20/01/08

Cambridge & District Colts Football League – U12E

 

 

Brampton Spartans U12B    8                     Plantation Youth     1

 

Brampton Spartans emerged with a win, and a greatly enhanced goal difference from this encounter, but whilst the victory was never in doubt after four goals in the opening 15 minutes, it was to Plantation’s credit that the comprehensive margin of victory was not confirmed until the closing 5 minutes of the match.  Prior to this impressive finishing burst, which saw another four goals, Spartans lost their shape and focus which on another day could have been severely punished.

 

The game started very brightly with play confined in the attacking third of the pitch.  Tim Gladding was enjoying great freedom down the left wing, and was to crown an impressive display with a five goal haul.  However Tim was to prove the provider for the first goal on 4 minutes when his rebounded cross was slotted home by Jacob Burrill.  Tim grabbed his first on 6 minutes, swiftly followed by a second on 11 minutes, and the hat-trick was completed on 16 minutes, all three courtesy of fine breaks at pace before beating the keeper with composed finishes from close range.  Fine defensive work kept Plantation at bay when they were able to venture forward, Jamie Wick looking particularly dominant at the heart of the defence. 

 

Brampton eased off the gas significantly following this opening passage of play, perhaps thinking it was a case of job done, and immediately seemed to lose their concentration and formation, culminating in several fundamental errors, which meant that they were somewhat fortunate not to concede before the interval.  This lack of cohesion from the home side continued into the second half, and it was somewhat against the run of play that Spartans netted for a 5^th time, this time courtesy of a deflected own goal.  The game continued with periods of scrappy play from both sides, but it did see Plantation finally rewarded with a goal, but in a fashion that the home side will not look back on with pride.  A free kick just inside halfway saw complete confusion spread throughout the team, and it was a simple task for one of several unmarked Plantation players to steer the ball past Connor Campbell who was left completely exposed in the Brampton net.

 

The players did seem to heed this wake up call, and the final five minutes was to see a return to the opening exchanges where quick passing moves and breaks at pace were to yield 3 further goals, Johnny Wrycraft slotting one home before Tim Gladding completed his tally for the day. It may sound churlish given the score line but this was very much a game where the result was ultimately the major achievement, as opposed to last week when although defeated, the team put in a very impressive team performance.  Each game is different and part of their ongoing development, and I am sure the team will learn a lot from this performance, and build on it for the remainder of the season.

 

Brampton Spartans Team

Josh Mutter, Kieran Bruce, Jake Burrill, Connor Campbell, Ryan Morgan,

Kierren Murray, James Thackray (captain), Jonathan Wrycraft,

Tim Gladding, Jamie Wick, Mike O’Connor, David Ball, Chris Parker,

Tom Nicholls, Jacob Coggin, Harrison Maggs

 

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06/01/08

 

Cambridge & District Colts Football League – U12E

 

Swavesey Spartans            1            Brampton Spartans U12B    3

 

 

In a very entertaining match, watched by a great band of traveling support, Brampton Spartans were able to make light of very heavy underfoot conditions and emerge worthy victors over a valiant and determined Swavesey side.  The home side attacked from the kick off and bore down on goal with some fine passing football in seeking to establish some early dominance.  However a strong tackle by Jacob Coggin on 4 minutes turned defence into attack and a sweeping move saw Tom Nicholls float into the penalty area unmarked, but unfortunately the keeper was able to parry his first time shot.  Brampton did not have to wait much longer to take the lead however, as just a further minute had elapsed when Jake Burrill released Tim Gladding down the right wing and his cross was thumped into the back of the net by Johnny Wrycraft.  Brampton continued on the front foot and it was another break down the right that saw the lead double after 12 minutes.  This time Tim Gladding broke well again but then dummied inside cleverly before sweeping the ball past the advancing keeper.   With the lead now firmly secured, tactical changes were just about to be made when a quick Swavesey attack culminated in a fantastic reaction save at close range by Connor Campbell, and the resultant rebound saw Swavesey react quickest to get themselves on the score sheet and right back into the game.  Firmly jolted by this, Brampton immediately sought to restore their two goal advantage and Tom Nicholls gain deserved reward for his efforts on 20 minutes when he was able to slot home from close range, mere seconds after he had seen his earlier flick header rebound off the post.

