From the Australian branch of the BAFC supporters club

The following message came from the man who started up the Australian branch of the Brantham Athletic supporters club, Dean French.
As I am sure a lot of you will know that Dean is the dad of Brantham players Chris and Andy, and Dean was heavily involved with Brantham football club for a long time.
" As the season comes to a close I just wanted to congratulate you all for an excellent season. We follow the team from 16,000 miles away waiting for every result, programme from Andy, updates from Andrew and Christopher and some very early morning checks on the Ridgeons website each Sunday morning, with baited breath for the result. We have Brantham scarves and badges proudly paraded from our windows here in Perth ensuring that everyone gets to hear about the "boys in blue".
Andy Powell's programmes are becoming world famous as I forward on his copies to 14 different people all over Australia, who all wait for their weekly dose of Brantham Athletic FC.
This season has been a remarkable achievement by you all, both on and off the pitch, with individual and collective efforts. From the games I have seen when back home and from reading all the match reports, it seems the boys are capable of holding their own against any team in the division on their day and consistency is the final piece of the jigsaw.
Thank you all for the enjoyment you provide all the regular supporters, players and everyone associated with the club through your hardwork, passion and commitment. The Australian supporters club awaits your pre-season tour of Australia with much anticipation!!!
Take care and once again well done for a fantastic season
Dean ( French) "
Many thanks to Dean for his kind words and I am sure that all the team would like to play in Australia, the only thing they might ask is when they need to get into training for the rowing they will need!!!

As the season draws to a close.......

As the season draws to a close.... with Barry Felgate (taken from the Brantham v Gt Yarmouth programme 23/04)
There are two different teams involved in football at Brantham Athletic football club.The first team, and the most important team are the players, as without them you would not need the second team of people, who are the people that are active off the football pitch .They are there to make sure that the teams are ready and prepared for their game and that everything runs smoothly off the pitch. This is the chance to thank some of the people who are involved within the club and are behind the scenes. Such people as these are not only at Brantham Athletic football club but are at every football club that sees a team take to the field to play. Our thanks to each and every one of them for their great work over this current season.
Managers-assistant managers-coaches-team helpers.: Tony Hall and Colin Grogan (1st team), Allan Merchant and Nathan Burrell ( reserve team). Joe "Daggers" Riley and Steve Chappell ( Dev.A team), Lee Willcox (Under 18's), Guy Clubb and Justin Vince (Sunday Badgers), Mark Horsfall and John Powell ( Brantham Vets). Trevor Fagg (Ladies team). Arron Hall, Simon Nightingale, Martin Madley, Warren Manners, Jonathan Hammond, Kevin Day, Craig Clarke, Lee Clarke, Les Mitchell, Simon King, Steve Chappell (all youth team managers). Paul "Skinz" Skingley (Director of football), Robbie Rothwell ( Asst. Director of football), Nathan Munson ( Senior goalkeeping coach), Sam Gedny (physio), Neil Williams (under 18's coach), Steve Foley ( guest coach), Ben Swann (linesman for reserve team).
BAFC Management committee: Peter Crowhurst (Chairman), Alan " The Godfather" Clarke ( Vice Chairman and groundsman), Andy Powell ( Club secretary - Saturday teams secretary- Programme Editor), Philip Lawler ( Development officer - BLC secretary), Barry Felgate (Press officer - Website Administrator- General Club manager-Sunday teams secretary),Jenny Kennell ( treasurer), Michelle Hammond (Youth teams secretary), Debbie Kerry ( procurement manager), Tony Hall ( Commercial manager), Craig Clarke ( Junior team representative on committee), Kim Mitchell (CWO).
Other posts: David Thurlow ( Gate supervisor), Lisa Lawler ( 1st half of season) and Lynne Parker ( 2nd half of season) for their great hospitality food and drinks for visitors and officials, Dan Allen (Kitman and Golden Goal seller), young Adam Wilson (programme seller), Stuart Cooke ( for his great help with lighting, PA system, etc.)
Thanks also to those who help out on an ad-hoc basis on match days (including Rod Webb and "Nobby" Spencer on the gate and also the ladies in the kitchen who serve up top class food for players and supporters-thankyou.
As you can see, the team working behind the scenes could make up three teams on the field as well, although I have a feeling that most of us are well past our playing days now. Our thanks to each and every one of them for the hard work done during the season now finishing, it wouldn't have been the same without you! I am sure, like me, they will all welcome the short break but you can bet your life we will all be waiting for the new 2011-2012 season to get under way!
If I have left anybody out then I apologise.
Programme editor- Andy Powell
On behalf of everybody at Brantham club our thanks to Andy Powell who turns out a great programme for every first team home match, and when you see some of the other programmes from other clubs you realise what a good job he does. The last week at home for the first team Andy had to cover three programmes in seven days and he still came up smiling. Andy is also on duty at a lot of the matches with his trusty camera for action shots/player photos- something again that is much appreciated not only by us but also some of the newspapers that we send reports onto.
Last, but by no means least--OUR FANS...
Thank you to each and every one of our regular fans who come down to Brantham to cheer us on. I know that you support is much appreciated, not only by the team, but also by all of us involved in the club. Your support has been tremendous, especially at the start of the season when it took us a little time to adjust to Premier Division football,but you stuck with us and were there at home games cheering the team on. Thank you also our regular band of supporters who make the journey to travel to away games and cheer us on, to name but a few, Mr & Mrs.Sibbons, Mr.Bloss, Mr.Mann and not forgetting Mick Lowe.
See you all next season ( which is now only about 12 weeks away before the first friendly matches kick in!!)
--barry felgate---

A message from the Chairman.....

