Away to the YMCA in Henleaze on a dull and blustery afternoon. Everyone was up for the game and in good spirits before the kick off. The game started positive with both Bradley Stoke and the YMCA sharing some good opportunities in front of the goal. As an example, YMCA failed to get the right contact on an open goal and at the other end Stoke’s, J Eager, skimmed the top of the cross bar from 25 yards out. The first half remained very balanced on play and possession but if all of the goal scoring opportunities had been put away Bradley Stoke could have been leading 5-3, but the half ended 0-0. Johnny Browns first half was outstanding as he pinned down a very nippy winger who could not get around him.

With the start of the second half, Stoke applied more pressure and the YMCA were slightly less effective with there possession. However, it did take Bradley Stoke 20 minutes to cash in on their efforts. The first goal came from Ryan Palmer's ball into the box, as many feet trashed at it, Luke Taylor slide through the ball and put it into the corner of the goal inside the side netting, 1-0. It was not too much later before the second goal was scored by J Eager's far post header, in off the far post. A lovely floating cross from Matt Trott supplied the opportunity. The second goal also stirred some life back into the YMCA, and for the rest of the game they gained momentum as Stoke were forced further and further back with tired legs to solidly defend the 18 yard box and claim their clean sheet. A well deserved and hard worked 3 points.

Match report courtesy of Roger Smith.