 

The second half proved to be fruitless in terms of further goals scored, but this could have been so different but for some poor finishing and lack of composure in front of goal.  That will wait for another day.  The most pleasing aspect was the fine link up play between the strikers and the midfield unit which was a delight to behold, and really demonstrates how the players have developed a clear understanding of their respective positions and how this evolves during a game.  As ever, the defensive partnerships continue to look rock solid, with Josh Mutter, Ryan Morgan and David Ball meriting special mention this week in what were their most impressive individual performances of the season so far.

 

A great start to 2008 for the team – well done!

 

Brampton Spartans Team

Josh Mutter, Kieran Bruce, Jake Burrill, Connor Campbell, Ryan Morgan, Kierren Murray, James Thackray, Jonathan Wrycraft, Tim Gladding, Jamie Wick, Harrison Maggs, Mike O’Connor, David Ball, Christopher Parker, Tom Nicholls, Jacob Coggin (captain)  

 

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02/12/07

 

Cambridge & District Colts Football League – U12E

 

 

Brampton Spartans U12B  3             NST Strikers B             1

 

Brampton Spartans continued their fine run of form, (and a third win in the last four games), with an ultimately convincing 3-1 home victory against NST Strikers.  However for large periods of a very wet and windy first half, the outcome looked like being quite different as Spartans continually spurned fine opportunities to score, with a combination of fine goalkeeping, indifferent finishing and frequently rattling woodwork proving to be a real frustration.  This frustration turned to despair on 12 minutes, when, in their first serious attack, NST were able to tear open the Spartans defence and send a thumping shot into the back of the net, and thus inflict a harsh lesson on the hosts on the need to take opportunities when they present themselves.  Brampton continued to have the lion’s share of possession but just could not convert their fine attacking play into an equaliser, and amazingly looked like going into the changing rooms at the break behind.  Then, with the half time whistle looming, the ball broke to Mike O’Connor fully 25 yards out, and after a neat step inside, he sent a rasping drive low into the left hand corner of the net to leave the keeper with no chance.  Seemingly awakened by finally securing this breakthrough, Spartans pressed forward immediately from the restart, and a fine passing move saw Tim Gladding score his first of two well taken goals, his second coming in an impressive second half team display when he volleyed home a well worked corner routine to secure the points.  Great credit must go to both teams in a game that was played in very difficult conditions, but which demonstrated fine technical skills and a great sense of fair play by all concerned.

 

Brampton Spartans Team

Josh Mutter, Kieran Bruce (captain), Jake Burrill, Connor Campbell,Ryan Morgan, Kierren Murray, James Thackray, Jonathan Wrycraft,Tim Gladding, Jamie Wick, Harley Green, Mike O’Connor, David Ball, Chris Parker, Tom Nicholls, Jacob Coggin

 

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25/11/07

Cambridge & District Colts Football League – U12E

 

Chatteris Town Youth B 1            Brampton Spartans U12 B    3

 

Spartans produced their best performance of the season, with a highly impressive all round team display in gaining a 3-1 victory away at league leaders Chatteris Town.  Unlike many games earlier in the season, Brampton were quickly into their stride, and it paid dividends almost immediately when, after only 2 minutes, a rasping shot from Jonathan Wrycraft was well parried by the Chatteris keeper.  It set the tone for much of the first half as Brampton continued to attack at pace via Mike O’Connor, Tim Gladding, and Chris Parker, and produce some lovely flowing football.  The strike partnership of Jonathan Wrycraft and Tom Nicholls continue to build a fine understanding and they were unlucky not to combine on 23 minutes for the opening goal, the Chatteris keeper saving well.  Chatteris were restricted to few opportunities in the attacking third, but were looking to break in numbers through a crowded midfield.  When this did prove successful, the Brampton defensive unit of Josh Mutter, David Ball, Jamie Wick and Ryan Morgan were to prove an immovable force, as they harried and closed down impressively to limit the home side to the occasional shot from long range.  Such efforts were not to trouble Connor Campbell in the Spartans goal, who, after being the hero on so many occasions earlier this season, was awarded the luxury of a quiet game.

