Saturday 28th April 2007 - Stony Stratford 3 St Peter's 1

Bradwell signed off with a defeat at the hands of promotion chasing local rivals Stony but can be proud of the performance their young side put in.

The damage was done in the first half after a mad ten minute period let us down. Riccardo Archer had opened the scoring for Bradwell when put through on goal. He drew the keeper towards him and neatly finished for his third goal in as many games after regaining his first team place.

In the 33rd minute Stony were level. A free kick from the left was headed toward goal by Milne and before any of the visiting defenders could react, the ball was smashed home by Redsull.

Just a few minutes later, a tremendous cross in from the right by Beefy was headed home by Marsala. With their tails up, Stony scored a third when, again the Bradwell men failed to react in their own 6-yard box. This time it was Marsala who got to the ball and hit home from close range.

To be fair to Bradwell, we had created some good openings and had played a fair share in the good football on offer. Coulter, Archer and King were all involved in good moves and chances that against a lesser side would have led to goals.

The second half was a much tighter affair. Bradwell gave as good as they got and were very unlucky not have scored when Kennedy put the ball into Archers path. Archer spun and hit a low shot against the upright. The ball rebounded to safety. This season we have struck the woodwork more times than we care to remember and should consider asking for the F.A to widen the goals!!

The game exploded into controversy in the closing minutes when the referee, who had been the centre of the universe for the entire 90 minutes with some strange decisions, decided to send off Dave King and Ben Hill for pushing and shoving with only a couple of minutes to go. Why common sense couldn't have been used we can only guess.

The final score was 3-1 to the home side who must now await the league decision to promote them or not. Bradwell can take some of the positives from this match, and many others this season, and look to build on the foundations laid down.

Man of the match for Bradwell was shared between Coulter, Archer and King, who despite his late dismissal had a very good game. After the game, Greg Lansbury announced his retirement from the game. A career spanning 20 years, including stints at Luton Town. We all wish him well for the future and thank him for his efforts over the last three seasons at New Bradwell.

Match marks. Lansbury 7, Reeves 7, Giggs 7, Stokes 7, Edwards 7, Coulter 8, Long 7, Smith 7, King 8, Archer 8, O'Farrell 7. Subs. Cole 7, Garrard 6, Kennedy 7.

Cafe Balti Man of the Match ( Shared )

Lea Coulter ,Dave King and Riccardo Archer

Saturday 21st April 2007 - Bedford Valerio 2 New Bradwell St. Peter 3

New Bradwell completed the double over Bedford with this hard earned victory. Both sides were reduced to ten men with the referee deciding that he was the most important man on earth with some bizarre decisions throughout the game.

Bradwell had a couple of early chances to go ahead with both Archer and O'Farrell going close with efforts from just outside the box. The home keeper was easily the busier of the two in the first half.

Bradwell eventually took the lead in the 40th minute when Dean Orchard was put through on goal by James Smith. Orchard feigned to shoot but instead slid the ball to Riccardo Archer who belted past the keeper for his third goal in Bradwell colours.

As the half was drawing to a close Colin Reid clashed with Mihir Patel after the Bradwell man dis-possessed him on the left hand side of the area. Reid thrashed out and was given a straight red card by Mr Nettleton. Some would say it was a little harsh but Reid was very slow to leave the pitch and made threats, so who knows?

Within two minutes, it appeared that the referee took pity on the home side and awarded them a penalty in the final minute of the half. Following a free kick out on the right (another strange decision), Dean Orchard was adjudged to have held one of the opposing players. At the time the decision caused some bemusement amongst both sets of players as they had no idea as to why the spot kick was awarded. Jason Layne gratefully smashed the penalty home, giving Greg Lansbury no chance and the half time score was one all.

An inquest was held at half time in the dressing room as we had put in a very disjointed performance during the first period. A couple of small changes were made and the second half was much better all round.

Bradwell were now attempting to play a shorter passing game. The game was end to end with both sides creating chances.

Bradwell were then punished further by the referee when he sent off Dean Orchard for foul and abusive language. Whilst being spoken to by the ref for a tackle and in the process of being rightly booked for it, a Bedford forward was allowed to approach and wind the situation up. Orchard retaliated verbally and was sent from the field despite his comments not being directed at the referee.

With more space on the field due to both teams being down to ten men, Bradwell sent on Dave Cole for Riccardo Archer. The speedy winger's first touch was brilliant. James Smith fed the ball out to Lea Coulter. He beat his man and put in a great cross for Coley to volley home.

As has happened on several occasions this season however, Bradwell were unable to keep the lead. Just three minutes later, Jason Layne ran through the heart of the midfield and defence and lashed home from the edge of the area. This was all the more galling as he had done the same thing just minutes earlier only to be thwarted smartly by Lansbury when the winger attempted to take it around big keeper. 63 minutes gone and it was two all.

Bedford pressed the visiting team back but were held at bay by a more disciplined defence with Paul Stokes guiding his back four through the remainder of the game.

The winning goal came after a swift break out from defence. James Smith fed the ball through the heart of the retreating home defence for Lea Coulter to smash his shot across the keeper. A great move and a brilliant finish in the 72nd minute.

Bradwell made another couple of changes with Chouhan and Kennedy replacing Simm and Long after they had worked very hard. The game ended just after five o'clock with the referee somehow finding nearly ten minutes of added time.

All in all this was a decent performance although Bradwell have played much better and lost. Bedford had all their main players back after they went on holiday together last week. Bradwell were pushed all the way but had the edge with their passing, particulary in the second half. It wasn't always pretty but the win was everything.

Man of the match was split between three players with Stokes,Smith, Coulter and Lansbury all playing very well.

Match marks. Lansbury 8, King 7, Giggs 7, Simm 7, Stokes 8, Long 7, Orchard 6, Coulter 8, Smith 7.5, O'Farrell 7, Archer 7. Subs; Cole 7, Chouhan 6, Kennedy 6.

Cafe Balti Man of the Match - Shared Between

Paul Stokes,Greg Lansbury,Lea Coulter, James Smith

Monday 9th April 2007 - Brimsdown Rovers 9 St Peter's 0

 What can we can say, outclassed, outbattled, outwitted are a few words that can be used 2.0 down at half time then 7 goals conceded in the 2nd half told the full story. Even with 5 regulars missing there was no excuse. At the end of the day this game will need to be forgotten quickly and look forward to the next game V Bedford when 3 points is a must.

Cafe Balti Man of the Match

Greg Lansbury

Saturday 7th April 2007 - St Peter's 2 Buckingham Athletic 2

A dour draw seemed the only fair result between two teams who have struggled throughout the season to find any sort of consistency.

Athletic started brightly and took the lead after only 2 minutes. an athletic player was not picked up on the right side of the home defence. Before he could be closed down properly he got a shot away which was deflected off Jason Reeves past Greg Lansbury the referee credited it to a Reeves own goal..

Bradwell almost equalised when Michael O'Farrell crossed into the box only for Ricky Stimpson's header to come back off the post. Greg Tite was prevented from gathering the rebound.

O'Farrell also came close to scoring after 28 minutes when he chested down and shot on the turn. The visiting keeper held easily. Bradwell were not physical enough in the first half and allowed the visitors to bully them into silly errors. The half time team talk appeared to galvanise Bradwell though and they came out in a more positive mood in the second period.

