The 2nd round of the cup vs Wanderers, Division 4 Suburban league. Overcast but surprisingly firm under foot considering that most of the week has seen very heavy downpours.

This cup match vs Wanderers, a Team several divisions higher, was always going to be a test of Bradley Stoke's metal. The visitors, I suspect the favourites, began on the back-foot as a very positive Bradley Stoke, who had not lost since the 17th of September, took the game to them. For 15 minutes Stoke closed down quickly and the play was inventive. This spell paid dividends as Jerry Harper turned onto a through ball that found him on the edge of the box, comfortably putting away a goal for a 1-0 led. This sparked some life into Wanderers and within minutes they were level, as their forward latched onto a ball towards the far post that created a mix-up between defence and keeper.  The ball was flicked past the keeper into the middle of the goal. Wanderers continued for the rest of the half with some very good possession seeing Bradley Stoke struggling to keep on top of their flooding attacks. But against this flow Mark Palmer scored an impressive goal by pure dogged willpower and strength. A deep ball from Mark Harwood spilled loose into the Wanderers box and as the keeper was recovering the ball Palmer challenged the ball and they both fell across the line.

The second half began very much the same way as the end of the first half finished. Wanderers were mostly in control with Stoke occasionally breaking out to cause some problems at the other end. Wanderers' off the ball movement was varied and dynamic. Stoke’s midfield was increasing confused by this persistent movement and energy and the shape broke down.
Wanderers now controlled the air through the middle and performed text-book passing down the lines which, in turn, created great pressure on the Bradley Stoke defence as they always looked out numbered. From one of these movements down Bradley Stokes right wing came a long floating cross that passed over the keepers head and inside the far post tying the score at 2-2. Only 10 minutes later the Wanderers were gifted the lead as Stephens in the Bradley Stoke goal over ran the ball leaving an empty goal that the Wanderers forward was able to just roll the ball over the line.  A few more chances were created by Bradley Stoke, but it just wasn't going to be their day.  Top goal scorer Harper having a couple of good chances that we just couldn't capitalise on.

Overall, the better team won through - their greater experience showing as their superior movement ripped the Bradley Stoke team apart on numerous occasions.  Time to concentrate on the league!

Match report courtesy of Roger Smith.