The last game of the year 2006 was home to Greyfriars. The weather was mild for
December and the sky was bright and sunny, low and blinding to look at. The pitch on the other hand has not been played on for 3 weeks due to rain and the surface was sponge like and waiting to cut up very heavily.

From the kick off the game was a free rolling and entertaining to watch.
Both teams were effectively moving the ball from back to front in very hard conditions. Though from early on one player shone over all the others. Squirt in his new shiny white predators had complete control of the right wing. His touch and pace opening up a great highway of chances for Bradley Stoke. Unfortunately rushed and blasted final shots from all his targets didn’t bother the Greyfriars keeper. 30 minutes in, the deadlock was shattered by an unlikely 40 yard strike from centre back Chris Tysoe. The ball curled and dropped into the top right corner the keeper back pedalling lost his footing and flapped at the ball as it sailed over him. Grayfriars pushed in vain for 5 – 10 minutes to equalize but they really could not brake down the back 4 who always had the last block or foot on the ball.

From the start of the second half Grayfriars were obviously a little deflated and found it hard to move up field and left Bradley Stoke enjoying the majority of possession. The pitch by this time was becoming a frictionless bog, especially around the centre. The ball was unpredictable to read with it randomly sticking, skipping and bobbling. It took about 15 minutes of hard work and communication for Stoke to extend their lead as James Palmer played a through ball to the on running Squirt who left his marker and placed his shot low and into the corner. Noting this weakness Palmer mirrored the previous goal with an identical through pass 10 minutes later as Squirt struck another goal into the net. Not long after the third goal Stoke made 3 fast substitutions for fresh legs as the pitch was very draining physically. Grayfriars now were on the back foot having used all their subs earlier. Bradley Stoke were feeding through balls left and right as many a dubious offside was called to redeem Greyfriars tired positioning. Substitute Wayne Hudd has the best opportunity of the day as he stood unmarked 3 yards off the goal line and looking at an open goal. The ball crossed from Jordi low through the box unluckily skipped up and off his shin and out for a goal kick.

A well deserved 3 points in the bag for Christmas. Well played by everyone especial Squirt. Thanks to Ben Osbourne for being the Referee!

Match report courtesy of Roger Smith