We equalised when James Smith's centre from a free kick was headed home by Stimpson. A deserved equaliser after 50 minutes and at that point it looked as though Bradwell were taking the game to Buckingham and may have gone on to win the it.

Typical of our luck this season though when another mistake led to Athletic taking an unlikely lead after 58 minutes. A mix up in the home defence was punished by Oliver Prentice when he stole the ball off Lansbury to score into an empty net.

Bradwell came straight back at their visitors and made a couple of changes with Jimmy Canwell and Dave Cole entering the fray. It was Dave Cole who won a disputed corner from which Mihir "Giggs" Patel scored his first goal of the season from a header from close range in the 68th minute. The ball flew past the keeper, in off a post.

The rest of the game was played out with neither side coming really close to scoring. Darren Long had an effort for Bradwell but a draw was a fair result with neither side deserving to win or lose.

Man of the match was shared between Darren Long and Mihir Patel. Our second half performance was a lot better than the first half and with better communication we could have taken all three points.

Match marks Lansbury 6, Reeves 6, Stokes 7, Edwards 7, Patel 8, Orchard 7, Smith 7, Tite 6, Stimpson 6, O'Farrell 6, Long 8. Subs Cole 6, Canwell 6, Leadbetter 6.

Cafe Balti Man of the Match

Shared between Darren Long and Mihir Patel

Tuesday 03rd April   2007 -   Sun Postal Sports 0   St Peter's   1

Once again the conditions favoured one team or the other depending on the choice of ends at the toss. Sun Postal decided to kick with the wind at their backs in the first half and yet failed to muster a single shot on target in the first half.

Bradwell, on the other hand had the best of the chances with Tite, O'Farrell and Coulter all looking sharp. O'Farrell made the keeper work with a low drive from the edge of the area. Coulter hit a swerving drive over the bar slightly later. James Smith, impressing in a more advanced role, shot just over the bar.

Sun Postal lost their left back after 35 minutes when he headbutted and spat at Ricky Stimpson. The defender saw a straight red whilst Stimpson, who had earlier replaced Greg Tite due to illness, was booked for placing his head against that of his opponent.

The change didn't appear to have made any great difference to the shape of the game. Sun Postal opted to go for the longer ball up to Paul Danslow but he was superbly marshalled by Paul Stokes and Kevin Edwards. Bradwell, for their part attempted to get the ball down and play constructive football. They were on the end of the odd aggressive challenge at times.

We decided not to tinker with the shape of the side at half time as we had looked quite comfortable. This proved to be the right decision because in the 60th minute Bradwell took a thoroughly deserved lead.

Dean Orchard stole the ball just outside the left hand side of the host's penalty area, he burst inbetween two home defenders before passing the ball across the box to the unmarked Michael O'Farrell. The big striker allowed the ball to run across the front of his body before lashing past the keeper for his 7th goal in the last 11 games.

We had a couple of other chances to add to the lead with Canwell and Stimpson both having efforts on goal. Paul Stokes also just failed to make contact with a Lea Coulter free kick for yet another foul on Mihir "Giggs" Patel.

Sun Postal finally managed a shot on target in the 84th minute but the effort was brilliantly saved by Greg Lansbury as he pushed a point blank effort wide of the post. It would have been harsh on the visitors had the home side equalised.

Bradwell win away from home for the second time in three games and are now on the heels of lots of other clubs as we head into the last few games of the season. A pleasing, battling performance from the lads.

Match marks, just a bit of fun and taken far too seriously by some of you!! Lansbury 7.25, Reeves 7.25, Patel 7.75, Edwards 8.4, Stokes 8.25, Orchard 7.25, Long 7.25, Smith 7.5, Coulter 7.25, Tite 6 (only on for less than 10 minutes), O'Farrell 7.45 (plus a half a point extra for sharing his sausage with me after the game, giving him a total of nearly 8) Subs, Stimpy 7.25, Kennedy 6.5, Canwell 6.5 Sub not used was Jack Leadbitter who was grateful just to get away from Sun Postal unscathed as he has been beaten up twice over there previously.

Cafe Balti Sponsored Man of the Match

Kevin " Its Strawberry Blonde " Edwards

Cafe Balti Sponsored Man of the Match

Mihir Patel

Saturday 24th March 2007 - Arlesey Athletic 1 St Peter's 2

Bradwell got back to winning ways at the Raj Villa Stadium thanks to a battling performance.

The conditions favoured the home team in the first half due to blustery conditions down the centre of the pitch, making it difficult to play good, open football. That said, the home side didn't make the most of their advantage and failed to muster a single worthwhile effort on goal in the first half.

It was Bradwell who almost took the lead when Lea Coulter's clever lob came back off the bar in the 37th minute. Bradwell had worked hard the prevent the Arlesey midfielders from getting the ball down and spreading it wide. Dean Orchard and Darren Long worked particularly hard and assisted in keeping the scoreline to no goals at half time.

The second half was a very different affair with Bradwell cutting the home defence open on several occasions with Greg Tite, Micky O'Farrell and Lea Coulter all going close.

The first goal came just 5 minutes into the half when the ball was played across the area for the unmarked Captain, Paul Stokes to lash home from close range. Ten minutes later we doubled our advantage when Jason Reeves, who was having a terrific game, was taken down in the area. Greg Tite dispatched the penalty and Bradwell were deservedly two goals to the good.

Bradwell had other chances to put the game beyond their hosts. O'farrell and Giggs Patel both forced the home keeper into stunning saves to keep the score respectable. The keeper somehow managed to reach both efforts when he seemed certain to be beaten.

After taking a bit of a battering, Dean Orchard was forced to leave the field after 75 minutes. Karl Kiernan went on to replace him and the team had to be shuffled slightly. Arlesey took advantage in the final few minutes and eventually scored through Wayne Blows with 86 minutes on the clock. Greg Lansbury then pulled off an excellent sprawling save to deny Arlesey an undeserved equaliser.

With a new formation Bradwell played very well and the scoreline does not truly reflect the match. Bradwell had several good chances to have had the game well and truly won before Arlesey scored their late consolation. Long, Orchard, Coulter and Stokes were in commanding form with Lansbury, Smith, King, Giggs, and Reeves providing excellent support. Titey and O'Farrell proved a pain to mark with their excellent movement and hard work. All in all, everyone played very well and the result was a deserved one.

Match marks; Lansbury 7, Reeves 7, Patel 7, King 7, Stokes 7, Smith 7, Coulter 9, Long 8, Orchard 7, Tite 8, O'Farrell 8. Subs; Kiernan 6. Subs not used Ayles and Catterell.

Cafe Balti Man of the Match

Saturday 17th March 2007 - St Peter's 0 Cockfosters 3

Bradwell lost for the fourth time on the bounce after a poor performance against highflying Cockfosters. The disappointing thing about this game was that we gave them all three goals.

The game ebbed and flowed in very difficult, windy conditions for both teams. Neither keeper had a great deal to do although it was Bradwell who had the better chance to open the scoring.

Dave Cole received the ball out on the right. He put in a superb cross for O'Farrell. Unfortunately, his header struck the post and bounced to safety. A great move from Bradwell but a little typical of how things are going for us at the moment.