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN.....(taken from the Brantham v Yarmouth programme - 23rd April 2011)
After a baptism of fire losing 4-0 away to Debenham LC at the start of our Premier League campaign the team finally found their feet in 2011. With breath taking peformances away at Dereham, 1-5, Kirkley & Pakefield, 0-7, at times we looked like champions. But for me the performance of the year was that at Wroxham. With 8 players left on the pitch we delivered a hard earned draw (2-2) against the 2010 FA Vase finalists. This demonstrated to all the players what they can deliver and bred an inner belief across the squad. We battled for that result. It was outstanding. If we can do that consistently week in week out next season then we will be in the top 5. If we reproduce inconsistency then we will dance with the devil yet again next year.
Mick Lowe and I always look at each other in the eye before each match. Which Brantham will show today?
But remaining positive has been a trememndous achievement by all the players, the manager and all the coaches and support staff & committee. Tony, Skins, Colin, Nathan. Sam. Steve and Robbie have worked with and believed in the squad. With the Ressies -Merch/Nathan-pushing Tony all the way again for another incredible season where they still hold a real chance of being crowned Reserve league champions. They are also outstanding. Not to mention the sparkling under 18's who can achieve runners-up following their success of last year. I am sure you will agree Lee Willcox senior has done an incredible job yet again. Then we have the Development Team- Joe Riley and Steve Chappell have honed a brilliant squad of youngsters. Anyone who has watched them will be impressed by the quality and togetherness of this team that are pushing for promotion for the 3rd season running.
Whilst we celebrate a Royal Wedding this year I wish to pay credit to a player who has put his career on the line with a totally fair but vital tackle for the Club - Jono Crouch-I shouldn't praise individual players ( particularly when they're my future son-in-law) But what a terrific lad he is and the tackle in the mud larks of March spoke volumes about him. We all wish him well for the most important wedding of the year ! And,of course a speedy recovery. And talking of individuals -Ollie Mann - our own Connor Wickam- But better! Again like all the lads a terrific person and player who's set square to be the League's leading goalscorer following on from the same acolade in the First Division last season.
This season we were so fortunate to find Kensington Mortgages as a sponsor. The integrity of this company is bottomless. They have allowed us to do things we have always dreamt of. Well done to them and All our sponsors. A club like ours relies so much by the people behind the scenes. Their hard work and ingenuity. We simply couldn't operate without the limitless enrgy of our committee. They have been superb. And with the recent aquisition of Lynne in corporate hospitality we are making giant strides in our development.
So with a few games to go, lots to play for across the sides.I firmly believe we've only witnessed the start. We are going to knock onto far bigger things. This is an incredible club with some brilliant people and wonderful supporters. Enjoy the Game. Roll on 2011-2012
Peter Crowhurst (Chairman)

Brantham back to winning ways at FC Clacton !!

Photo - Lee Grimwood who must have covered almost every inch of the Clacton ground with his non-stop running. Lee was brought down in the area for a penalty,which Ollie scored from, and Ollie returned the favour by playing the ball through for Lee to add our third and final goal.

RIDGEONS PREMIER DIVISION - MONDAY APRIL 25th
FC CLACTON 0 BRANTHAM ATHLETIC 3
After losing at home to Yarmouth over the weekend the management team and players were determined they would pick up a much better result away to FC Clacton, and they did just that with a hard worked and well deserved 3-0 win. We started off well and within minutes Lee Grimwood had a good shout for a penalty after he had been brought down waved away by referee Goodman. Clacton started to get into the game on a hard pitch and early on Jake Clowsley had a good chance which was well taken by Brantham keeper Ryan Bedingfield. We seemed that bit quicker to the ball early on and this paid off as we took the lead. From a free kick Ollie Mann chested the ball down into the path of Marc Lowe who from a good 25 yards out hammered the ball home into the back of the net, leaving Ian Todd in the Clacton goal no chance as the ball went like a bullet through a crowd of players. Ollie Mann and Lewis Blanchett combined for a shot on the run that was tipped round the post by the Clacton cuistodian. Lewis Blanchett, playing wide on the left, had a couple of good efforts but each time they sailed over the bar. There was a big cheer from the lads in the "Stand" when a ball was kicked into the shed and one of the Clacton supporters stopped it and returned it to play, as you can imagine to a lot of cheering! Clacton, who had seemed a little bit subdued had their first corner of the game after 25 minutes but the ball was headed wide by an oncoming forward. Ollie Mann broke through and was through by some good goalkeeping denied him the chance to put the ball away. Clacton hit back and Clowsley shot over the bar when well placed. Minutes later Clacton's Liam Coleman sent in a superb shot from the back of the area only to see Ryan Bedingfield equal the effort with a top class save.
The second half started with Clacton running at us and within minutes the ball bobbled about in our area and with the goal at his mercy Coyle put it just wide. Ryan Bedingfield was called on again when a forward broke through only to see Ryan make yet another good save with the Clacton player getting hurt in the process. This was the time in the game when central defenders Thomas Wray and Adam Bloss, and indeed the whole back four of Jack Sibbons, Thomas, Adam and Andy French, had to be at their best and they did just that with some great and timely tackles to keep the Clacton front men quiet. We upped the game again and midfield man David Grimwood was playing some good football and time after time he laid on good passes for his team mates to run onto. We added a second goal when Lee Grimwood, who again had and chased every ball, made ground into the area and beat a defender before being brought down for a penalty. Up stepped Ollie Mann to hammer the ball home from the spot. The second largest cheer of the afternonn came when a Clacton lad tried a hard shot which went wide but managed to land right on the head of one of the supporterts standing to one side of the Brantham goal, taking his hat as the ball thumped down onto his head! Minutes later Ollie returned the favour when he made ground into the area and beat his marker before squaring the ball to the feet of Lee Grimwood who went past a defender and duly hit it into the back of the net. Simon Mann and Ollie Mann played some good passing football down the flank before Ollie pushed the ball through to Lewis Blanchett who hit it first time and his shot went just over the bar.
Brantham - 1.Ryan Bedingfield. 2.Jack Sibbons. 3. Andy French. 4.Thomas Wray. 5. Adam Bloss. 6.Simon Mann. 7.Marc Lowe. 8. David Grimwood. 9.Ollie Mann. 10. Lee Grimwood. 11.Lewis Blanchett. subs used - Kieran Lawler. subs not used - Sean Gunn, Chris French and Nathan Munson.
Brantham's last game of the season is this Saturday, 30th April, when we are away to Newmarket Town. there is a coach going to the game and if you would like to travel with us then please contact Alan Clarke on 07909 527575 for details.
------barry felgate----

