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Sunday Division Three 2003/04 Results and Reports
Briars Phoenix 1 Causeway 2 aet Hoping to bounce back after defeat in the first final Briars started in a lacklustre manner against lower league opponents. If they had thought they only had to turn up they were quickly put right as Causeway took the game to the Briars and the defence had to be at their best to keep the scores level. The game evened out as the half went on but neither side could create a worthwhile chance. The second half was a different story as Glenn Beaman took the game by the scruff of the neck and started to run the game for the Briars. Briars thought they had taken the lead when Deane Machin got in between a defender and the keeper but was adjudged to have fouled an opponent and the goal was disallowed. A superb solo run from GLENN BEAMAN gave the Briars the lead well into the second half but Causeway went close immediately after. Lee McDermott had a superb chance to increase the lead when his close range header cleared the bar. In the dying moments of normal time Causeway equalised after a goalmouth scramble. Whoever scored first in extra time would have a huge advantage in the heat and it was Causeway who got the vital goal with a far post header, unfortunately the scorer should have been sent off in the first half for a head butt that the linesman saw and told the referee about. The Briars players had given their all at this point and the only further action centred around a late and dangerous tackle from our favourite Causeway player, retaliation from Stuart Brogan and disgraceful scenes as a couple of Causeway supporters came onto the pitch to attack the Briars players. TEAM - Wayne Lancett, Adam Tillsley, Dave Turner, Alex Reeves, Mark Dudley, Toby O'Brien, Glenn Beaman, Stuart Brogan, Gareth Duggan, Deane Machin, Ian Poyser SUBS - Lee McDermott, Craig Millward, Dan Nash Briars Phoenix 1 Nunnery Wood Sports 2 After defying the odds in the semi final against Wilden, Briars were beaten by a good Worcester League side in the Infirmary Cup Final. On a heavy pitch Nunnery Wood took an early grip on the game and controlled the midfield with the Briars players clearly rattled as the referee allowed several dangerous tackles to go unpunished. Briars were fortunate that for all the attacking the Worcester side did in the first 20 minutes their forwards wasted the chances created. Briars chances were few and far between in the first half and it was no surprise when Nunnery Wood took the lead as the centre half rose above the Briars defence to head past Wayne Lancett. Within minutes Briars could have been level when the Nunnery Wood keeper pulled off an exceptional save to keep out an Ian Poyser header. A change of tactics at half time gave the Briars a foothold in the game at the start of the second period and they were more on top restricting Nunnery Wood to breakaways. With 20 minutes left Briars equalised when GARETH DUGGAN scored with a near post header but were immediately indebted to the efforts of Lee Stuart and Alex Reeves who prevented a near certain goal with the Nunnery Wood sub clean through. Extra time was beckoning when Briars committed suicide from a corner and allowed the Nunnery Wood player a free header into the corner of the net. The game ended in controversy as Glenn Beaman was denied a clear chance on goal. Despite allowing some horrendous tackled to be committed he somehow found it neccessary to award a free kick against Toby O'Brien as he blocked a clearance, the ball falling at Beaman's feet 10 yards out with nobody near him. TEAM - Wayne Lancett, Toby O'Brien, Dave Turner, Alex Reeves, Mark Dudley, Lee McDermott, Glenn Beaman, Lee Stuart, Gareth Duggan, Ian Poyser, Deane Machin SUBS - Dave Smith, Jamie Thorpe, Dan Nash Burlish Olympic Reserves 2 Briars Phoenix 3 Briars wrapped up their league campaign with a win over bottom club Burlish. The first half was an exhibition of passing from Briars without breaking down the stubborn back four and keeper for Burlish. DEANE MACHIN gave the visitors the lead after 15 minutes and many people expected the floodgates to open, but they never did and Burlish equalised on one of their few attacks of the half. After all of the possession in the first half Briars began the second period being caught by Burlish's quick breaks and from one the home side took the lead. Chance came and went for the Briars including close efforts from Ian Poyser and Craig Millward before CRAIG MILLWARD rose at the far post to nod home a cross. Briars went all out for the points in the final 10 minutes and were rewarded when GLENN BEAMAN nodded home a Gareth Duggan cross. TEAM - Wayne Lancett, Adam Tillsley, Joss Price, Dave Turner, Lee McDermott, Stuart Brogan, Glenn Beaman, Dan Nash, Deane Machin, Ian Poyser, Gareth Duggan SUBS - Toby O'Brien, Craig Millward, Jamie Thorpe BENNY'S MAN OF THE MATCH - Stuart Brogan - excellent linking up play