 

Despite Spartans dominating the first half in terms of possession, the deadlock was not able to be broken, but this was to change soon after the restart when concerted pressure from the Brampton strikers led to a penalty being awarded on 34 minutes.  Mike O’Connor stepped up and cleverly steered the ball past the despairing dive of the Chatteris keeper into the top left hand corner.  As with buses, having been frustrated in waiting so long for one to arrive, the second was to follow almost immediately thanks to a superb in swinging corner from Tim Gladding which, after being deftly flicked on by Tom Nicholls, was slotted home by Jake Burrill stealing in at the far post.  Brampton’s passing, movement and attacking play was a joy to behold at times, and was superbly illustrated by a third goal after 54 minutes, when Tom Nicholls broke at pace down the right before delivering a pin point cross that Jonathan Wrycraft controlled well on his chest before looping over the Chatteris keeper.  Brampton were good value for their lead and continued to press forward in numbers in search of a fourth, but it was not to be. Chatteris to their credit did not give up, and although their determination was rewarded with a consolation goal late on, Spartans were able to see the game out well without further undue alarm and secure a vital and highly impressive away win, which was warmly received by a great band of travelling support.

 

Brampton Spartans Team

Josh Mutter, Jake Burrill, Connor Campbell, Ryan Morgan, Kierren Murray, James Thackray, Jonathan Wrycraft, Tim Gladding, David Ball (captain),

Jamie Wick, Mike O’Connor, Tom Nicholls, Jacob Coggin, Chris Parker

  

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18/11/07

 

Cambridge & District Colts Football League – U12E

 

 

Brampton Spartans U12B   2             Comberton Crusaders    4

 

In a closely fought match on a bitterly cold afternoon, it was ultimately better fortune in the final third of the pitch that proved the difference between the two sides, and saw the visitors triumph over a determined and gallant Spartans team.    Comberton started strongly and were to take the lead after only 4 minutes, when an in-swinging corner was volleyed into the back of the net.  Brampton have had to come from behind before however, and their response once again was both immediate and impressive as a quick break saw Tim Gladding released down the right, and his resulting cross was deflected past the helpless keeper.  Both sides struggled to dominate a congested midfield and the game went into halftime with the teams still level, but only after a further goal at each end - an unstoppable free kick from Comberton being matched by a goal for the home side from Tom Nicholls, which capped a fine individual performance on his striking debut.

 

The second half started in a similar vein to the first with Comberton securing the lead again on 33 minutes, but this time, despite a number of fine efforts on goal, the Spartans team were unsuccessful in their spirited quest for an equaliser, and it was especially harsh in terms of the score line when, in the final minute, the visitors were able to increase the margin of victory when the ball agonisingly crept in at the near post.

 

This Spartans team continue to develop on the upward curve, and this score line should not mask yet another step forward in their football development.  It is also testament to the spirit, determination and enthusiasm of this young group of players that they were able to put on a performance of this calibre, despite the fact that 50% of the squad were recovering from a severe bout of sickness experienced earlier in the week.  Well done - it promises much for the future.

 

 

Brampton Spartans Team

Josh Mutter, Kieran Bruce, Jake Burrill, Connor Campbell, Ryan Morgan, Kierren Murray, James Thackray, Jonathan Wrycraft, Tim Gladding,

Jamie Wick, Harley Green, Mike O’Connor (captain), David Ball,

Christopher Parker, Tom Nicholls   

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11-Nov-07

 

Cambridge & District Colts League

U12 League Cup

           

Brampton Spartans U12B   2                    Littleport Town             2

(Brampton won 3-1 on penalties)

 

 

Brampton Spartans moved into the next round following a thrilling cup victory over Littleport Town.  Brampton dominated much of the game, thanks to a fine individual performance from Tim Gladding, and well taken goals from Jonathan Wrycraft and James Thackray.  Littleport were restricted to few chances, which was testament to fine Spartans defensive work, but the visitors did make the most of their limited opportunities and ensured the tie would have to be decided by a tense penalty shoot out.  Brampton held their nerve and calmly converted their spots kicks, and this, combined with two great saves by Connor Campbell in the Spartans goal were enough to steer the home side to a deserved victory.