Brantham Reserves get valuable league point with 1-1 draw

RIDGEONS RESERVES -SOUTH - SATURDAY APRIL 23rd
WIVENHOE RESERVES 1 BRANTHAM RESERVES 1
We travelled over to Wivenhoe (writes Nathan Burrell) knowing a point would seal us the runnerrs-upspot in the Reserves South division. When we arrived we found a bone hard bumpy pitch and around 100 degrees heat so we knew the football wouldn't be pretty. We started off on the front foot with plenty of posession and Wivenhoe were happy to let us have the ball and defend in depth in numbers. After 5 minutes we should have scored when James Turner found Danny Garrad who cut in from the left and his effort struck the post. Almost immediately we had another glorious chance when Adam Thompson broke into the box on the right but his effort was inches over the bar. Thomo had another great effort when he waltzed past two defenders and cut in but his effort this time was well saved by the Wivenhoe keeper. We eventually took the lead on 40 minutes when the ball was played through to Adam Thompson on the edge of the area. Adam controlled the ball first time and struck his effort into the bottom corner of the net. As we had dominated most of the posession we deserved the lead going into half time but a moments lapse of concentration when we gave the ball away some 25 yards out presented the ball to Wivenhoe. Their forward ran through unchallenged to our box and put a tame effort past Ross Welton for the equaliser. The second half was played out mainly in midfield as we hadly troubled the Wivenhoe keeper and Ross Welton in the Brantham goal didn't have to make one save. We were playing some ok football until we reached the last third but just failed to have that touch of quality with the final ball. We had three good chances to win the game firstly when Shaun Webb broke into the box and lobbed the keeper but saw his effort come back off the post and Josh Mann headed the rebound into the arms of a grateful keeper. On 25 minutes Adam Thompson again did well and got to the dead ball line ad his cut back found Ben Spencer who shot tamely past the post. And on 35 minutes our last chance fell to James Turner, when from a corner he headed just past the post. So a 1-1 draw which sealed the runners-up slot for us.
Braintree won again and our congratulations go to them as they have been on a great run which has seen them clinch the title, just to put things into perspective their 1st team also won their division and will be playing in the Conference proper neat season so I think we have done well to keep it going when you see the level they are at.
Last game of the season on Saturday when we are at home to Long Melford and where all players need to arrive in fancy dress to be considered for selection!! ( You have been warned !!)
Brantham - 1.Ross Welton. 2.Scott Cooke. 3.Alex Drouet. 4.James Long. 5. Shaun Webb. 6.James Turner. 7. Lee Willcox. 8.Danny Garrad. 9.Josh Mann. 10.Adam Thompson (1 goal). 11. Allan Merchant. subs -Ben Spencer, Kev Mann and Ed Nobbs
(Thanks again to Nanthan Burrell for the report - and don't forget the fancy dress as you turn up for the game on Saturday !! Methinks my "old Teddy Boy" outfit from the 60's might not look out of place!!!----barry felgate)

First team go down 1-2 to Yarmouth Town!(plus "The Godfather)

It has been suggested that I go on the gallops at Newmarket ( carthorse at least!!) but if I did then I would need the advice of our very own "The Godfather" ( Alan Clarke to those who don't know!) for his tips and advice!!!