in midfield Mill Race Lane Rovers 3 Briars Phoenix 2 Briars put in a lacklustre performance the night after a tough cup semi final and were made to pay by Mill Race Lane. Briars started slowly and allowed Mill race to dominate the early exchanges, going 2 up in the first 20 minutes. A few harsh words from Dave Anderson at half time did not seem to work as Mill Race started the second period on top again but as the half wore on the visitors started to play and were awarded a penalty when Joss Price was held in the area, DEANE MACHIN slotted home the penalty. Despite being in more control of the game Briars were hit with a sucker punch when Mill Race restored the 2 goal cushion from a breakaway goal. Briars gained a consolation when Toby O'Brien cut in from the right and drilled the ball into the bottom corner of the net. TEAM - Wayne Lancett, Adam Tillsley, Joss Price, Mark Dudley, Alex Reeves, Tobias O'Brien, Glenn Beaman, Lee Stuart, Jamie Thorpe, Deane Machin, Craig Millward SUBS - Gareth Duggan, Ian Poyser, Stuart Brogan BENNY'S MAN OF THE MATCH - Toby O'Brien - 100% effort and a great goal Briars Phoenix 2 Tenth Lock Harriers 1 Briars upset the odds for the second time in a matter of days as they put unbeaten Tenth Lock out of the Kidderminster Hospital Cup at the semi final stage. Briars started with more urgency than their Black Country opponents and with Glenn Beaman and Lee Stuart pulling the strings in midfield had a grip of the early exchanges. The home side took the lead after12 minutes when an Ian Posyer shot was parried by the goalkeeper but nodded back into the net by DEANE MACHIN. Briars continued to press after the goal and Lee McDermott forced a good save by the Tenth Lock keeper from a shot on the angle. Tenth Lock started to come more into the game in the second quarter of the game but their final passes were usually a bit strong for the forwards, however they did equalise on 35 minutes. After a weaving run down the left and along the goal line the ball was pulled back before the blocked shot was poked home by ALAN GARRATT. Both sides began the second half nervously with nobody able to put their foot on the ball but as was the case in the first half Briars were first to take a grip on the game and it took another fine save from the Tenth Lock keeper to keep the scores level as Ian Poyser twisted in the area and sent a shot towards the corner only to see it turned round the post. The goalie pulled off another save in the corner shortly after from a Gareth Duggan drive and an even better one to tip a Deane Machin header over the bar but the home side were rewarded from the resulting corner when MARK DUDLEY rose well to head home. Within a minute Briars were reduced to 10 men when Toby O'Brien reacted to having the ball thrown in his face and was sent off. Briars thought they had scored again shortly after when Lee McDermott cut in from the right and sent a shot past the keeper only to see it come back off the post. The sides were evened up when Karl Cartwright was sent off for kicking out at Briars keeper Wayne Lancett. The expected onslaught came from Tenth Lock for the last 15 minutes but the Briars defence were resolute, especially Wayne Lancett who commanded his area superbly well and pulled off a magnificent last minute save to turn a long range shot round the post. TEAM - Wayne Lancett, Toby O'Brien, Mark Dudley, Alex Reeves, Dave Smith, Lee McDermott, Lee Stuart, Glenn Beaman, Gareth Duggan, Deane Machin, Ian Poyser SUB - Stuart Brogan BENNY'S MAN OF THE MATCH - Wayne Lancett - gave confidence to the back four for the whole game, superb handling and pulled of a superb save in the dying seconds. Wilden Village 1 Briars Phoenix 3 aet Briars weathered an early storm from their higher ranked opponents before deservedly winning this Worcester Royal Infirmary Cup semi final. Wilden started the game at a gallop and tore the Briars apart for the first 15 minutes. They should have taken the lead with less than a minutes gone when Luke Harris missed a sitter from a few yards out. Wilden hit the post twice in the next few minutes albeit once being from a misdirected cross. Briars started to come into the game after this opening spell and both Glenn Beaman and Gareth Duggan sent long range efforts narrowly wide. Wilden took the lead after 25 minutes when SCOT BEADLE was not closed down on the edge of the area and he sent a shot into the corner of the net. Shortly after Wayne Lancett in the Briars goal pulled off a fine save to prevent the lead being extended. Briars thought they had equalised when Deane Machin sent a ball across the area to Gareth Duggan whose goalbound shot was superbly saved by Geoff Davis. Briars equalised at the end of a good spell of play when a superb crossfield ball from Toby O'Brien was volleyed home by leading scorer DEANE MACHIN. The second half was very even with Wayne Lancett rarely troubled as the shots from Wilden mainly went straight at him and both Gareth