on the whole game.

RIDGEONS RESERVES - SOUTH - SATURDAY NOVEMBER 6th

IPSWICH WANDERERS RESERVES 1 BRANTHAM RESERVES 4

We travelled over to Ipswich to take on a Wanderers reserve side that had given us plenty of problems when we defeated them at home at the start of the season. With Ipswich Town getting the Wanderers pitch in first class condition we were all looking forward to the game. With the first team not having a fixture we brought Sean Gunn in for some much needed minutes.
The game started with a big, strong Wanderers side causing us some problems from set play situations and from a corner nearly opened the scoring, but luckily for us they struck the woodwork. We started to settle down and hit the woodwork ourselves when James Long did well down our right and put in a great cross only for Adam Thompson's over head kick to strike the foot of the post. We were getting more into the game and had more possession but the final ball in and around the Wanderers penalty box was lacking. Wanderers were happy to hit their front men as quickly as possible and from a good ball into our box the referee adjudged that James Long had fouled their centre forward and awarded a penalty. This was a harsh decision but thankfully for us Ross Welton pulled off a fantastic save to his left to keep the score level. This seemed to pick us up and from our next attack Alex Street found Sean Gunn who made ground down our left and their back line could not handle his pace and he shot into the bottom corner of the goal to give us the lead. The pace of our front four were causing the Wanderers defence real problems and on another break manager Merchant played in Danny Garrod who found himself one-on-one with the keeper but his final touch let him down and the ball fell to Shaun Webb who missed when it seemed easier to score! We then increased our lead on 40 minutes with a great goal. Adam Thompson and Sean Gunn combined well down the left and "Gunny" found young Danny Garrod who finished well, so 2-0, and looking good. Right on half time Wanderers forced a corner and we failed on two occasions to clear the ball giving their forward the easiest of goals to put them back into the game. This goal didn't really effect the half time team talk to much as had played the better football and we stressed to the boys to continue to pass and move and continue with the work rate.
This we did and from the very first attack Ben Green played in a cracking cross which fell perfectly to Danny Garrod, who again produced a top class finish-3-1. This seemed to knock the stuffing out of Wanderers and for the rest of the second half we played,probably, our best football this season. We scored the fourth goal 20 minutes into the half when again we broke at pace with Danny Garrod made ground towards goal on our right and played in Adam Thompson who found the back of the net with a rasping shot. We then made some changes bringing on James Turner and Alex Stocker for Sean Gunn and Adam Thompson but we continued to play attractive one touch football which Wanderers were struggling to cope with. We almost increased our lead on two more occasions when James Turner sent in a stinging volley which was well saved and the move of the game which involved nearly our entire team, keeping the ball for 5 minutes, and it ended with Ben Green had a good chance but all credit to the Wanderers keepee who pulled off a great save. So a great 4-1 win which moved us 7 points clear at the top of the table and sets us up nicely for this coming Saturday's cup game at home to Haverhill.
Brantham - 1-Ross Welton. 2-Scott Cooke. 3- James Long. 4-Allan Merchant. 5-James Glenn. 6-Sean Gunn ( 1 goal). 7-Ben Green. 8-Shaun Webb. 9-Alex Street. 10-Adam Thompson ( 1 goal). 11-Danny Garrod ( 2 goals). Subs - Kevin Mann, Alex Stocker and James Turner.
Comment - I travelled to see the game and the team played some top class football and they played as a team and for each other. When we saw the size of some of the Wanderers lads we thought it was going to be a hard game, and it turned out to be one as well, but the Brantham team played some good, fast, attacking football and at times Wanderers had no answer to that.Listening to some of the Wanderers people after the game they were impressed with us and no doubt to my mind that the team did the management, themeslves and the club proud, well done lads.
Thanks to Nathan Burrell for his report----barry felgate---

Brantham go down 4-0 on a windy evening at Leiston!