RIDGEONS PREMIER DIVISION - SATURDAY APRIL 23rd
BRANTHAM ATHLETIC 1 GREAT YARMOUTH TOWN 2
With both teams knowing they were safe from any relegation worries it did show a little bit in this game, although to be fair to both teams the match was played in blazing sunshine. Both teams played some good football with Yarmouth tending to have the slightly better of the chances during the entire match. It was us who created three very early chances when we had three corners in the first 5 minutes but we were just not able to make any of them count for anything. Simon Mann and Lee Grimwood combined to put a good cross into Ollie Mann but the ball bobbled on the hard surface at the wrong time and Ollie's shot went wide of the post. Brantham's man of the match, goalkeeper Ryan Bedingfield, made a world class one handed save from close range to deny Yarmouth's Reed from opening his and Yarmouth's account, a save which had even some of the Yarmouth people clapping Ryan's stop. We hit back and Lee Grimwood played a good ball to Kieran Lawler whose first time header was not that far wide. This all changed in the 26th minute when Yarmouth took the lead with a well worked goal. A quick break between Smith and Jake Reed left our defence seeming to ball watch a bit and Jake Reed needed no second chance to hit it home from close range. Yarmouth had their tails up now and a good move down the left ended with the ball being played into our area and Woodcock headed firmly home only to see the linesman's flag up for offside. Our goalkeeper, Ryan Bedingfield, kept us in the game at this stage by making another top class when it looked as though an advancing Yarmouth man would score. Yarmouth were still pushing men forward and they made it 2-0 when Jake Reed made a determined break through the middle and he was given time and space to hit the ball home on the run. We hit back a couple of minutes later when the ball was played out wide to Sean Gunn who cut inside and let fly with a shot that the Yarmouth keeper was glad to tip over the bar for a corner. We were playing better football in the second half and when midfield man David Grimwood came on he started to help us take a firmer grip on the midfield. We pulled a goal back when David Grimwood played the ball wide onto the right flank for Lewis Blanchett to collect. Lewis went round one defender,leaving him marking fresh air, before getting to the edge of the area and letting fly with a fierce shot. The keeper did well to stop the shot but he couldn't hold onto the ball and Ollie Mann was in the right place at the right time to hit home the perfect "poachers" goal. We were playing some good attacking football and David Grimwood was unlucky with a good shot on the run across the area which went just wide of the upright. For the second game in a row we thought that we had at least drawn level when Adam Bloss and Thomas Wray were involved in the move that saw the ball end up in the back of the Yarmouth net but again the linesman had his flag up and it was ruled out for offside. The match finished with Yarmouth defending in depth but still finding time to push men forward when the chance arose. We caused them problems down the flanks with Sean Gunn and Lewis Blanchett running straight at defenders but were just not able to make anything count in the final ten minutes.
Brantham - 1.Ryan Bedingfield. 2.Simon Mann. 3.Chris French. 4.Jack Sibbons. 5. Thomas Wray. 6- Kieran Lawler. 7. Marc Lowe. 8- Adam Bloss. 9.Ollie Mann. 10. Lee Grimwood. 11.Sean Gunn - subs used- Lewis Blanchett, Andy French and David Grimwood. sub not used -Nathan Munson.
As this was the last first home team match of the season our thanks to all of the supporters who have turned out to watch games, your help and support is very much appreciated by us all here at Brantham Athletic.
Last league match of the season - Saturday April 30th - Newmarket Town versus Brantham (kick off 3.00 pm)
(it has been suggested that I might like to go for a poodle round on one of the horses while we are at Newmarket, but I don't recall ever seeing a carthorse in the National or Derby-do you!! The only advantage would be that I would have our very own "The Godfather" -Alan Clarke to those who don't know, on hand to offer tips and advice!!!)
--barry felgate---

Brantham equaliser ruled out!!

Photo - (right) Marc Lowe who ran in at a free kick to head home only to see it disallowed for offside( by another player in an offside position we assume). (left) Jack Sibbons who powered a header home to get us back into the game.

RIDGEONS PREMIER DIVISION - TUESDAY APRIL 19th
BRANTHAM ATHLETIC 1 WISBECH TOWN 2
Our last but one home game saw us take on a determined Wisbech team, and despite us having chances we went down 1-2. We started the brighter side and Ollie Mann played the perfect ball through to Lee Grimwood whose first time shot on the run was tipped away by the keeper. Minutes later the same combination almost opened the scoring for us. Ollie Mann headed the ball into the path of the fast running Lee Grimwood who hit it first time only to see his shot beat the keeper but to be cleared off the line by a frantic defender. Somewhat against the run of play it was Wisbech who opened the scoring. Matt Lunn was given time and space to travel down the wing and cross the ball into our area. Darren Jimson was the quickest to react to the situation and he headed home from close range. 0-1. We picked ourselves up and a good move started at the back ended with the ball being lofted into the path of Kieran Lawler who headed just wide of the post. Wisbech then had a purple spell of ten minutes when they did everything bar score.Twice Callum Reed broke through the Brantham defence, the first time he shot the ball straight at Ryan Bedingfield in the Brantham goal. Within a minute Reed again broke down the right and leaving a defender in his wake he seemed to hurry his shot and it went just over the bar. We did create chances but at times these were getting bogged down in midfield and we just could not break a hard tackling Wisbech defence down. We started the second half looking to get back into the game and a good move saw Ollie Mann try his luck from close range. The shot beat the keeper to go agonsingly the wrong side of the post. We hit back and from a corner the ball was pumped into the Wisbech area and Thomas Wray saw a good shot scrambled away from the line. We us pushing forward the hard tackling Wisbech defence were in no mood to give anything away and they defended in depth and even when we got through Jordan in the Wisbech goal was making some good stops to deny us. With us pushing forward Wisbech added a second goal. The ball bobbled about on the edge of the area and Callum Reed latched onto it and went forward and his shot seemed to take a long time to go into the Brantham goal but in the end it did 0-2. We picked ourselves up, dusted ourselves down and went forward in numbers to get back into the game. We did pull a goal back when, from one of the many free kicks that Wisbech were prepared to give away before we got into the area, we finally made the break through. The ball was played into the Wisbech area and Jack Sibbons rose above everybody else to power a header home into the back of the net leaving the keeper no chance at all of stopping it! 1-2. Wisbech came back again and a good shot from a fast running forward beat Ryan Bedingfield but clipped the Brantham goal stanchion. With time running out we thought that we had at least drawn level. The ball was played in from the right and Marc Lowe, running in at speed, met it with a powerfiul header which flew into the goal. None of the Wisbech people complained but our joy was short lived as the linesman had his flag up for offside and the goal was ruled out. There was no doubt that it could not have been Marc Lowe who timed his run in perfectly,we can only think another Brantham player had been in an offside position, so we just had to get on with it for the final few minutes.
Brantham team - 1.Ryan Bedingfieldf. 2. Simon Mann. 3. Andy French. 4. Jack Sibbons. 5. Thomas Wray. 6. Kieran Lawler. 7. Adam Bloss. 8. David Grimwood. 9.Ollie Mann. 10. Lee Grimwood. 11. Sean Gunn. subs used - Chris French,Lewis Blanchett and Marc Lowe.
Last 3 games of the first team season - Sat. April 23rd - Brantham v Gt Yarmouth (3.00 pm). Easter Monday , April 25th - FC Clacton v Brantham. Saturday April 30th - Newmarket Town v Brantham ( 3.00 pm). There is a coach travelling to the Newmarket game, why not come along with us on the coach and enjoy a good day out. Please ring Alan Clarke on 07909 527575 for details and to book a seat.
-----barry felgate--