Bradwell looked fairly solid at the back and the only way the game was going to see a goal was exactly how it happened. A cross from the left was headed in past his own keeper by the otherwise immaculate Paul Stokes.

The second half was very similar to the first with the conditions making it hard to keep the ball on the floor. Bradwell again did most of the pushing but gifted Cockfosters two more goals to give the scoreline a convincing look about it. To be fair, Cockfosters also hit the woodwork twice as they pushed us back.

We did have a couple of chances through Tite and O'Farrell but it wasn't to be our day.

Match marks.
Lansbury 7, King 6, Smith 6, Stokes 7, Patel 6, Orchard 6, Long 6, Cole 5, Canwell 5, Tite 6, O'Farrell 6, subs; Coulter 7, Reeves 6. Subs not used were Junior King and Paul Ayles.

Cafe Balti Sponsored Man of the Match

Paul Stokes

Saturday 10th March 2007 - St Peter's 0 Amersham 1

New Bradwell lose at home for the second game running with a lacklustre performance from start to finish.

The game was won midway through the second half when Bradwell switched off for a free kick. The goal was scrambled in and to be fair, it was the only way this game was going to be won. A scramble, a mix up, a deflection, poor communication. Crap goal, crap game.

Bradwell had their chances but couldn't get their passing right and struggled to deliver a decent ball into the box throughout the game. Amersham were just as poor and managed only one effort on goal which was easily saved by Greg Lansbury in the home goal. Their goal was handed to them on a plate and yet, still took a deflection when it went in.

The first half was an even affair with Amersham enjoying more of the possession and conditions given the blustery wind. The visitors failed to conjure a single worthwhile attempt at goal and looked very ordinary indeed.

Bradwell really struggled to string more than three passes together and looked a little disinterested at times, going through the motions rather than taking the game to their opposition.

We had chances to score in the second half through O'Farrell, White, Patel and Stokes but the ball would not fall to us in the right areas. A goalless draw seemed inevitable until Bradwell gave away a stupid free-kick and failed to clear it despite having men around the ball.

Plenty of bookings in the game and a sending off for the visitors and yet there wasn't a single bad foul in the entire game. Bradwell have played worse on very few ocassions this season and we have to learn from this game or we will finish lower than where we currently are.

Man of the match was Paul Stokes. A captains performance. One of very few positives to take from the game.

Match marks. Lansbury 6, Patel 6, Canwell 5, Stokes 7, King 6, Coulter 6, Cole 5, Smith 6, Orchard 5, Long 5, O'Farrell 6. Subs, Tite 7, White 6, McClure 6. Not used Kennard.

Cafe Balti Sponsored Man of the Match

Paul Stokes

Saturday 24th Februay 2007 - St Peter's 0 Brimsdown Rovers 1

Championship favourites Brimsdown stole the points despite a very spirited display for the home side. It was the first time that Bradwell have been prevented from scoring for many months.

The game was hard fought throughout with both sides giving their all. The first half was very tight with both defences on top. The closest Brimsdown came to scoring was from a through ball to Tezel. His shot was parried to safety by Lansbury.

Bradwell worked hard but didn't get a lot of change from the neat and tidy defenders. Lea Coulter almost got on the end of a through ball but was thwarted by the alert keeper who came out to smother the ball. We created a couple of openings but were unable to capitalise.

Brimsdown finally took the lead in the 60th minute. A free kick was taken quickly. As the ball was played into the box it took a deflection which wrong footed two defenders and the ball was slid home by the Brimsdown skipper.

Brimsdown continued to push forward but found Greg Lansbury at his best. He made two stunning saves to deny Taylor-Forbes and Tezel. Bradwell meanwhile began to find gaps in the visitors defence with Canwell, Cole and Coulter all creating openings.

Bradwell almost snatched a late equaliser when the ball was centred to Mulholland but he didn't connect properly and couldn't force the ball home.

Bradwell were beaten but can take many positives out of the game. Brimsdown are a strong, quick, physical side who have played at high levels of football. We are still a team in the making and can be proud of the effort and desire that we put in. Brimsdown were matched in many areas of the field and were pleased to have come away with a win.

Man of the match for the home side was Darren Long. Another excellent performance from Mr. Consistent.

Match marks. Lansbury 7, King 7, Patel 7, Mulholland 7, Stokes 7, Coulter 6, Cole 7, Canwell 6, O'Farrell 6, Orchard 7, Long 8. Subs: White 6, Smith 6 Subs not used. Reeves, A. McClure and Dave McClure.

Cafe Balti Sponsored Man of the Match

Darren Long

Saturday 17th February 2007 - St Peter's 5 Bedford and Valerio 1


Another cracking victory for New Bradwell as we post our biggest winning margain of the season against a Bedford side who had started the season in style. As a result of this win we move two places up the table as we continue to improve game on game.

Bradwell started sharply and took the game to the visitors right from the start. Greg Tite was put through early on only to be thwarted by the visiting keeper. Tite then worked his way past two defenders but slid the ball past the far post. Dave Cole also missed with a one on one when he appeared to get caught in two minds. In fairness, Bradwell should have finished the game off before half time.

When we did finally take the lead, after 43 minutes, it was thanks to a little bit of luck. Michael O'Farrell received the ball from Mulholland, he cut inside his marker and unleashed a shot that the keeper could only parry up in the air. The ball had just about enough power on it to make it over the line before the keeper could recover. It was no more than Bradwell deserved for their pressure.

The closest Bedford and Valerio came to scoring was when Layne blasted over when well placed. Greg Lansbury had only one shot to save in the first half. This was from a 25-yard free kick that he made look easy.

The second half took on a similar theme although it took time for Bradwell to get going. Greg Tite and Paul Stokes had chances to increase the lead but missed with headers. It was Dave Cole who eventually doubled to scoreline. He chased a through ball and clipped over the keeper for his 4th goal of the season after 68 minutes.

Bradwell went three up after 77 minutes when debutant Lee White finished neatly. Bedford pulled a goal back after Layne had worked his way into the area to chip past the defence and keeper. Greg Lansbury had made a couple of smart blocks to keep Bedford out when they had a period of pressure just before Bradwell finished things off with their fourth goal.

Lee White worked his way past a defender before blasting a shot past the wrong-footed keeper in the 82nd minute. He scored his third goal in just 8 minutes when Michael O'Farrell's excellent chip came back off the cross bar for White to tap in from a yard out.

With a final score of 5-1 we can't be too unhappy with the result and yet, we can still play even better and missed a host of chances, particularly in the first half. Overall though it was a good win and one to set us up for the rest of the season. Man of the match was John Mulholland. Darren Long was a very close second.

Match marks. Lansbury 7, King 7, Patel 7, Stokes 7, Mulholland 9, Orchard 7, Long 8, Canwell 7, Cole 7, Tite 7, O'Farrell 7. Subs: White 8, Coulter 7, Smith 7 Subs not used were Reeves and A. McClure.

Saturday 3rd February 2007 - Chalfont Wasps 2 St Peter's 1

Bradwell crashed our of the Berks and Bucks County Cup to holders Wasps after a poor first half performance left us with too much to do in the second half. Despite only going in with a one goal deficit we couldn't force the game into extra time.