Duggan and Ian Poyser going close for the visitors Extra time started with a bang as Briars went 2-1 up early on as GARETH DUGGAN reacted first in the area and shot into the corner of the net. Within minutes the lead was increased as IAN POYSER got on the end of a freekick and beat everyone in the air to nod the ball home. The Briars were expecting on onslaught for the final 20 minutes but it never really happened andindeed Wilden's best chance came from an Alex Reeves clearance that almost hit the crossbar. TEAM - Wayne Lancett, Toby O'Brien, Alex Reeves, Mark Dudley, Dave Turner, Lee McDermott, Glenn Beaman, Lee Stuart, Gareth Duggan, Deane Machin, Ian Poyser SUBS - Dan Nash, Adam Tillsley BENNY'S MAN OF THE MATCH All thirteen players were absolutely superb but Toby O'Brien - asked to play out of position but put in a faultless display. Hearts 3 Briars Phoenix 3 (4-5 Penalties) Briars progressed to the semi finals of the Hospital Cup despite struggling against lower ranked opposition. Briars took an early lead when IAN POYSER headed home a corner and increased the lead inside the first quarter of an hour when DEANE MACHIN broke free and finished well from a narrow angle. Briars relaxed a bit too much after this good start and allowed the opposition to take a grip of the midfield. A free kick from 25 yards was fired home and the equaliser came shortly after from another long range strike that Wayne Lancett could do nothing about. Briars were finding it difficult to cope with Hearts' style of play but when they played football they tore the opponents apart especially down the right. Hearts took the lead early in the second half when a corner was headed home. With 20 minutes left Gareth Duggan was brought down in the area and DEANE MACHIN stroked the penalty home. Hearts should have regained the lead when the ball was picked up just inside the Briars' half and the player jinked past 4 or 5 players before sending his shot against the upright, Wayne Lancett also pulled of a fine save at an opponents feet. At the other end Lee McDermott forced a fine save with a close range header and Deane Machin had a good shout for a penalty when he was pushed down in the box. Extra time was very close with few chances and the most notable event was a dangerous challenge on Stuart Brogan that brought a lengthy stoppage. No more goals were scored in the extra period leading to a penalty shoot out. Hearts took the lead before DEANE MACHIN equalised, Wayne Lancett saved the second penalty to give Briars the advantage before TOBY O'BRIEN slammed the ball home to put Briars 2-1 up. Another goals for Hearts and then LEE MCDERMOTT hit the bar with his. 2 more for Hearts and good finished by DAVE SMITH and MARK DUDLEY lead to sudden death. The Hearts player put his wide before DAVE TURNER stepped up and coolly finished to send the Briars through TEAM - Wayne Lancett, Alex Reeves, Mark Dudley, Dave Turner, Toby O'Brien, Stuart Brogan, Lee Stuart, Gareth Duggan, Ian Poyser, Deane Machin, Lee McDermott SUBS - Lee Stuart, Dan Nash Briars Phoenix 2 Tenth Lock Harriers 4 Briars surprised Tenth Lock with a very bright start with Glenn Beaman influencing the play from the centre of the park and they should have taken a lead early on when Toby O'Brien sent a ball across the face of the area. Ian Poyser was in the right place but his shot cleared the bar. It took Tenth Lock a while to get going and their sporadic attacks did not really lead to any worthwhile chances for the remainder of the half where both teams cancelled each other out. Early in the second half a Tenth Lock player was dismissed for foul and abusive language, an action that effectively won the game for the visitors as they raised their game significantly. Wayne Lancett kept Briars in the game with a save with his feet but after a few minutes of sustained pressure Tenth Lock took the lead when DEAN GARRATT finished from 10 yards after Briars had failed to clear their lines. Minutes later Joss Price was harshly adjudged to have pushed his opponent and Tenth Lock went 2 up from the penalty spot. Briars reacted well to going down and came back into the game through a moment of brilliance from LEE MCDERMOTT. He picked the ball up on the right hand side of the area and jinked past two defenders. With the keeper coming out quickly he showed coolness to move the ball around him and pass it into the net. The comeback was short lived as Tenth Lock restored the advantage when a left wing free kick was flicked home by ALAN GARRETT. With 10 minutes left Briars pulled another back with a powerful header from LEE MCDERMOTT to put the game in the balance. During the final 30 seconds the game could have gone either way as Ian Poyser hit the post for the Briars before Tenth Lock swept up the field and a long range shot was diverted into his own net by Joss Price. TEAM - Wayne Lancett, Alex Reeves, Dave Turner, Mark Dudley, Joss Price, Toby O'Brien, Glenn Beaman, Stuart Brogan, Gareth