Brantham Athletic website being updated during 'close season'

During the so called 'close' season the Brantham Athletic football club website is being updatyed to make it a lot more user friendly and all of this work should be completed well in advance of the new 2011-2012 season. The log on will still be the same - www.branthamathletic.co.uk
There will be changes to the layout of the website and fixtures,results, match reports and general club chat will be that much easier to get to on the 'new' website. All the team photos, player photos will be retained and also the website will have a new look to is with drop downs for various sections and a brand new forum where you will be able to put down your comments about matches, reports, fixtures and people.
So don't forget that by the start of next season you will be able to look at and access the Brantham Athletic website that much easier and you will find anything and everything you need to know or want to know about Brantham Athletic football club, all of the teams and all of the people involved with the club, players, officials and supporters. One the new website is up and running we would also value your comments on the "updated" website.
--barry felgate--

Reserves pick up good win 3-1 away from home

RIDGEONS RESERVES -SOUTH - SATURDAY APRIL 16th HALSTEAD TOWN RESERVES 1 BRANTHAM RESERVES 3.

With Braintree now on top of the league and with two games in hand it was important for us to get back to winning ways to make sure we claim the runners-up spot in the Ridgeons South Division. (writes Nathan Burrell). With the original referee calling off sick a replacement had to be found and this meant the kick off being delayed until 3.25 pm. The first 20 minutes reflected this delay and it took us a while to get into our stride. We had the first real chance of the game when Adam Thompson headed home a great cross from Danny Garrad to give us the lead. 0-1. This seemed to give us some much needed confidence and the midfield trio of Green, Turner and Webb were full of running and the Halstead lads were finding it hard to get to grips with them. Our passing and movement,both on and off the ball, was back to its best. We almost increased our lead on 35 minutes when young Danny Garrad came inside from the left and cracked a great shot that was tipped over the bar by the Halstead keeper. We were well on top now and Adam Thompson and Josh Mann both put chances wide while Shaun Webb was bundled over for a cast-iron penalty only to see the referee turn down our appeals. We increased our lead with seconds of the first half remaining. A deep cross was played into the Halstead area and James Turner,who looked second best to get to the ball, won the header in front of the Halstead keeper to notch up a great goal. 0-2. Half time and myself and Skinz were happy with the first half performance but we needed to keep on playing and the next goal was vital that it went our way. Within 5 minutes of the second half starting we claimed that vital and important next goal. Josh Mann, who had been called up from the A team after scoring bundles of goals for them, collected the ball some 25 yards and turned his man and spanked a cracking drive into the top corner of the net to seal the game. 0-3. To be fair after this Halstead got themselves back into the game when from a defensive error they broke onto us quickly and from a decent cross their forward shot home. We looked a bit wobbly for the next 15 minutes but the back four of Mann, Merchant,Spencer and Drouet defended the last 25 minutes well and Ross Welton in goal didn't have to make another save. The last chance of the game fell to young Danny Garrad who once again cut in from the left and placed a great 20 yard shot just wide of the upright. 1-3. So a good 3 points and one more point will seal the runners-up spot for us, which is a great achievement for our young side. Next week we are away to Wivenhoe and the last game is on April 30th when we are at home to Long Melford. A quick reminder - all players who want to go to the end of season awards night please let Nathan have the cash for the tickets this week !!! Brantham - 1.Ross Welton. 2.Ben Spencer. 3.Alex Drouet. 4.Shaun Webb. 5.Kev Mann. 6. Allan Merchant. 7. Ben Green. 8. James Turner ( 1 goal). 9. Josh Mann ( 1 goal). 10.Adam Thompson (1 goal). subs James Long, Stuart Cooke, Alex Street and Lee Willcox. (Thanks to my mate Nathan Burrell for a good report- and well done to the team for having such a great season, and it will be even better if they can clinch that runners-up slot,which I am sure they are more than capable of doing. ---barry felgate---)

Brantham back on track with 3-0 win against Rovers!