Bradwell were soon on the offensive and thought we had gone a goal up when Greg Tite was put through by Michael O'Farrell. Despite beating two men to the ball Titey was given offside by the Assistant Referee and the goal was chalked off.

This seemed to knock Bradwell's confidence and within minutes we found ourselves a goal down. The home keeper cleared downfield, the ball was allowed to bounce and was lashed home from fully 25 yards but their lively number 11. An outstanding finish from the home side's best player.

The Wasps forwards then had a couple of good chances including a one on one with Aidan McClure. Fortunately the onrushing forward fell over the ball just as he tried to round the visiting keeper. Shortly after McClure pulled off two stunning saves to keep Bradwell in the game. The first was from close range volley which he tipped over the bar and the second was a reaction save from close range.

Bradwell managed to get themselves back into the game after 28 minutes when a mix up between goalkeeper and centre half allowed Michael O'Farrell to run the ball into an empty net for his 6th goal in the last five games.

Bradwell allowed the home side back into the game however and should have been punished for sloppy play on more than one occasion. A couple more chances for the home side to take the lead were spurned.

Chalfont did go in front five minutes before the half time whistle blew, however. More sloppy play just outside the box gave Wasps the ball. They gained two quick corners and from the second managed to force the ball over the line. The ball travelled a long way across the box and was prodded home at the far post despite the attempts of McClure to keep it out.

A half time change seemed to galvanise Bradwell and for the whole of the second half they restricted the home side to half chances. We attempted to get the ball forward in a more constructive manner but were unable to break down the home defence.

We certainly had our chances. Paul Stokes put a close range effort over the bar. Jimmy Canwell, on for Dave Cole, forced the home keeper into an excellent save which Greg Tite coudn't quite get on the end of when the keeper pushed the ball out. John Mulholland also tried to volley home at the far post from a Coulter free kick but was dazed by the low sun level and couldn't quite see the ball properly. Lea Coulter also worked his way into the box but decided to cut back onto his left foot and ended up shooting well wide.

We had plenty of possession in the second half but failed to make it count and it is Chalfont Wasps who move into the semi-finals of the competition. A very disappointing defeat for Bradwell after beating Stony Stratford in the last round with such a gutsy performance. The attitude and petty comments made during the match also not helping. This was a performance lacking in fluidity and desire. We couldn't get our passing game going and were second to the ball far too often in the first half.

Man of the match was Mihir Patel. His performances of late have been excellent and he was one of the few players whose motivation for this game was never in question.

Match marks. McClure 7, Reeves 5, Patel 8, Mulholland 6, Stokes 6, Smith 6, Cole 6, Coulter 5, Long 6, Tite 6, O'Farrell 6. Subs, Orchard 7, Canwell 7. Subs not used were Karl Kiernan and Dave McClure.

Cafe Balti Man of the Match

Mihir Patel

Tuesday 30th January - Stony Stratford 2 New Bradwell St. Peter 2 (AET, Bradwell win on pens)


A cracking cup tie between two in-form sides. The game was end to end and they couldn’t be separated until Greg Tite’s winning spot kick in a dramatic penalty shoot out late into the evening.

Both sides settled well early on with the game moving at a pace. Bradwell were the first to get shots away but both Dave Cole and Lea Coulter’s efforts were wayward and Andy Partlow went untroubled. Stony pressed down Bradwell’s right with the lively Marsala causing problems.

Stony thought they had taken the lead when Hyde headed home only to be adjudged offside. Stony had several quick corners and forced the Bradwell rearguard into some desperate defending at times. Aidan McClure, in for the Unwell Greg Lansbury handled the situation well though an managed to catch anything Stony threw at him.

It was Bradwell who took the lead in the 33rd minute. Lea Coulter took a short corner to Greg Tite on the edge of the area. He crossed to the far post for John Mulholland to head back across the goal for Skipper Paul Stokes to hit home from inside the 6-yard box. Stokes’ 3rd since re-joining the club from Cranfield.

With the half drawing to a close Stony finally managed to breach the Bradwell defence. We backed off and allowed them to play the ball in behind us. Ben Hill scored from close range after good work by Kevin Hyde and Marc Redsull in pulling defenders out of position. Halt time 1-1.

The second half was also a close affair with both sides going close. For Stony, Marsala blazed over when well placed, Hyde tried to deflect a long range shot past McClure but failed to get a better touch on the ball and dyjes flashed a ball across the 6-yard box.

Bradwell also had their chances and could have won the game in the last two minutes of normal time. James Smith had two efforts brilliantly saved by Partlow. Both from distance. The first shot skipped up off the surface and almost caught Partlow out, he managed to push the ball around the post. Smith’s second shot was a 25-yarder which took a deflection and went just over the bar.

Bradwell best second half chance fell to Tite. Dave Cole has caused problems all night with his pace, crossed from the left for Tite to flick the ball in at the near post. Partlow somehow managed to push the ball away. A great move from Bradwell and an equally smart save.

The game went into extra time with both sides having players who were suffering from cramp such had been the tremendous effort of both sets of players. It was to be Stony who drew first blood in the first period of extra time when Darren d**es worked his way past a couple of markers to slot the ball home.

A couple of months ago, Bradwell would have capitulated at that point but they went straight up the other end and scored another excellent goal, this time through Michael O’Farrell.

Lea Coulter worked his way through the midfield area before slotting the ball to Dave Cole. He went past his marker and put in a cross for O’Farrell to score with a diving header. It was no more than Bradwell deserved for their commitment and endeavour. O’Farrell continues his rich scoring form.

The rest of extra time yielded no chances of note to either side and the match went to a penalty shoot-out. O’Farrell, Cole, Stokes and Tite all scored their spot kicks with Jamie Catterell missing. Stony missed two of their spot kicks with Aidan McClure saving well and it’s New Bradwell who go through to the quarter final against Chalfont Wasps.

An excellent, combative performance from Bradwell with Long, Stokes and Mulholland outstanding throughout. All of the Bradwell players deserve credit for sticking to their task against excellent opposition.

Match marks. A. McClure 7, Reeves 7, Patel 7, Mulholland 8, Stokes 9, Coulter 7, Cole 7, Long 8, Smith 7, O’Farrell 7, Tite 7. Subs, Kiernan 6, Orchard 6, Catterell 6. Sub not used Dave “gissa game” McClure.

Cafe Balti Man of the Match

Paul Stokes

Saturday 27th January 2007 - St Peters's 3 Cranfield 1

Bradwell completed the league double over local rivals Cranfield with an easy victory at the Recreation Ground. Watched by a sizeable crowd Bradwell got off to the perfect start when they took the lead after just 55 seconds.

Bradwell started the game in confident mood. Lea Coulter beat his marker to put in an excellent centre for Michael O'Farrell to head home. Just the start that Bradwell had talked about in the pre-match routine.

Bradwell doubled their lead after 15 minutes when a poor clearance from Diaz was headed over the keeper again by Michael O'Farrell, his 4th goal in as many games for his new club.

The game settled down with Bradwell always looking comfortable. Greg Lansbury had little to do. The visiting keeper was far busier and pulled off two excellent saves, both from in form O'Farrell. Two point blank headers were pushed away to keep the score respectable.

Just as the half was drawing to a close Bradwell lost concentration and allowed McGlue to work his way down the right flank. His centre was headed home to give Cranfield a lifeline.