 

Brampton Spartans Team

Josh Mutter, Kieran Bruce, Jake Burrill, Connor Campbell, Ryan Morgan, Kierren Murray (captain),

Jacob Coggin, James Thackray, Jonathan Wrycraft, Tim Gladding, Jamie Wick, Harley Green, Mike O’Connor 

 

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28-Oct-07

Cambridge & District Colts Football League – U12E

           

Littleport Town   4       Brampton Spartans U12B   2

 

 

Brampton Spartans travelled to Littleport with a severely depleted squad, but despite a committed and spirited team performance, and enjoying large periods of possession, were left to reflect on what might have been, as a slow start to each half ultimately proved the difference between the two closely matched sides.

 

The home side started quickly and were 2 up within the first 15 minutes, with only some great goalkeeping yet again from Connor Campbell preventing the deficit being greater.  However as the half progressed, tireless work in midfield by Jacob Burrill started to yield dividends, and on 23 minutes, after shooting narrowly wide just seconds earlier, captain Tim Gladding broke at pace and  calmly steered the ball into the bottom corner of the net.  The equaliser followed a minute later, when Jonathan Wrycraft’s fierce cross was deflected past a stranded Littleport keeper.  It look like this would remain the score going into the interval, but with almost the last kick of the half, the home side converted from close range to edge back ahead.

 

The second half ended as the first half finished, with Littleport striking with their first attack, and restoring their two goal lead, in which was amazingly to prove the last goal of the game.  The remainder of the match saw Brampton dominate throughout midfield, with special mention to Christopher Parker who on switching up onto the left wing, proved to be a real thorn in Littleport’s side.  All the players deserve huge credit for this performance, and it is only a matter of time before they are rewarded with a result that truly reflects their endeavours.  Equally, special thanks this week to the large band of travelling support who, despite the miserable conditions, were unfailing with their ceaseless encouragement, which is much appreciated.

 

Brampton Spartans Team

David Ball, Kieran Bruce, Jacob Burrill, Connor Campbell, Ryan Morgan, Kierren Murray, Joshua Mutter, Christopher Parker, James Thackray, Jonathan Wrycraft, Tim Gladding (captain), Jamie Wick 

 

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21-Oct-07

Cambridge & District Colts Football League – U12E

           

Brampton Spartans U12B   2        Fulbourn Falcons            2

 

 

An enthralling and entertaining game, that featured a heroic performance by Connor Campbell in goal, saw Brampton Spartans share the points with Fulbourn Falcons. It was the visitors who were to enjoy much of the possession in the first half, but their pressure was only to yield one goal, via a deflected shot after just 5 minutes.  It was taking Brampton a while to find their stride, but confidence began to grow as the half time whistle neared, and they finally started to enjoy some quality periods of possession, deservedly levelling on 28 minutes when Jacob Burrill intercepted the ball and, after out sprinting the Falcons defence, he deftly cut inside and showed great composure to calmly slip the ball pass the advancing keeper.

 

The second half started much the same as the first, but this time it was Brampton who were exerting their superiority and causing the Falcons defence some serious concern.  Good work down the left wing by Kierran Murray, and some fine link up play between Jacob Burrill and Jonathan Wrycraft resulted in a number of clear chances being created but despite their best efforts, they were not able to convert these into goals.  This was to prove very costly on 37 minutes, when following a quick Fulbourn counter attack, the resultant corner was clinically converted after a very well worked routine.  This finally seemed to be the incentive Brampton needed to seize an opportunity, and their response was both impressive and swift, as Jacob Burrill grabbed a second goal just 3 minutes later, coolly finishing off a sweeping team move.