Duggan, Ian Poyser, Lee McDermott SUB - Deane Machin Bewdley Town 4 Briars Phoenix 1 Briars had an absolute nightmare against high flying Bewdley with very few players doing themselves justice. Briars handed the initiative to Bewdley from the start, allowing the home side to pass the ball with ease and it was no surprise when they took the lead as a right wing cross was flicked home. Briars were having trouble competing with the quick play of Bewdley but managed to keep them out for long periods of the first half but without really threatening the home goal apart from an effort from the edge of the area from Gareth Duggan that flew narrowly over the bar. Just on half time Bewdley doubled their lead when hesitancy in the visitors defence allowed the Bewdley striker to nip in and head the ball over Wayne Lancett into the net. Briars started the second half in better form, orchestrated by the non stop Glenn Beaman and they got a goal back early on when a deep freekick was headed goalwards by GARETH DUGGAN. The keeper got a hand to the ball but could not keep the ball out. Almost immediately Bewdley increased their lead when a short corner was fired towards goal through the legs of Alex Reeves and into the corner of the net. Briars continued to try to attack and Gareth Duggan again went close. The introduction of Joss Price gave a new threat to the briars forward line and he went close from a header. Another mix up in the Briars defence allowed Bewdley in for a 4th goal that finally sealed the game for the home side. TEAM - Wayne Lancett, Adam Tillsley, Alex Reeves, Mark Dudley, Dave Tuner, Toby O'Brien, Glenn Beaman, Lee Stuart, Dan Nash, Gareth Duggan, Ian Poyser SUBS - Dave Smith, Joss Price, Stuart Brogan BENNY'S MAN OF THE MATCH - Glenn Beaman, Gareth Duggan - Never stopped working in a poor team performance Briars Phoenix 2 Harriers Trust 0 A few days of feverish activity on the phone lines ensured that Dave Anderson had a near full side to choose from for the first night game of the season. Briars were looking to bounce back after the disappointing defeat to Hoobrook and started well with Dan Nash immediately being sent down the left wing before the ball was cleared. Briars played some neat football in the first period of the game and were at times guilty of too much as passes were cut out or went astray, but they remained in control as Harriers Trust were restricted to a couple of long range efforts and a shot from the edge of the box that allowed Wayne Lancett to play to the cameras with a fancy save. Briars took the lead after 20 minutes with a good move down the right hand side that ended with Glenn Beaman laying the ball into the path of IAN POYSER whose goal bound shot was helped in by the defender. The game became more even after this with Toby O'Brien and Gareth Duggan going close for the Briars. Shortly before half time Briars went 2-0 up when IAN POYSER picked the ball up on the left hand side of the box before sending a crashing left foot drive into the corner of the net, what a goal! Briars started the second half knowing that a 3rd goal would kill the game of and created several good chances, whilst still only allowing the visitors to shoot from long range. Ian Poyser almost had his hat trick as Gareth Duggan broke from the right and sent a ball flying across the face of goal, just out of reach of the unlucky Poyser. A flowing move down the right led to the ball being fed into Gareth Duggan who brought the ball down and turned the defender in one move before shooting narrowly wide Briars were playing some nice football with ever player involved with even shot coming in from Adam Tillsley and Dave Turner as they ventured forward. With the game apparently in the bag Dave Anderson made 3 changes with 15 minutes left including new signing Joss Price. TEAM - Wayne Lancett, Adam Tillsley, Alex Reeves, Mark Dudley, Dave Turner, Toby O'Brien, Glenn Beaman, Lee Stuart, Dan Nash, Gareth Duggan, Ian Poyser SUBS - Craig Millward, Stuart Brogan, Joss Price Briars Phoenix 0 Hoobrook Crown 3 From an opening half hour of total dominance to probably the most disappointing performance for the last four months that had manager Dave Anderson peeling the paint off the dressing room walls after the game. Briars started the game on the attack and could have taken the lead after only a few minutes when Toby O'Brien sent a cross-field ball to the feet of Dan Nash who dribbled past players into the box before placing the ball past the keeper only to see it bounce back off the post. Hoobrook were clearly rattled leading to them questioning most decisions from the referee, who had a good game. A free kick was awarded to Briars on the edge of the area and Toby O'Brien sent a crashing drive against the crossbar. It really was one way traffic at this point and further chances came for Gareth Duggan and Lee Stuart before Ian Poyser found himself in a good position in the area but the ball wouldn't drop and