After a half time roasting Bradwell used the ball far better in the second period and should have wrapped the game up having had chance after chance. Tite, Coulter and O'Farrell all hit the woodwork and O'Farrell saw a penalty kick saved.

The game was wrapped up when Dave Cole centred for Lea Coulter to control and lash home for his 9th of the season. Bradwell couln't add to their tally despite several good openings and Cranfield were let off the hook. The closest the visitors came to scoring was just after half time when a curling free kick was headed over the bar by John Mulholland.

James Canwell came on for his debut after replacing Jason Reeves, Dean Orchard replaced James Smith. The impressive Darren Long was replaced by Karl Kiernan. All round this was a useful performance. We failed to convert our better chances and could really have put Cranfield to the sword. It's good to win games without playing that well.

Man of the match was Michael O'Farrell. Despite his penalty miss, he made the keeper work and was a constant threat to Cranfield.

Match marks Lansbury 7, Reeves 7, Patel 7, Stokes 7, Fritz 7, Long 7, Smith 7, Cole 7, Coulter 7, Tite 7, O'Farrell 8. Subs Canwell 6, Orchard 6, Kiernan 6 (subs not used were Kennard and McClure)

Cafe Balti Man of the Match

Mike O'Farrall

Saturday 13th January 2007 - St Peter's 3 Arlesey 1

Bradwell won for the third time in five games and move up a place in the table after this win against Arlesey. The conditions were bad for both sides with a heavy wind blowing up the length of the pitch making one half of the game for either side really tough going.

Bradwell chose to kick into the wind in the first half and had to battle all the way. We were fairly quick to settle and had the better of the play. Mulholland had a really good chance to open the scoring after a neat turn took him past his marker and into the box. His shot flew just wide of the far post though. He then had a header brilliantly saved by the keeper, unfortunately there was nobody following up the rebound and the chance was wasted.

We took the lead when Jason Reeves fed the ball to Dave Cole on the right. Cole showed blistering pace and left his marker for dead. He then centred with a superb cross and found Michael O'Farrell for his second goal in as many games. A superb goal, well worked and was nothing more than Bradwell deserved.

As the half was drawing to a close we lost a little bit of concentration and allowed Arlesey a simple equaliser. The ball was worked down our right, crossed into the middle. Unfortunately we couldn't clear the ball and it dropped to Kiddie who bundled the ball into the net.

The half time whistle went with the score at one all. Bradwell had worked hard in terrible conditions and the goal that Arlesey scored was their only attempt on goal.

The second half was barely two minutes old when Bradwell took the lead. From a free kick, O'Farrell flicked on, James Smith ran through and slotted past the keeper for his first of the season. A smart finish from the game's best player.

Following the goal we settled well, played the better football and took the game to the visitors. Dave Cole caused problems throughout the second half and was unlucky with one long range effort. Greg Tite forced an outstanding save from the keeper with a volley. Stokes put a header wide from a corner.

Greg Tite and Michael O'Farrell caused problems with their movement and close control. Both were recipients of rough handling from their markers, this went unpunished and it was a little harsh when Tite was booked for a tackle.

Bradwell defended well in the second half and restricted Arlesey's possession in the box. Greg Lansbury didn't have a shot to save in the second half.

The third goal for Bradwell came about when "Giggs" Patel was smashed by one of the visiting forwards. Paul Stokes took the free kick from inside the Bradwell half. He hit the ball towards the goal and as it was missed by everyone except Greg Tite, the keeper was fooled and the ball ended up going straight into the net. Paul Stokes then screamed like a girl and claimed the goal.

The rest of the game went by without incident as Bradwell did most of the pushing. Long, Coulter and Reeves were all replaced, reward for their very good performances. Steve Baron, Dave McCormack and Jamie Catterell went on in their places.

Overall, it was a good team performance in very difficult conditions. Bradwell made the most of their possession and scored two excellent goals. The other goal happens when your luck begins to take a turn for the better and to be fair, we have had some rotten luck this season and were due a bit of fortune.

Man of the match was James Smith. His passing and winning of headers from midfield was a major factor in winning the game. In fact, his partnership with Darren Long proved too much for the visitors and they struggled to match our midfield pairing. A good defensive performance too from Giggs, Reeves, Stokes and Mulholland.

Match marks.
Lansbury 7, Reeves 7, Giggs 7, Stokes 7, Fritz 7, Smith 8, Long 7, Coulter 7, Cole 7, O'Farrell 7, Tite 7. Subs; Baron 7, Catterell 6, Disco 7

Cafe Balti Man of the Match

James Smith

Saturday 30th December 2006 - Ampthill 3 St Peter's 2

A really tough game in terrible conditions was won with a disputed penalty early in the second half. Bradwell battled manfully throughout and can consider themselves very unlucky not to have taken at least a point from this game against their high-flying hosts.

Bradwell had the better of the first half and came close to scoring on a couple of occasions through Tite and O'Farrell. Dave Cole also blasted over when well placed. Ampthill also had the odd dangerous moment but the Bradwell rear-guard stood firm.

The only goal of the half was scored by prolific striker Reynolds, directly from a free kick on the edge of the area. His shot went into the top right hand corner of the net and should have been dealt with.

Bradwell were hard done by to have gone in at the break a goal down. They were the better side and didn't allow Ampthill to get into their stride.

The second half exploded into action and four goals were scored in a ten minute spell. Bradwell equalised first when Michael O'Farrell scored his first goal for the club. He received the ball on the edge of the area and shot on the turn to give Gibby no chance.

Unfortunately for Bradwell, Ampthill were back in front within a minute when we failed to clear a long ball and Reynolds chipped the keeper for a neat finish.

A couple of minutes later Greg Tite bundled the ball over the line following a scramble after a corner. The referee was already about to award a penalty for a push on Stokes but Tite had drew the side level for the second time.

At 2-2 both sides started to push for the winner. Another long ball into the heart of the Bradwell defence allowed Martin Wells to run alongside Dave McCormack. Both players appeared to push and shove each other from around the 30 yard mark. Unfortunately for Bradwell the referee deemed that McCormack had pulled Wells back and awarded a penalty. This was harsh to say the least but the penalty was duly despatched by Reynolds for his hat-rick and 20th goal of the season. The referee did us no favours with the decision to award the spot kick but at least had the good grace not to have sent off what was the last man.

The game became and end to end battle with both sides going close. Aidan McClure was called on to make two fine saves from Hill and Reynolds. At the other end Bradwell had more than enough chances to have pulled something from the game with Mulholland, Tite and O'Farrell all requiring outstanding saves from the home keeper to deny them. A little bit of luck and the scoreline could have been so different.

A cracking battle ended 3-2 to the home side. Bradwell can take heart from their performance, they were committed to every tackle and worked very hard throughout the game. An even game which Ampthill were fortunate to win.

Man of the match, sponsored by Cafe Balti, Wolverton was split between James Smith and Dave Cole. Both were at the heart of every good thing that Bradwell created.