 

Further chances continued to be created by both teams as the legs began to tire in the warm October sunshine, but both defences held firm.  The final 10 minutes saw Fulbourn throw caution to the wind and throw everything at Brampton in search of that elusive winner. To say that it was a tense finale would be an understatement of major proportions, but a combination of spirited defending, good fortune and a goalkeeper in inspirational form were enough to prevent a third goal for the visitors.

 

This was a fine team performance, with some very promising individual performances that promised much for the future.  It was all the more impressive given the squad was severely depleted, and several players were playing in new positions for the first time, a challenge that they enjoyed and rose to admirably. However, the closing comment must be addressed to Connor Campbell, whose performance was simply outstanding, and whose string of high quality saves, especially in the closing minutes, brought both gasps and warm applause from both sets of supporters, all of who thoroughly enjoyed this well contested and hard fought draw.

 

Brampton Spartans Team

David Ball, Kieran Bruce, Jacob Burrill, Connor Campbell, Tom Nicholls, Ryan Morgan, Kierren Murray, Joshua Mutter (captain), Mike O’Connor, Christopher Parker, James Thackray, Jonathan Wrycraft 

 

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30-Sep-2007

 

Cambridge & District Colts Football League – U12E

           

Brampton Spartans U12B   3            Aztecs Juniors B   5

 

The second home game of the 07/08 season for Brampton Spartans produced another thrilling game in which the two halves could not have been more different in performance from the home team.

 

Spartans attacked from the whistle and were unlucky not to take the lead in the first 60 seconds of the match from a low sweeping cross from Tim Gladding. Apart from a couple of well saved free kicks by the home team, it was not to be Spartans half and an excellent display of attacking and supporting football from the Aztec team resulted in them going into the break 4 goals up.

 

The second half couldn’t have started any worse for the home team when a foul in the area in the sixth minute produced goal number 5 for the visitors from the penalty spot.

 

Undaunted, Brampton began to settle into their game and it was to be Jonny Wrycraft who opened the scoring with a fine stike that saw the ball hit the back of the Aztec net. Almost immediately, Brampton heads rose and Tim Gladding and Jake Burrill started to work well in the Spartans midfield. The ball began to be passed through to David Ball and Kieran Bruce on the wings and the attacking force of James Thackrey and Jonny Wrycraft started to create chances for the home team. Within a minute of their first goal, Brampton found themselves awarded a penalty which was calmed converted by Kieren Bruce to take the score to 5 goals to 2.

 

An inspired defending display from Chris Parker the Spartans captain and the cool head of Conner Campbell in the Spartans goal helped keep Aztecs at bay. The game intensified further on the 15^th minute of the second half when David Ball on the right wing fed a ball across the Aztec goal which was  turned into the back of the net for Spartans third goal and Jonny Wrycraft’s second of the match.

 

The last period produced chances for both teams, but a spirited fight back from Spartans produced a tense final 15 minutes for the Aztec coach and supporters as chance after chance was made by Spartans but unfortunately they were unable to convert into a further goal. The final whistle produced a 5 goals to 3 victory for the visiting team, however credit must be given to all the Brampton Spartans team for continuing to battle and in the end they were very unlucky not the close the scoreline even further. 

 

 Brampton Spartans Team: 

David Ball, Kieran Bruce, Jacob Burrill, Connor Campbell, Tim Gladding, Harrison Maggs, Tom Marrion, Kierren Murray, Joshua Mutter, Mike O’Connor, Christopher Parker (Captain), James Thackray, Jamie Wick, Jonathan Wrycraft  

 

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Result of Friendly Match: Sunday 2 September 2007

 

Brampton Spartans U12B 0     v      Eaton Socon 8

 

 

This was the first pre-season friendly match for the new Spartans under 12B team, and always promised to be a steep learning curve for all concerned, with a new size pitch, goals and the complexity of the offside law to come to terms with.