RIDGEONS PREMIER DIVISION -TUESDAY NOVEMBER 2nd
LEISTON TOWN 4 BRANTHAM ATHLETIC 0
We made the journey to Leiston to take on a side that are at the top end of the table.Once again we had several key men out, Jack Sibbons and David Grimwood aggravated injuries in the match against Dereham. Lee Grimwood was in America and of course Ryan Bedingfield is a long term injury with his knee problem. Leiston are not the sort of team that the management team of Tony Hall and Colin Grogan wanted to face with a somewhat depleted squad. Leiston chose to play with the wind at their backs and the swirling strong wind, did help them when playing long balls forward. Ex-Brantham man Michael Brothers had the first chance when he cut inside from the wing and let fly with a shot that went across the area. We started to get in to the game and a good ball played out wide to Chris French, who had motored up from left back, saw Chris hit a good volley which brought out an equally good save from the Leiston keeper. Leiston broke the deadlock when Danny Cunningham turned his marker and from close range slotted home at the far post. We then lost midfield man Ben Spencer to a clumsy tackle and minutes later a mix-up at the back allowed Danny Cunningham to score his second from close range,leaving keeper Ross Welton no chance at all. We were playing some decent football and had some chances, but these were being hurried or stopped by an alert Leiston keeper. Just prior to the break Leiston's Danny Smy made ground and from almost on the dead ball line he sent in a fierce shot at goal .Ross Welton saved the shot and cleared up field only to see the linesman signal to the referee that the ball had gone over the line- goal number 3 for Leiston.
The second half saw us with the wind behind us but that did not help when Leiston added a fourth after the restart. The ball was played through for Danny Cunningham to latch on to and from outside the box he sent in a thunderbolt of a shot to make it 4-0 to the home side. We started to move forward and we had chances but Leiston were prepared to defend in depth which made things that much more difficult for us. Despite being somewhat overwhelmed at times we played our way out of trouble by playing good,passing, football. Ollie Mann was unlucky when saw a great shot punched off the line by the Leiston keeper. Minutes later an inswinging corner was also cleared at the last minute by a startled defender. Skipper Simon Mann was urging his team on the whole game while centre backs of Adam Bloss and Andy French more than had their work cut out in keeping Leiston at bay. Striker Ollie Mann ,who led the line superbly, had no reward for all of his hard work and efforts at goal.
Comment -Talking to some of our fellow Brantham supporters it was agreed that when we are able to call upon a full squad of fit players we can, hopefully start to pick up points. I would make the point this is not being disrespectful to any Brantham player, as I am sure they all give 100% in every game they are involved in but things have not turned out to the way we had hoped they would ,but there is still time. Since the start of the season in August manager Tony Hall has not had a full squad to choose from. We have picked up more injuries so far this season than we did in the previous two seasons. We have some very good young players coming through and they are being involved but at this level of football our opponents don't take many prisoners.Good also to see both Jack Sibbons and David Grimwood at the game, despite being injured. Thanks also to, once again, our travelling loyal band of supporters who get 100% behind the team regardless of the result. I was laughed at by a couple of Leiston supporters for my continued shouting and support of our team, but I made the point that I am proud to be involved with and supporting Brantham, regardless of results, and wondered how many of them would support Leiston if they were having an indifferent season, maybe not that many!! ( I will get off my soap box now!!)
The next first team game is not until Saturday November 20th when we are away to Wroxham. Hopefully, by that time we should have most of the walking wounded fit and ready to play,keeping our fingers and everything else crossed!!
Brantham - 1-Ross Welton. 2-Kieron Smith-Edwards. 3- Chris French. 4-Andy French. 5-Adam Bloss. 6- Ben Spencer. 7-Sean Gunn.8-Simon Mann. 9-Ollie Mann. 10-Kieran Lawler. 11-Adam Thompson. subs used - Lee Willcox, Ben Sparrow and Danny Garrad. Subs not used - Nathan Munson and David Grimwood
---------barry felgate-------------