Match marks

McClure 7, Reeves 7, Patel 7, Stokes 7, Disco 7, Cole 8, Smith 8, Long 7, Fritz 7, O'Farrell 7, Tite 7. Subs Burgess 6, Kieron Chouhan 6, Ben Chouhan 6. Sub not used Jamie Catterell

Cafe Balti Man of Match

Shared between James Smith and Dave Cole

Saturday 23rd December 2006 - St Peter's 3 Winslow 0

A must win game for both sides went the way of the home side thanks to three excellent finishes from John Mulholland.
Winslow started the better and soon had the home side under pressure. Only a last gasp block from Mihir "Giggs" Patel prevented them from taking the lead. A series of corners for Winslow came to nothing with Bradwell defending stoutly. Paul Stokes and Dave McCormack clearing under pressure to protect Aidan McClure's goal.

Bradwell scored with their first meaningful effort on goal. In the 15th minute a burst of pace down the right allowed The impressive debutant Michael O'Farrell to go past two defenders. He pulled the ball back for Mulholland, who controlled superby and rifled the ball home. It could be argued that the goal was harsh on Winslow but to be fair, for all their pressure they failed to put a shot in for McClure to save in the first half.

The half time team talk was centred on Bradwell cutting out the tricks and flicks and being stronger on the ball. This seemed to do the trick as both Baron and Smith came out in the second half and put in thunderous challenges. Bradwell looked much more comfortable in the second half and were a tighter unit all over the pitch.

It came as no real surprise when we doubled our lead on the hour mark. Dave Cole beat his marker and squared across the box for Mulholland to turn his marker and slam the ball under the keeper. O'Farrell had almost scored a few minutes earlier when he turned past the keeper only for his shot to be cleared off the line.

James Smith and Steve Baron were replaced, both having good games and putting in useful performances. Jason Reeves was Baron's replacement at right back with Darren Long coming on for Smithy in midfield. Both were making their debut's.

The third goal came after Winslow had enjoyed another fruitless period of pressure. The goal of the game from Mulholland, who by now had scored his 8th goal of the season and definately his best so far. This time, he received the ball on the edge of the area from Michael O'Farrell with two players and the keeper to beat. He left both defenders for dead and curled the ball into the top right hand corner of the net. A superb finish.

Winslow hit the post from Nando. His 25-yard free kick hit the outside of the left hand upright. They continued to press but the Bradwell defence held a good line and remained unbeaten to keep a clean sheet.

An excellent alround performance, particularly in the second half. The officials also performed their duties to a very good standard and often go unmentioned.

Man of the match was Mihir "Giggs" Patel who defended brilliantly and was a constant threat to Winslow down the left hand side.

Match marks.
McClure 7, Baron 7, Patel 8, Stokes 7, Disco 7, Cole 7, Coulter 7, Smith 7, Orchard 7, Mulholland 7, O'Farrell 7. Subs Reeves 7, Long 7, King 7. The Management team 10.

Cafe Balti Man of the Match

Mihir Patel

Saturday 09th December 2006 - Loughton Orient 2 St Peter's 3

A tough battle for Bradwell on a really difficult pitch at local rivals Loughton but we go through to the last 16 of the County Cup.

We settled quite well early on and could have taken the lead from Anthony Grubb's turn and shot which was well parried by the home keeper. Unfortunately no-one from Bradwell was following up for what would have been an easy tap in.

Bradwell took the lead on the half hour mark when "Spike" was harshly adjudged to have fouled Lea Coulter in the box. The referee tried to play advantage but blew for the penalty kick which was expertly dispatched by Dave Cole.

Loughton then had a really good period in the game and penned back the visitors. Eventually the ball found Anthony Perry in the box and he neatly chipped over Greg Lansbury to level the scores.

Bradwell did their best to play football on the muddy pitch but their moves broke down after three or four passes due to the conditions. It was always going to be one of those days when a result was the important factor rather than the way we played. The pitch was heavy and running with the ball and passing and movement was very hard to achieve. We attempted to keep the ball wide but couldn't get in to the type of play we wanted to. The pitch was always going to be the only winner.

Bradwell went ahead for the second time when Grubb was pulled down from behind in the box. This time, Dave Cole put the ball into the right hand corner of the net to give the keeper no chance. His third goal in Bradwell colours.

Shortly afterwards John Mulholland scored from range when the ball slipped under the diving keeper to give Bradwell a half time lead of three goals to one.

The second half was very scrappy and at times the play was aggressive. Bookings for both sides kept the game under wraps before things got out of control. The only goal of the half came from Anthony Perry from the edge of the box with six minutes to go to give Loughton some hope of pulling off a shock result.

Greg Lansbury pulled off a superb save to deny Loughton when they had a period of pressure. They also nearly scored when well placed but blazed over the bar. That would have put the game back in the balance.

At the other end Bradwell had chances to put the game beyond Loughton when both Lea Coulter and John Mullholland both missed open goals when well placed. In the end the game finished three two to the visitors and we just about deserved the victory. Loughton, with nothing to lose, gave their all and pushed the visitors back, particularly in the second half.

The Bradwell man of the match, sponsored by the Cafe Balti of Wolverton was Dave Cole. His two goals from the spot were expertly dispatched and he was a constant threat throughout the game. We had to battle hard for the win and it is a credit to the players for their hard work on a very difficult surface which really was a leveler.

Match marks
Lansbury 7, Baron 7, Patel 7, Disco 7, Stokes 7, Orchard 7, Smith 7, Coulter 7, Cole 8, Grubb 7, Mulholland 7. Subs Alder 6, Kiernan 6, Burgess 6.

Cafe Balti Man of the Match

Dave Cole

Saturday 02nd December 2006 - Kentish Town 3 St Peter's 2

A cracking end to end battle ended in defeat for Bradwell when it could have been so different.

Kentish started brightly and forced several early corners. These were well defended by the Bradwell men. It was the same when Greg Lansbury picked up a back pass from Paul Stokes. The referee was quick to spot the mistake. Fortunately for Bradwell, the wall stood firm despite the referee making Kentish take the free kick twice for no apparent reason.

Gradually Bradwell fought their way back into the game and almost snatched the lead when John Mulholland turned the defence brilliantly only to see his shot hit the keepers legs. We were looking sharp either side of the pitch with Coulter and Cole causing problems with their pace down either wing.

Bradwell took the lead when Anthony Grubb was put through from the half way line. The Kentish defence had tried to catch out the forwards on a number of occasions and this time failed. Grubb drew the keeper before placing the ball past him for a much deserved lead. Some of the offside decisions were extremely close and we felt a little hard done by as we were in good positions on several occasions.

A few minutes before half time Kentish had the perfect chance to equalise when the referee harshly adjudged Dave McCormack to have handled when the ball clearly hit him in the chest. Even the referee's assistant confirmed this but the decision was already made. It mattered not though because Lee Scott's penalty and the follow up was superbly saved by Greg Lansbury.

The second half began with an enforced change for Bradwell with the influential James Smith having to be replaced due to a calf injury. Jack Alder was the replacement. The swap didn't seem to hamper Bradwell though as we laid seige to the visitors goal. Anthony Grubb had one shot superbly pushed on to the post by the keeper. Mulholland also had a couple of good efforts go narrowly wide. A second goal seemed certain but it was not to happen.

Kentish broke away and scored an equaliser when we missed a tackle out on the left side. The ball was cut back from the byline into Lee Scott's path and he sided-footed home. They then took the lead when indecision cost us for the umpteenth time this season. Looney put them ahead with a simple finish. Not what Bradwell deserved but these errors need stamping out if we are to progress.