was cleared. In one of Hoobrook's first attacks they took the lead towards half time when a long throw was nodded in by WAYNE BENNETT to give them a lead totally against the run of play. With more confidence the visitors started to come into the game and just on half time sent a long range drive narrowly wide. The second half was a total reverse with Hoobrook in the ascendancy and Briars attacks more sporadic. A long ball was sent over the Briars defence and with Wayne Lancett unable to come for the ball outside the area JUSTIN CREW knocked it past the stranded keeper and put the ball in the net. Briars came close to pulling a goal back from another Toby O'Brien free kick that skimmed the turf before being sliced away for a corner by a defender on the goal line. With 15 minutes left on the clock Hoobrook made the game safe when Adam Tillsley attempted to head the ball clear only to see it loop over Wayne Lancett into the back of the net. Briars did have the ball in the net from a Gareth Duggan header but it was ruled offside. TEAM - Wayne Lancett, Adam Tillsley, Dave Turner, Alex Reeves, Mark Dudley, Toby O'Brien, Glenn Beaman, Lee Stuart, Dan Nash, Ian Posyer, Gareth Duggan SUBS - Dave Smith, Craig Millward BENNY'S MAN OF THE MATCH - Toby O'Brien - Superb first half, faded second half in a more defensive role but kept going.
Briars Phoenix 2 Worcester Juniors 1 Briars made hard work of this Worcester Royal Infirmary Cup quarter final before emerging narrow winners against their Worcester League opponents. Briars started the game with a strong breeze at their backs and for the first 20 minutes dominated possession with Ian Poyser going close to reaching a Lee McDermott cross early on. Briars struggled to get a grip on the game with the wind causing passes to go too long. Worcester came back into the game and Wayne Lancett was forced into a fine save low to his left and Adam Tillsley produced a fine tackle to force a shot just wide. It was the visitors who took the lead when a shot from the edge of the area flew into the top corner. Briars came straight back and Glenn Beaman forced the Worcester keeper into a superb tip over the bar to keep them in the lead. Gareth Duggan was the next to go close after cutting in from the left, but his shot was narrowly wide. Braisr deservedly equalised when Ian Posyer nodded on a Toby O'Brien throw and GLENN BEAMAN brought the ball down before hitting an unstoppable shot into the net. With the wind against them Briars started the 2nd half by playing the football that they have been producing of late with good movement and neat passing, most of it orchestrated by Glenn Beaman in the middle of the park. Briars were soon in the lead when GLENN BEAMAN finished another chance from close range. Briars knew that another goal would probably put them out of reach and a probing run from Lee Stuart relaesed Toby O'Brien who narrowly missed. Shortly after Ian Poyser was sent clear but he sent his shot agonisingly close but the wrong side of the post. Worcester were having infrequent attacks now but from a strong run down the left wing a cross caught the wind and somehow came of the inside of the post but was cleared to safety. Dave Anderson brought on fresh legs for the last 15 minutes and Craig Millward was soon in the action, racing clear of the visitors' defence only for his shot to clear the bar but the Briars held on to progress to the semis. TEAM - Wayne Lancett, Adam Tillsley, Alex Reeves, Mark Dudley, Dave Turner, Toby O'Brien, Lee Stuart, Glenn Beaman, Gareth Duggan, Lee McDermott, Ian Poyser SUBS - Craig Millward, Dave Smith BENNYS MAN OF THE MATCH - Glenn Beaman - 2 goals would probably have done it anyway, but a fine all round performance on top of the goals sealed it. Gornal AFC 2 Briars Phoenix 1 Briars went into this game against one of the title contenders with a fair amount of confidence and could well have won a point in a hard fought game played in difficult conditions. Briars started the game well against a strong breeze, harrying the opposition for the first 15 minutes. Lee McDermott could have given the visitors the lead when he judged the bounce of the ball better than his opponent and tried to lob the keeper, unfortunately the ball went wide. Ian Poyser showed some neat skill down the left wing before sending a low cross into the box but a defender reached the ball just before Lee McDermott who would have had a tap in. Gornal then began to take a grip with their 5 man midfield and following a mix up at the back Adam Checketts hit the post from a very acute angle. Gareth Duggan came to the Briars rescue when he cleared a Simon Hartill shot from off the goal line. Gornal took a deserved lead when a GAVIN PARKES shot from the edge of the area took a big deflection into the bottom corner past the unlucky Wayne Lancett. Gornal continued to play nice football up until half time but could not create any worthwhile chances. By the time the second half started