RIDGEONS PREMIER DIVISION - SATURDAY APRIL 16th BRANTHAM ATHLETIC 3 HAVERHILL ROVERS 0. We went at Rovers straight from the first whistle and within a minute had our first chance which was put wide under pressure. We took the lead in the 4th minute, guess who ! yes you are right, Ollie Mann. A determined header from Adam Bloss put Sean Gunn on his way and Sean laid the ball into the path of Ollie Mann. Ollie ran straight at goal and hit the ball home under the advancing keeper. 1-0. Haverhill hit back straight away and O'Brien was put through on goal but he could not control the ball and his effort was taken easily by Brantham custodian Ryan Bedingfield. We picked our game up again and a good move across the pitch ended with the ball being played wide to Ollie Mann. Ollie cut inside and drew the keeper out of his goal and slotted home in style at the near post. 2-0. Haverhill came back into the game and Thomas Wray who made an important stop to clear our lines and keep the fast running Haverhill man away from goal. Haverhill kept on coming forward and a good shot was stopped by Ryan Bedingfield but he could not stop the ball going back out again and Haverhill's Paynter hit home from close range but the linesman had his flag up and the goal was disallowed. Phew!! It was our turn to press forward and Sean Gunn skipped through a couple of tackles and laid the ball off into the path of Kieran Lawler. Kieran hit the shot first time on the run and his shot went along the line and just past the wrong side of the far post. Minutes later midfield general David Grimwood went through three tackles, steadied himself and sent in a fierce shot which Haverhill were glad to clear off the line to deny David. Haverhill were still in the game and a good move from the back ended with Abbott running through only to finish by putting his shot into the side netting. The second half started with a bad tackle on Kieran Lawler which required lengthy treatment and the Haverhill man was a tad lucky only to receive a caution for the tackle. We made it 3-0 when the ball was played through to Ollie Mann playing wide. Ollie had to shrug off a defender but was driven wider than he would have liked but he still in a great shot at goal which beat the keeper only to hit the crossbar and come out. With the goalkeeper trying to get to the loose ball it was Sean Gunn who reacted the quickest and he rode a tackle and hammered the ball home into the back of the net. To their credit Haverhill would not give up and they still pushed men forward in search of a goal. O'Brien was put through but he seemed to hurry his shot from distance and it went over the bar. We hit back when the ball was played down the left to Lewis Blanchett who left his marker on the ground with a superb body swerve. Lewis went down the flank and crossed the ball for Sean Gunn to hit on the volley and it looked a goal but Morrison in the Haverhill goal pulled off a first class stop to tip the ball round the post for a corner. It was all Brantham at this stage with Lewis Blanchett keeping them on their toes down the flank with some classy football. We might have made it 4-0 when Ollie Mann went through and played the ball back to Sean Gunn who hit it hard and low and the Haverhill goalkeeper did well to save the shot let alone hold it. The last move of the game saw a great one-two between David Grimwood and Lee Grimwood which ended with the ball going to Ollie Mann who hit it first time and his shot hit the stanchion before being cleared. Brantham - 1.Ryan Bedingfield. 2. Simon Mann. 3.Andy French. 4.Jack Sibbons. 5. Thomas Wray. 6. Kieran Lawler. 7.Marc Lowe. 8. David Grimwood. 9.Ollie Mann. 10. Adam Bloss. 11. Sean Gunn. subs used - Lewis Blanchett, Chris French and Lee Grimwood. not used- Nathan Munson. Next two home matches - Tuesday April 19th -Brantham v Wisbech (7.45 pm) and Saturday April 23rd - Brantham v Gt Yarmouth ( 3.00 pm) ----barry felgate--

Reserves go down to dubious penalty decision!!

