When will the weather change? Another warm autumn afternoon.

The first half was a mixed bag of fortunes for both Greyfriars and the visitors Bradley Stoke.
Both teams played predominantly attacking football.
Greyfriars got good use of long balls to the overlapping midfielders down both lines but rarely did they get behind the fullbacks. They left themselves some long shots and lifted deep crosses into the box that Stoke's defence dealt with. Bradley Stoke’s attacks were less aerial, bring the ball down and trying to tread passes together.
The opening goal came from a fast break down the left wing. The ball was knocked into space beyond Roger Smith, which he crossed to Craig Potter who was running through unmarked. Potter buried it in the far corner. The second goal was a well-timed slotted pass just behind Friar's fullback by Adam Morris. Potter span off of his marker to find the same corner of the net. Greyfriars then worked very hard to gain the initiative and David Stephens made some very good reaction saves until one finally breached the goal line from a one on one situation.

The second half saw Bradley Stoke taking a more defensive view to the game as Greyfriars seriously upped the tempo and relentlessly attempted to release their pacey forwards. Stephens made some more fine saves from these attacks and Greyfriars also squandered a few one on ones by blasting them off target. Eventually they found the equaliser with a cross, headed in at the far post. Bradley Stoke then lifted themselves and made some good attacks. After winning a couple of corners, Paul Shelley knocked a beautifully weighted ball in and found the head of Smith, giving the visitors the advantage again in the 80th minute. From there in it was all hands to the pump to hold on for the final 10 minutes which seemed to last much longer.

Next week is Bradley Stokes introduction to the cup, will they be able to take their first step in the cup against Wessex Wanderers Reserves from the Bristol & Avon league?

Match report courtesy of Roger Smith.