the pitch was very heavy and players were having difficulty keeping their balance. Gornal attacked from the start and after 10 minutes gained the all important 2nd goal when ADAM CHECKETTS twisted in the box before shooting through a ruck of players into the net. Briars came into the game more during the last 25 minutes but Gornal were still dangerous when attacking down the wings but Alex Reeves, Adam Tillsley and Mark Dudley defended stoutly for the visitors. Briars had a golden opportunity to get back into the game when Gareth Duggan delayed his shot inside the area and the subsequent effort was well blocked. Duggan was getting on the ball more now and drove through the centre of the Gornal defence before shooting narrowly wide. Further chances for Duggan and Stuart Brogan went astray and it looked as if the goal wouldn't come before LEE MCDERMOTT rose to head home a Brogan free kick. Alas it was too late for the visitors as the referee blew for full time shortly after leaving the Briars rueing the missed opportunities. Overall Gornal's play was better with some excellent passing and movement but on chances created Briars were worthy of a point. TEAM - Wayne Lancett, Alex Reeves, Adam Tillsley, Mark Dudley, Dave Turner, Toby O'Brien, Glenn Beaman, Lee Stuart, Gareth Duggan, Ian Poyser, Lee McDermott SUB - Stuart Brogan BENNY'S MAN OF THE MATCH - a fine team performance again but Toby O'Brien - more than matched the best player on the park. Dave Turner - a good battling performance, especially when pushed into midfield. Alex Reeves/Mark Dudley/Adam Tillsley - defended very well, restricting free scoring opponents to only a few chances.
Briars Phoenix 5 Station Inn 0 With Deane Machin unavailable Briars went into this game without their top scorer, but still managed a comfortable victory against their close rivals. The game started in a scrappy manner with neither side using the ball well on a firm pitch. Station had the first real chance but Wayne Lancett smothered the ball from an angled shot. It was the Briars that took the lead slightly against the run of play when a flick between the defenders from Gareth Duggan was chased by LEE McDERMOTT who got to the ball before the keeper and guided the ball home with the outside of his right foot. The same player should have increased the home sides lead shortly after when he again broke the offside trap but this time he tried a chip and the ball was palmed away Station edged the next period but good work in approach play was let down by poor finishing. Briars grabbed a vital 2nd goal thanks to a superb advantage from the referee. Lee Stuart was clearly fouled on the edge of the Briars area but Glenn Beaman picked the ball up and sent IAN POYSER clear down the left, the striker who has been short on confidence of late showed great composure to sent the keeper the wrong way as he finished into the bottom corner of the net. Briars hit the visitors with 2 goals in the early minutes of the 2nd half, firstly with LEE McDERMOTT racing onto another through ball and finishing well and then IAN POYSER slamming the ball home from close range. This effectively finished the game and the home side took their foot off the pedal and allowed Station to play some neat passing moves in the centre of the park, but restricted them to only long range efforts. Dave Anderson rang the changes and Briars exerted the pressure again with GLENN BEAMAN adding the 5th with a great chip from 20 yards to cap a fine performance. TEAM - Wayne Lancett, Adam Tillsley, Dave Turner, Alex Reeves, Mark Dudley, Toby O'Brien, Glenn Beaman, Lee Stuart, Gareth Duggan, Lee McDermott, Ian Poyser SUBS - Dan Nash, Stuart Brogan, Steve Barker BENNY'S MAN OF THE MATCH - Glenn Beaman - Station just couldn't cope with his skill and movement, 1 goal and 2 assists Lee McDermott - replaced the irreplaceable Machin up front and no one noticed, held the ball up well, ran at players like only Lee Mac can. Toby O'Brien - has a slow start to the season but a strong squad has brought the best out in Toby, lots of running both in defence and attack and got in some dangerous crosses. Briars Phoenix 3 Chaddesley Corbett 3 Briars were disappointed to only come away with a point against high flying Chaddesley. Dave Anderson gave a debut to goalkeeper Wayne Lancett, who was just returning from injury. Briars started brightly and bossed the opening minutes with good passing and movement. After 25 minutes the home side took the lead when LEE STUART hit an unstoppable shot from the edge of the area. A free kick from Toby O'Brien looked to have too much power for the keeper but he clutched it above his head. Briars were hit by a sucker punch as Chaddesley hit them on the break and RICHARD ASH was allowed to run from just inside the Briars' half before his shot was deflected over Wayne Lancett. Briars then had to withstand a period of pressure from Chaddesley who looked very dangerous from set pieces and went close from a