Unlike recent weeks, Bradwell came back into the game and deservedly equalised when Jack Alder scored from a corner. He bravely dived into the middle of players on the line to prod the ball home.

In the 84th minute though Kentish scored a winner when Bradwell allowed them to travel towards the edge of the box despite chances to clear the ball. A trip by Lea Coulter on the edge of the box and the ball was slammed home from around 20 yards when the ball somehow avoided Lansburys grasp and ended up in the bottom left hand corner of the net.

Ricky Stimpson almost scored an equaliser when his header somehow manager to stay out of the net. All in all Bradwell can consider themselves unlucky not to have won the game but they must also be harsh with themselves for diving in when they don't need to and for taking the wrong decisions in not slamming the ball down the pitch at times rather than over-playing the ball in tight areas.

Steve Baron had a positive debut and it was good to see Coulter and Grubb back in action, neither should have finished on the losing team. Man of the match was the Kentish keeper for single-handedly stopping a rout. Dean Orchard was Bradwell's outstanding player and was at the heart of most of the positive things that came out of the game for the home side.

Match marks: Lansbury 8, Baron 7, Patel 6, Stokes 7, McCormack 7, Cole 6, Coulter 6, Orchard 8, Smith 7, Grubb 7, Mulholland 7. Subs; Alder 6, Stimpson 6.

Cafe Balti Man of the Match

Dean Orchard

Saturday 18th November 2006 - Amersham 7 St Peter's 3

A disastrous 10 minute spell in the second half totally destroyed a productive first half performance from New Bradwell. We were looking comfortable at half time with a goal to nil lead but thanks to some inept defending we managed to concede 5 goals in just 10 minutes in an amazing second half period.

The first half was a close affair with Bradwell defending well and looking to use the pace of Dave Cole down the right hand side. Bradwell had a couple of good openings with John Mulholland looking sharp. He almost opened the scoring after 25 minutes when Cole and James Smith worked the ball to him on the edge of the area. Mulholland skipped inside the defender and forced the keeper into a smart save.

Bradwell were looking good going forward and were finding holes in the home sides three man back-line. Jack Alder had a shot go wide from 20 yards, Dave Cole also dragged a shot wide when well placed.

Bradwell took the lead in the 41st minute when the referee awarded a free kick just to the left of the penalty area, some 25 yards from goal. Seeing the keeper off his line, John Mulholland took a quick free kick and chipped the keeper. 1-0 to the visitors, who at that time were looking the brighter team.

The second half started the same way as the first. Bradwell were holding their own and playing the ball around.

In the 54th minute a mistake led to the equaliser and what was to follow summed up New Bradwell this season so far. Amersham got their tails up and every time they entered the visiting penalty area, the ball ended up in the net. An incredible 5 goals were scored in a ten minute spell.

The shockingly disappointing thing is that Bradwell also scored every time they went forward and the game, from 1-0 to New Bradwell at half time, ended up 7-3 to the home side.

For the record, Bradwell's scorers were Dave McCormack and John Mulholland with two. So many things went wrong for New Bradwell with their second half performance that it is difficult to write them all in a report. We lost keeper Aidan McClure with a back injury. Jack Alder and Michael Rudniak both hurt hamstrings.

We can have no excuses however for the way the whole team defended. Amersham put away their chances and were allowed to dominate proceedings once they had equalised. Our defending in the second half was appalling. Very few players can come out of the game with any credit. John Mulholland at least did what he was asked and scored two good goals.


Match marks. McClure 5, Burgess 5, Kiernan 5, Stokes 6, Rudniak 6, Cole 7 Smith 6, Disco 5, Alder 5, Catterell 6, Fritz 8. Subs Lansbury 6, Pandya 6, Doriall 6.

Cafe Balti Man of the Match

John Mulholland

Tuesday 14th November 2006 - St Peter's 1 Aylesbury Vale 1 ( AET, St Peter's won 7-6 on Pens )

New Bradwell progressed to the second round of the Buckingham Charity Cup with a penalty shoot out win against Premier Division outfit Aylesbury Vale. We eventually won 7-6 on penalties after a marathon, end to end game.

Aylesbury started well and took an early lead when a shot from the edge of the box somehow managed to allude Aidan McClure in the hosts goal. The ball appeared to richochet around the goal line and despite desperate attempts from King, Rudniak and Stokes in trying to keep the ball out it eventaully crept into the bottom corner of the net.

Unlike previous weeks when one goal seemed to really turn the tide against Bradwell, we came back into the game and had a good go at Vale. We found difficulty in keeping the ball in the first half and were not as fluid as we could have been. We still created some good opening though with Mulholland and Sony spurning opportunities.

Vale almost increased their lead when McClure had to make a superb save to deny Jones with a well struck shot.

The second half was a much better affair for Bradwell. We kept the ball much more and passed it around well. There was nothing to choose btween the sides and chances were at a premium. James Smith, Ricky Stimpson and Gary Burgess all came on as substitutes and this seemed to give Bradwell a lift.

We had been pressing for a while and looked to have been unlucky again when in the 90th minute Ricky Stimpson received the ball on the edge of the area, he shifted it to the right and unleashed a fantastic shot into the top right hand corner of the net to give Farmer, the visiting keeper, no chance.

Extra time was a tight and tense affair with both defences on top. It was no real surprise that the game went into a penalty shoot out. Mulholland, Cole, Burgess, Rudniak and Alder all converted their shots as did the Vale lads. The game went into sudden death. Mihir Patel and Dave McCormack both scored theirs to make it 7-6 before Aidan McClure, in for the injured Greg Lansbury, saved Vale's 7th penalty to give the game to Bradwell.

The game was a tough, even contest between two good sides who genuinely wanted to win the game for a shot at Leighton Town in the next round. Man of the match was a toss up between Michael Rudniak and Jack Alder. Both worked really hard all night and took excellent penalties.

Cafe Balti Man of the Match

Shared between Michael Rudniak and Jack Alder

Saturday 11th November 2006 - St Peter's 1 Harpenden 2

A game that Bradwell really should have won. We were so comfortable at half time that the result didn’t seem in doubt. We then made a couple of errors and Harpenden win the game and do the double over us when they totally did not deserve to win either game.

We lost Greg Lansbury after just 5 minutes due to a back injury. John Mulholland was asked to go in goal. Kez Chouhan was sent on in his midfield place. We immediately settled and had plenty of chances to have put the game beyond the visitors. Gary Burgess had two excellent chances to open his account for the season. Dave Cole also shot wide when well placed.

We eventually took the lead after half an hour when Chouhan’s 20-yard effort was pushed onto the bar by the keeper. Fortunately the ball rebounded in and we took a deserved lead. The rest of the half was one way traffic with Mulholland called into action just once when he pushed over a cross shot.

The second half was also mainly one sided with Bradwell making most of the running. Harpenden were restricted to break away efforts and equalised when they pulled our defence out of position and took advantage of the space.

Their second goal was also a gift, taken very well. Despite an onslaught from Bradwell towards the visitor’s goal, we couldn’t equalise. Anthony Grubb and Dave Cole worked their socks off for the home side and caused plenty of problems for their markers throughout the afternoon. These two players in particular, did not deserve to be on the losing side.