Photo- goalkeeper Ross Welton who made some top class saves in the second half to keep us in the game. RIDGEONS RESERVES - SOUTH- SATURDAY APRIL 9th BRANTHAM RESERVES 1 HAVERHILL RESERVES 2 With Braintree continuing to win their games in hand the league now looks out of sight after last Saturday's poor showing at home to Haverhill (writes Nathan Burrell). After beating Wivenhoe confidence was good and only one change to the starting 11 was Kev Mann coming in for Chris French. Right from the kick off Haverhill looked up for the fight with some meaty looking challenges going unpunished. Haverhill took the lead after 10 minutes when a clearance from Ross Welton was block and the ball fell to their forward who tapped it home. It took us 20 minutes to create a half chance when Ben Green played in a great ball across the box which just evaded Danny Garrad and Adam Thompson. Throughout the half the work rate and pressure on us from Haverhill was first class and we just could not get to grips with this but Haverhill were giving us a sniff with some free kicks in the final third. From a free kick 25 yards out Ben Green brought us back into the game when his free kick found the back of the net. So half time and having played pretty poorly we were on terms so the Management team stressed to the boys start competing and earn the right to play our football. Ben Sparrow replaced Scott Cooke who had problems with a neck injury. This meant that Alex Drouet went back to left back with Danny Garrad going to the left flank and Ben Sparrow up top.Again we were second best all over the pitch with our only chance of the half falling to Ben Sparrow who shot wide when well placed. We huffed and we puffed but just couldn't get on top of a strong and experienced Haverhill team. In all honesty Ross Welton in the Brantham goal kept us in it with three top class saves when Haverhill did get through and on goal. We were then reduced to ten men when Ben Sparrow was sent off for a foul and as he clapped the decision of the referee he was shown his second yellow card. The first caution was for dissent but that was quickly followed by his second and a red. Quite amazingly these two yellows were the only ones shown by the young referee while some of the tackles going on in the game were certainly worthy of a caution so that was rather disappointing. Haverhill's winner came when from a corner the referee blew for a push in the box. To be honest he was the only person in Brantham to have spotted this and certainly there was no appeal from Haverhill,so that just about sums it up. So a disappointing result but congratulations to Haverhill who were the better team and deserved the win. So with 3 games remaining it is important to pick up the pieces again and make sure we finish this season well and maintain second place.This coming Saturday sees us away to Halstead. Brantham - 1-Ross Welton. 2-Ben Spencer. 3-Scott Cooke. 4. James Long. 5.Kev Mann. 6. Shaun Webb. 7. Ben Green ( 1 goal). 8.Alex Street. 9.Danny Garrad, 10. Adam Thompson. 11 Alex Drouet. subs- James Turner, Ross Cooper and Ben Sparrow. (Thanks to Nathan Burrell for a very honest report---barry felgate)

Brantham go down 4-1 away to Ely City

Photo (left) - Adam Bloss, who had a great game in the middle of the defence and (right) goalkeeper Ryan bedingfield who made some top class saves to keep the score down. These two players were named as joint men of the match for Brantham by the Ely supporters.

RIDGEONS PREMIER DIVISION - SATURDAY APRIL 9th

ELY CITY 4 BRANTHAM ATHLETIC 1

We travelled to Ely for our first game in a couple of weeks and were looking for a good result,but we knew it would be hard with the two Ely central defenders being dominant players, as we had found out in the home game. Despite creating chances we came away on the end of a 4-1 defeat. Ely started brightly and Bridgeman had the ball in our next but it was disallowed for offside. We hit back and a good three man move involving Sean Gunn and Ollie Mann saw the ball played through to Kieran Lawler whose first time shot went just wide of the post. Ely's Chadwick broke through and only a top class save from Ryan Bedingfield denied him scoring. Ely,however, broke the deadlock when the ball was played into our area and Chadwick was the quickest to latch onto the loose ball and slot home from close range through a crowded area. We hit back with an attack on the break and Lee Grimwood running at goal saw a good shot deflected for a corner. Ely started to gain control of the midfield again and from a corner a header from Impey looked a goal until Ryan Bedingfield seemed to change direction in mid-air and tip it over the bar for a corner. Ely made it 2-0 when a quick break saw the ball played across our area and Impey turned his marker and gave Bedingfield no chance from close range. Ely then added a third goal when the ball looked as though it was going out of play and with us seeming to wait for a decision from the linesman the ball was quickly turned back into our area and Bridgeman who was rushing in made no mistake with a fierce shot into the far corner. Despite us again having a couple of half chances it was Ely who made it 4-0 when the ball was played towards the line of our area and Pettit seemed to run through almost unchallenged to hit the ball past an advancing Ryan Bedingfield. No doubt we had chances but were finding it hard to make them count while Lee Grimwood ran at the Ely defence all game with no reward at all! We thought we had pulled a goal back when a good move started deep in our half ended with Sean Gunn crossing for Marc Lowe to head home but for some reason the referee disallowed it for a foul. Lee Grimwood then went straight at goal and a ball had been played into his path and as the keeper came out the ball ended up in the net but only to see the referee disallow the goal for a previous foul! I think we somehow knew at that point that it was not going to be our day! We did finally pull back a consolation goal when a great ball was played towards the far post and Ollie Mann, despite having two defenders round him,made sure it went in at that far post. Jack Sibbons tackled an Ely player, who went down as though he had been pole-axed, and the referee pointed to the spot. However, they had not bargained on goalkeeper Ryan Bedingfield who made a world class save to deny him. Ely were still pushing men forward but they could not get anything else past Ryan who made three top draw saves to deny them, and even the Ely supporters agreed they were great stops.

Joint Brantham men of the match, as decided by the Ely people, were Ryan Bedingfield, as without some great saves we could have gone down by a lot more goals and Adam Bloss who had a very good game in the middle of the Brantham back four. One other contender might have been Marc Lowe's father, Micky, who in trying to get the ball back onto the pitch managed to hit the same stanchion twice!!.

Brantham team - 1.Ryan Bedingfield. 2-Thomas Wray. 3. Chris French. 4. Jack Sibbons. 5.Adam Bloss. 6.Kieran Lawler. 7. Marc Lowe. 8.David Grimwood. 9.Ollie Mann. 10.Lee Grimwood. 11.Sean Gunn. subs used - Simon Mann, Andy French and Lewis Blanchett. sub not used - Nathan Munson.

---barry felgate---

Brantham Vets win title with one game remaining.

Photo- Nathan Burrell who hit home the second goal for Brantham that took them to the title.