couple of corners. Just before half time Briars were awarded a penalty and DEANE MACHIN duly obliged to give the home side a deserved half time lead. The 2nd period started in the best way possible for Briars as DEANE MACHIN played an inspired through ball to the onrushing GARETH DUGGAN who kept his cool before finishing. Briars were flooding forward at this point and Lee Stuart almost claimed a 2nd goal when he hit the bar from a narrow angle and Deane Machin rushed shots when well placed. The 4th goal that would surely have settled the match did not come and Chaddesley came back very strong in the last 20 minutes and Wayne Lancett was called upon to pull of a fine reflex save. Chaddesley pulled one back when AARON GRIFFITHS was first to react to a ball bobbling in the area and shot home. Chaddesley thought they had equalised shortly after but the goal was ruled out for offside. The final minutes were getting fiery, reminding supporters of the last encounter between the sides when 5 were red carded but on this occasion the referee kept sensible control over the players. In the dying moments Chaddesley gained their equaliser when DAMIAN ASH fired a free kick from the edge of the area under the wall into the corner of the net. TEAM - Wayne Lancett, Adam Tillsley, Dave Turner, Alex Reeves, Toby O'Brien, Glenn Beaman, Lee Stuart, Gareth Duggan, Lee McDermott, Deane Machin, Ian Poyser SUBS - Dan Nash, Stuart Brogan, Graham Cousins BENNY'S MAN OF THE MATCH Everyone performed well but Dave Turner - Finally got his place back in the side and put in a commanding performance at the heart of the defence. Deane Machin - Tireless and classy performance, an assist, the usual goal and no booking. Harriers Trust 1 Briars Phoenix 2 Briars earned another 3 points after playing more 55 minutes with 10 men after a highly controversial sending off of Lee McDermott. Briars started the game against a strong wind and Harriers Trust made good use of it and were definitely the better side in the early stages without creating a worthwhile effort. Harriers may have taken the lead when a lofted ball from 30 yards out looked to be creeping over Dave Smith but in the end it was held comfortably. At the other end Lee McDermott was unlucky when his diving header from a Toby O'Brien cross hit the outside of the post and went wide. Towards the end of a bitty first half interrupted constantly by an over officious referee Briars were sensationally reduced to 10 men. Lee McDermott was tackled late in the centre circle and amazingly no foul was given, McDermott offered a few choice words to his opponent and to the shock of players and spectators alike was sent off by the referee. To the strict letter of the law it was a correct decision but nobody outside a 10 yard radius heard anything and i can guarantee that the same situation occurred in 99% of the games played in the West Midlands this weekend and this was the only one where the result was a sending off. To make matters worse the referee made his actions farcical in the 2nd half as swearing directed at himself and audible from the sidelines was ignored. Dave Anderson gathered his troops together at half time and issued the game plan for the 2nd half and after 10 minutes Briars took the lead when DEANE MACHIN found space in the area and coolly slotted into the corner of the net. Harriers Trust came straight back and a speculative shot from Matt Wright was turned round the post by Dave Smith. Poor marking at the corner allows Rob Aimes to guide the ball into the top corner over the motionless Alex Reeves. As you would expect Briars had to cope with a fair bit of pressure against the 11 men for the Harriers but were given a bit of a break when Matt Wright, who was causing no end of trouble down the right was taken of for an inferior player, who was lucky to stay on the pitch after challenging for a header leading with his elbow against Dan Nash. Briars again managed to creep into the lead when a fine move involving Toby O'Brien, Deane Machin and Glenn Beaman resulted in GLENN BEAMAN finishing from 10 yards. Ian Poyser was brought on to give fresh legs up front and may have given the visitors a comfortable lead when Toby O'Brien broke on the right but steered his cross behind the onrushing Poyser. Harriers Trust pushed for the final period and forced several corners but the 10 men held out for a priceless 3 points. TEAM - Dave Smith, Jamie Thorpe, Adam Tillsley, Mark Dudley, Alex Reeves, Toby O'Brien, Glenn Beaman, Lee Stuart, Lee McDermott, Deane Machin, Gareth Duggan SUBS - Dave Turner, Ian Poyser, Dan Nash BENNY'S MAN OF THE MATCH Toby O'Brien - best game of the season, first time for a while he has ran at people and the results were devastating. Deane Machin - on his own up front for the 2nd half, set one up and scored the other. Mark Dudley / Alex Reeves - displayed what a fine partnership the pair have formed with a solid display. Briars Phoenix 3 Gornal Five Ways 1 Briars