A very grey day greeted Bradley Stoke Town back on their travels – this time away to table topping, unbeaten Impact Squad who haven’t dropped any points yet this season.

In preparation for this difficult tie, Bradley Stoke gathered together in the changing rooms for a rousing talk from James “Mr Motivator” Collis-Pritchard!!! Out came Town in a superb mental state to take on their undefeated opposition.

Right from the start, it was evident that this was going to be a tough challenge, but that the away side had the ability to tear Impact apart. An early ball over the top was chased on by the Impact striker who was able to charge down Palmer’s sliding clearance challenge – it likely bounced off the striker’s body as he fell under the challenge. As he was getting up off the ground he put his hand in the way of the ball to stop it rolling any wider of him…but the referee didn’t notice the offence and allowed play to continue as he slotted home into an open goal. Not the start Bradley Stoke had hoped for, but in a good mental state, they stood every chance of getting back on top of the game.

Only moments later, following yet another break from Osborne at right back, the ball broke free in the Impact box, where a defender handled the ball – a better placement from the ref left him in one mind – Penalty! Up stepped a confident Stephens to slam home the penalty…1-1.

From this platform, Town grew in confidence and began carving some great openings and looking very strong. A simple short ball from Palmer to Osborne opened up the right side of the pitch. With a swift 1-2 with Dobbins in the middle, Ben launched a deep cross that hung in the air looping over the keeper and in at the far post. An unlikely goal, but they all count.

The continual slick passing between the entire Town team kept the ball on the floor and didn’t really allow the giant Impact defender the chance to go for anything in the air. One incident near the end of the first half saw the ball played up in the air towards the giant centre back, against the dwarfed Stephens! – somehow Dave came out with the ball and left the defender holding the top of his head! The ball fell to Dixon who laid it off for Stephens to blast it over the top of the keeper and dropped into the goal.

3-1 at half time, Bradley Stoke re grouped, with the advice being: Go back out and give it more of the same. Play just as hard and look like we want it!

The second half saw more pressure from Impact Squad, but they were only able to cash in on a single lapse in defensive concentration for a free headed just yards out. But a final score of 3-2 actually flattered the home side who could have lost by more. Some sound defending with backs against the walls, all hands to the pump, hearts on their sleeves…and lots of other footballing phrases!!!

Well done to the whole team, what a great effort, with everyone playing for each other. More of the same required as our tough spell of games continues.

Match report courtesy of James Palmer.