Norfolk & Suffolk Vets League - Div 3 South

Ipswich Park Vets 1 Brantham Vets 2

On a hot and glorious afternoon the Brantham Vets travelled to Gainsborough Sports Centre looking for the 3 points that would give us the league title for the second year running (writes Nathan Burrell). Numbers were a little short and the "Gaffer" (Mark Horsfield) was looking nervous when the players were asking him how many do we have and the late arrival that is Matty Norman swelled our ranks to 12. On a bone hard pitch we struggled to get our passing game going and the midfield of Chris Smith, John Powell and Carl Owen were finding that final ball a problem and to find the very fast strikers in Carl Holder and Nathan Burrell. The first half was all Brantham and we took the lead when Chris "Smudger" Smith smashed home from just outside the box after good work by Colin Grogan and Carl Smith. We almost made it two when Nathan Burrell was found in the box and his first time effort was well saved by the Ipswich keeper. Somewhat against the run of play Ipswich drew level when a defensive mix-up (Matty Norman) allowed their forward a free shot at goal giving Nick "Safe-hands" Hunt no chance. 1-1. Half time and "The Horse" spoke his words calmly claiming we needed to win to take the title and the second half turned out to be just as much of a struggle as the first 45 minutes were. We were camped in the Ipswich area for probably 95% of the half but were failing to take the chances we made. Carl Holder had a glorious chance when Pat Tynan picked him out in the box but his first time volley shaved the post. Carl then had a free kick well saved and another effort was headed over when the man was well placed. The winner came on 30 minutes when the ball broke to Nathan Burrell (yes that's me!) who thundered a left footed shot into the corner of the net giving the Ipswich cat no chance at all ( journalistic licence-methinks!). That wasn't the end of the drama with just 5 minute remaining a long punt into our box was chested away by Dave Amey and the referee somehow awarded Ipswich a penalty. Up stepped a very angry young man only to see "Safe Hands" Hunt pull of a fantastic double save to seal the win for us. We still have one league game remaining, but we are unsure if or when we will be playing- so we are all looking forward to Division 2 next season. (Match report by Nathan Burrell- Brantham Reserves manager and Vets goal scorer!)

(thanks to Nathan for his report and well done to Mark and all of his team--barry felgate)

Brantham Reserves still in contention after 2-0 win

RIDGEONS RESERVES SOUTH - TUESDAY MARCH 29th BRANTHAM RESERVES 2 WIVENHOE RESERVES TOWN 0 After the dismal defeat last week against Stanway myself (writes Nathan Burrell) and Merch tried all mind games to get the boys back at it and get back to winning ways. This also meant upsetting ""I'M THE KIT MAN"" Danny Allen who supplied us with the red and black kit for this home game. Right from the off we seemed more relaxed and up for the fight (not literally I might add!!) but Wivenhoe themselves looked a decent outfit so we knew we had to be on our metal. We were looking dangerous down the left with Alex Drouet and Chris French combining well and this combination gave us the first real chance of the half when Frenchy put over a cracking cross which Ben Green met and planted his header just wide. We again attacked down our left with Frenchy putting in yet another great cross for Shaun Webb whose header was bundled away for a corner. With Wivenhoe playing just the one up front and five in midfield it meant that Shaun Webb and Alex Street were getting through plenty of work and we were just failing to supply that final ball. The final ten minutesof the half saw us have two glorious chances to take the lead. Firstly, some lovely one touch football found Shaun Webb in the box and his first time lay-off found Adam Thompson whose shot was heading into the net only for the Wivenhoe keeper to pull off a fantastic save. Minutes later it was Shaun Webb who again found himself free at the far post after a lovely Danny Garrad cross and Shaun's first time shot was again well saved by the keeper. So half time and our good football failed to get that all important first goal. We stressed to the boys not to panic and to move the football about and we would create chances.The first half of the second half fell to skipper James Long when, from a corner the ball, was bouncing about in the box and Longy fired just over the bar. We eventually made the breakthrough when Alex Street played in Ben Green down our right. Ben put in a fantastic cross which was firmly headed home by Adam Thompson at the far post to give us the lead. This seemed to settle us down and we were playing our best football of the game. I,however, mst make comment to the worst shot probably ever seen at the Leisure Centre when our goal scoring hero, Adam Thompson, fired in a woeful shot on the right hand side of the box with the ball finally going out for a throw 25 yards away from the half line!! We then made the game safe with an absolute beauty and probably goal of the season when Alex Street picked up a poor clearance from 30 yards out and pinged a glorious shot into the top corner, giving the Wivenhoe keeper no chance at all. In the closing stages it was all Brantham and Shaun Webb had another shot saved and Chris French should have scored with his header from 10 yards out but again credit to the keeper who made another good save. So an important win and with Braintree and Heybridge drawing midweek the title could well go dow to the last couple of games, and I am sure we will all be up for it!! Brantham - 1. Ross Welton. 2. Scott Cooke.3.Alex Drouet. 4.James Long. 5.Ben Spencer. 6.Shaun Webb. 7. Bren Green. 8. Alex Street ( 1 goal). 9.Danny Garrad. 10. Adam Thompson (1 goal). 11.Chris French. subs- James Turner, Kev Mann, Sean Gunn and Allan Merchant. (Thanks to Nathan for a good report, and I was at the game and I must say that the goal that Alex Street scored would not have looked out of place in a football league game, it was that good a strike---barry felgate)