 

The game started with constant end to end play as both teams struggled to adjust to the new format.  Good early work by the Eaton Socon midfield saw the Brampton defence busily defending their area.  On the one occasion this was breached in the early exchanges, the cross bar came to Brampton’s rescue, and the resulting rebound was cleared to safety. A fine solo run down the wing by Tom Marrion eased the pressure and Eaton Socon did well to defend the resultant corner. 

 

Both teams made several changes at the midpoint of the first half and, almost immediately Eaton Socon broke the deadlock with a well taken goal, despite a valiant diving effort from Connor Campbell.  A defensive mixup saw the lead double, before a surging run from midfield further extended their lead.  Further good saves from Connor, and some last ditch defending by Joshua Mutter prevented further goals, but Eaton Socon were becoming increasingly dominant in midfield and went into half time having added a further two goals to their tally.

 

Brampton started the second half with renewed enthusiasm and had large periods of possession inside the Eaton Socon half, but were unable to convert this pressure into a deserved goal.   The midfield of Eaton Socon continued to be dominant, and they were rewarded with a further 2 well taken goals.

 

A fine attacking run down the wing by Jonathan Wrycraft certainly deserved a better reward, but as with a later frantic flurry in the six yard box, the ball just refused to hit the Eaton Socon net.  Brampton continued to push forward in search of that elusive goal, but then got caught on the break and concede an eighth.  However heads remained up, and in the closing seconds, a well worked attacking move ended prematurely as Jacob Burrill was tripped inside the area.  Unfortunately Tim Galdding’s well taken penalty was fantastically saved by the Eaton Socon keeper, and he was able to gather the rebound as the referee bought the game to a close.

 

In summary, a good opening start to the season, with a friendly played in a fantastic spirit by both sides, and a score line that does not accurately reflect Brampton’s contribution to the game, where minor lapses of concentration were clinically punished with some well taken goals. This should not detract from some fine individual performances that offer great encouragement for the coming League season.

 

Brampton Spartans Team:

David Ball, Kieran Bruce, Jacob Burrill (captain), Connor Campbell, Tim Gladding, Harley Green, Harrison Maggs, Tom Marrion, Ryan Morgan, Joshua Mutter, Mike O’Connor, Christopher Parker, James Thackray, Jamie Wick, Jonathan Wrycraft

 

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9th Sept 2007

Cambridge & District Colts Football League – U12E  

           

Eaton Socon U12  4             Brampton Spartans U12B   4

 

 

A fine team performance from Brampton Spartans saw them gain an exciting and well deserved draw in the opening game of the League Season, just a week after suffering a heavy defeat at the hands of the same opponents in a pre season friendly.

 

From the first minute, Brampton looked alert and well organised on a difficult pitch, and they quickly put the Eaton Socon defence under pressure.  A fine run and whipped cross by Jacob Burrill, plus a fierce David Ball shot from the edge of the box were both unlucky not to break the early deadlock, as the Eaton Socon keeper pulled off some excellent saves.

 

However it was Eaton Socon who took the early lead on 8 minutes, when a great inswinging corner was met at the far post and resulted in a well taken goal.  Brampton fought back and were level 5 minutes later, when from a similarly well worked corner, Tom Marrion reacted smartly to a rebound to send his shot high into the roof of the net.

 

The game continued to ebb and flow, with both midfields trying hard to establish their dominance, and there were some excellent runs down both wings.  It was another desperate goal line scramble following a corner on 22 minutes that saw Eaton Socon edge back ahead.  However in a pattern that was to follow throughout the match, Spartans refused to let their heads drop and their efforts were rewarded two minutes later when a deflected shot left the keeper with no chance.  This game promised to be a thriller right to the end.

 

Failure to clear their lines saw Brampton’s goal breached once again on 27 minutes as Eaton Socon continued to take full advantage of the opportunities they created, but the lead was cancelled out once more on the brink of half time when a sweeping team move from back to front saw a smart chance presented to Johnny Wrycraft, which he clinically converted.