We worked hard throughout the game and should have won comfortably. Unfortunately the individual mistakes cost us dearly. Man of the match was Dave Cole for his hard work. Stokes, Rudniak, Grubb, Orchard and Patel all deserved three points from the game.

Cafe Balti Man of the Match

Dave Cole

Saturday 4th November 2006 - St Peter's 1 Stony Stratford 6

An embarrassing defeat for Bradwell at the hands of local rivals Stony. The disappointing thing is that we didn't make Stony work hard for their goals. Instead, we gifted them the goals through individual mistakes.

We started brightly despite losing Lea Coulter after only 10 minutes and having gone a goal down. Barry Belhouse was sent off for elbowing Michael Rudniak and for the next ten to fifteen minutes Bradwell had the upper hand.

Another mistake at the back for Bradwell and Stony went two up. The error was repeated just 3 minutes later to provide Stony with a third. They went four up after only 35 minutes and shades of our game at Hoddesdon were being repeated.

It wasn't hard to identify the problems for Bradwell during the half time team-talk and the target was to have a much improved performance in the second half and to attempt to put some respectibility to the score.

Bradwell changed the shape of the line-up and went to three at the back. We pushed the ball around well at times but then would let ourselves down with a lack of movement. This is probably due to the fear of making mistakes and a lack of confidence.

Stony went five up with 20 minutes or so to go. Again, loose play on the edge of the area cost Bradwell. In fairness, the goal was scored from 20 yards and gave Greg Lansbury no chance. We finally managed to pull one back when debutant Paul Stokes poked home from close range following a corner. Kieran also saw a free-kick hit the underside of the bar and Dave McCormack saw an effort just go wide of the far post.

Stony still had the last say though when they grabbed a sixth late on. Again, the defending could have been better. One or two players chose this game to have their worst game to date in a Bradwell shirt and Stony gave us a lesson in finishing.

We have picked up new and better players but are not playing cohesively, as a team at the moment. There are signs of things begining to drop into place but defeats like this will no doubts undo the good work being done behind the scenes.

Paul Stokes was man of the match. In a bad all round team performance he stood out and made no mistakes. He took his goal well and will prove to be a useful signing

Cafe Balti Man of the Match

Paul Stokes

Saturday 28th October 2006 - Hoddesdon 5 St Peter's 1

A shambolic first 20 minutes handed this game to Hoddesdon without them having to work for the victory. We did not get to grips with their movement from midfield, or their forwards and each time they entered our penalty area, they scored. We made errors that cannot be undone now but must be learnt from. Even the most reliable of players had a very poor first 20 minutes.

Bradwell made enforced changes to their line up due to players leaving and, of course, injury to influential forward Anthony Grubb. The game was all but over after 20 minutes and damage limitation was called for from the Bradwell Management team.

To give Bradwell their due, after the opening 20 minutes we more than matched Hoddesdon but had no real chance of getting back into the game. We had opportunities to put some respectability to the score-line with chances falling to Ricky Stimpson and Dave Cole.

With a four-goal deficit at half time, further changes were made and the visiting team came out with a more determined attitude. Bradwell continued to try to play good football and looked the better team for much of the half. It was a shame therefore when Hoddeson scored with one of their few attempts on goal for the half.

Ricky Stimpson, John Mulholland and Michael Rudniak all drew smart saves from the home keeper before Kieron Chouhan scored a cracker from a free kick from just outside the area. To draw the half was the minimum expected from the team after the half time team-talk. All in all though it was a very poor performance and the players need to pull together and work a lot harder.

Players will need to take a long hard look at themselves if they are to succeed at this level. There is little point worrying about the players who have already left us, those who are staying need to work for 90 minutes and match the desire and determination of the opposing team. It is difficult to pick a man of the match but as he did little wrong, it was Dean Orchard.


Drawing the second half of the game has given us one positive from which to build. We need to pull together for the good of the club as a whole and stop letting each other down, both on and off the pitch

Cafe Balti Man of the Match

Dean Orchard

Tuesday 24th October 2006 - St Peter's 2 Ampthill 5

New Bradwell were well beaten by Ampthill in the Division One Cup first Round game. Ampthill's experience and organisation was arguably the winning factor in the game as New Bradwell continue to build.

Bradwell took the lead after 10 minutes when a through ball to Lea Coulter was cut out by Mark Toms in the penalty area. Unfortunately he used his hand. The resultant penalty was put away by Kez Chouhan for his first goal of the season.

Suddenly from a position of relative comfort, being a goal up and playing well, we found ourselves 3-1 down thanks to defensive lapses and good finishing. Ampthill, without having to play particularly well, had taken a stranglehold on the game and went in to the half time break at 3-1 up.

The half was not without incident. Karl Kiernan was hit in the face in an off the ball incident which the referee did not see. Dean Orchard was booked for an innocuous tackle which would later lead to him being sent off.

The second half was also hit by incidents as the referee struggled to handle the game. Ampthill almost scored one goal when Bradwell were making a substitution. A melee saw Jamie Green get booked for the tackle rather than anyone else for pushing and shoving, particularly those who ran 50 yards to join in!! Sour grapes? Maybe, maybe not.

Quinn score the fourth goal from just outside the box. John Mulholland pulled one back for the home side with a goal that the visiting keeper will want to forget. He allowed the ball to roll under him from 20-yards out. I thought David Beasant had retired. (joke)

Stu Reynolds put the icing on the cake for Ampthill by rounding the keeper and scoring the fifth goal five minutes into added time.

The game could have been so different but it is a case of ifs and buts for Bradwell. Anthony Grubb forced a wonder save out of Gibbs when the score was one all and perhaps that save was the turning point. Bradwell worked hard and tried to keep the ball flowing but were badly caught out of position, particularly for the second and third goals.

Man of the match for New Bradwell was John Mulholland. A never say die attitude. Good luck to Ampthill as they progress to the second round, the quarter final.

One final thought, Grace costs nothing. You can win with grace as well as lose with it. Something to ponder.

Cafe Balti Man Of The Match

In blustery conditions we took the lead through Lea Coulter. He gathered the ball on the edge of his own area, beat several players for pace, took the ball into the Brache penalty area, cut inside one last defender and unleashed a blistering shot past the keeper. One of the best goals I have seen from anyone, anywhere.

Five minutes later, after a sweeping move, Jamie Green centred for Mihir Patel. Unfortunately the ball cannoned off the post and went wide. The story of our season to date. It could have been a really different story had we have gone two nil up.

Credit to Brache though as they came fighting back and were soon level after Dan Cole fouled Shanahan. The big striker picked himself up and put away the penalty. The score at half time was one all.

The second half was a different affair. Indiscipline and a general lack of effort cost us as Brache ran out easy winners. We were not helped with the double injury of Gary Burgess and Carl Simm. Lee Hayward went on to complete his hat-rick with a penalty in the last minute. The incident leading up to the award of the penalty saw Dan Cole get his marching orders. He felt that the tackle was more a coming together than an actual tackle. He has a point and the referee's assistant agreed that he felt it wasn't a penalty but he couldn't over-rule the referee.

It made little difference though as the game was still won. The penalty added salt to the wounds and now Bradwell must pick themselves up by pulling together again.

Cafe Balti Man of the match

 

Kieran Chouhan 

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