 

The second half saw Brampton grow in confidence and begin to consistently push the Eaton Socon midfield onto the back foot, and it was somewhat against the run of play that Eaton Socon restored their lead early in the second half, when a fantastic lob from the edge of the box left the keeper helpless. Brampton continued to take the game to Eaton Socon, and some excellent link-up play down the left wing between Kieran Bruce and Tim Gladding unlocked the Eaton Socon defence but again the goalkeeper saved well. 

 

The pressure was finally rewarded on 45 minutes, when after a sustained period of attack, the resulting corner, well delivered by Kieran Bruce was deflected wickedly in the Eaton Socon net – for the fourth equalising goal.  A tense final quarter of the match ensued where Brampton continued to create good goal scoring opportunities but they just couldn’t convert one of these into a winning goal, and the points were shared.

 

The Brampton players deserve great credit for the way they reacted to their defeat last week, and should be rightly proud of the result and the improved performance they gave.  It was a thoroughly entertaining and exciting game, which both sets of supporters thoroughly enjoyed, and hopefully sets the tone for the season ahead.

 

.

Brampton Spartans Team

David Ball, Kieran Bruce, Jacob Burrill, Connor Campbell, Tim Gladding, Harley Green, Harrison Maggs, Tom Marrion, Ryan Morgan, Kierren Murray, Joshua Mutter, Mike O’Connor, Christopher Parker, James Thackray, Jamie Wick, Jonathan Wrycraft (captain)

 

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16/09/07

Cambridge & District Colts Football League – U12E

           

Brampton Spartans U12B   5            Swavesey Spartans U12     3

 

 

An entertaining game saw Brampton Spartans gain a deserved first win of the league season with victory over a spirited and determined Swavesey side.  The hosts started quickly and enjoyed much of the early possession but they were unable to convert some fine attacking play into clear-cut goal scoring opportunities.  When a chance did present itself, the Swavesey keeper was invariably equal to the task, pulling off a string of fine saves, including a low diving stop from the penalty spot on 8 minutes.  Undaunted, Brampton continued to seek that elusive breakthrough, but some valiant defending and a lack of composure in front of goal left Brampton frustrated and fearful that their fine first half performance was going to go unrewarded in terms of the score line.  However a substitution on 27 minutes had an immediate impact as a fine through ball down the centre was seized upon by sub James Thrackray, who slid the ball past the advancing keeper to give Brampton the lead.  The deadlock finally broken, it was quickly doubled on the stroke of halftime with a fine individual effort by Mike O’Connor.

 

Swavesey took the game to Brampton straight from the whistle in the second half and immediately started to put Brampton’s defence under pressure.  In needing to get that early goal however, Swavesey were always going to be vulnerable to the counter attack and an interception on 33 minutes saw Brampton break forward at pace, and it was Jacob Burrill, enjoying a commanding performance in the heart of the Brampton midfield, who coolly converted an impressive team move.  Swavesey responded immediately and were rewarded with a fine goal just 2 minutes later, and were then very unlucky not to make it two, as a fierce shot was athletically turned round the post by Connor Campbell in the Brampton goal.  It was now Brampton’s turn to absorb large periods of pressure, but the defence held firm, and a combination of last ditch tackles, goal line clearances and fine saves by the keeper ensured that the lead was not further reduced.

 

Throughout the game, Brampton always looked dangerous on the break, and it was some quick thinking by Harrison Maggs from a throw that saw Tim Gladding released down the line, and he showed great composure after a fine run to slot the ball past the valiant Swavesey keeper for the home team’s fourth goal. An unstoppable shot from the edge of the area from Jonathan Wrycraft looked to have finally wrapped up the points for the hosts, but a defensive error saw Swavesey awarded a penalty late on, which was well converted and ensured that Brampton had to see out a tense final few minutes before the final whistle confirmed their victory.

 

Brampton Spartans Team

David Ball, Kieran Bruce, Jacob Burrill, Connor Campbell, Tim Gladding, Harley Green, Harrison Maggs, Tom Marrion, Kierren Murray, Joshua Mutter, Mike O’Connor, Christopher Parker, James Thackray, Jamie Wick (captain), Jonathan Wrycraft  

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