progressed to the quarter finals of the Hospital Cup after a fine performance against high flying division four side Gornal Five Ways. The game started like a house on fire with both sides putting together passing moves with speed and accuracy and with only 4 minutes on the clock Gornal took the lead when a left wing throw was flicked on, Alex Reeves missed the clearance and a Gornal player was on the far post to hook the ball past debutant Dave Smith in the Briars goal. Briars hit straight back and a through ball down the left channel from Glen Beaman was fumbled by the Gornal keeper allowing Gareth Duggan to skip past him and send a ball across the face of the goal where TOBY O'BRIEN won the race to the ball and slid it home. The half progressed with both sides contributing to an exciting and passionate cup tie with Gornal slightly edging the possession and they should probably have taken the lead when a shot from the edge of the area crashed against the crossbar and the rebound fell to the prolific Mark Stytch, lukily for the Briars his shot was superbly blocked by the legs of Dave Smith. Minutes later Gornal broke down the right and the winger evaded the last ditch tackle from Adam Tillsley to cut the ball back to the onrushing forwards only for a goal saving block from Alex Reeves to keep the score level. It was Briars' turn to create a chance next when Gareth Duggan was sent clear down the left but he screwed his shot narrowly wide. Gornal will be the first to admit that the second half was dominated by the home side, who realised that keeping the ball down was the way to beat their bigger opponents. GARETH DUGGAN put Briars ahead early in the second period when he was again sent clear but this time he steared the ball past the keeper into the corner of the net. Briars were now playing some good stuff and further chances fell to Lee McDermott and Deane Machin but neither were able to finish. Glen Beaman, Lee Stuart and Lee McDermott were running the midfield and a superb crossfield pass from Beaman was chested down by Deane Machin and crossed agonisingly inches from the head of Lee Stuart and Gareth Duggan. The third Briars goal came from a simple move as a freekick from Dave Smith was nodded on by Lee Stuart and DEANE MACHIN notched his 22nd goal of the campaign from 12 yards out. Gornal then created their only chance of the 2nd half when a through ball was cleverly left by an offside player allowing another a clear run on goal only for Dave Smith to palm the ball away. Dave Anderson introduced Ian Poyser for the last 15 minutes and he had the ball in the net after heading home a Gareth Duggan cross only for the goal to be ruled out for offside. A good performance by the Briars which showed what they should be achieving week in week out with the players we have. We met a side today who were a lot better than many in our division and for the most part we outplayed them. TEAM - Dave Smith, Jamie Thorpe, Alex Reeves, Adam Tillsley, Mark Dudley, Toby O'Brien, Lee McDermott, Lee Stuart, Glenn Beaman, Gareth Duggan, Deane Machin SUBS - Dave Turner, Ian Poyser BENNY'S MAN OF THE MATCH Lee Stuart and Lee McDermott - superb in a game that everyone played very well Briars Phoenix 5 Burlish Olympic Reserves 2 Briars dominated the game against the bottom club but very windy conditions and poor finishing and a tendency to overplay prevented them from scoring a hat full. Briars took an early lead when Gareth Duggan fired into the corner of the net from 18 yards and increased the lead on 10 minutes when Ian Poyser caused problems in the Burlish defence and a defender sliced the ball into his own net. The first 30 minutes were dominated by the Briars and as the referee said at half time "Its a good job we're swapping ends else that half will be worn out". For all the play Briars squandered plenty of chances and good positions and were hit by the sucker punch when Burlish broke down the left and despite call for offside the ball was centered and Marc Stanton slid in at the far post to bring the visitors back into the game. With the wind at their backs Briars found it difficult to measure their passes at the start of the second period with many passes going straight through to the keeper, but they stretched their lead after forcing a succession of corners. Gareth Duggan sent an inswinging corner towards the front post and a Burlish defender headed into his own net. The home side relaxed a bit too much at the stage and Marc Stanton brought Burlish back again when his left wing cross caught the wind and floated in. Despite the closeness of the scoreline Briars still controlled the game but doubts were creeping in after chance after chance went begging. Gareth Duggan hit his second with a superb finish into the corner from the edge of the area and Glenn Beaman rounded off the scoring with an exquisite lob from 30 yards out. TEAM - Craig Millward, Adam Tillsley, Alex Reeves, Mark Dudley, Jamie Thorpe, Toby O'Brien, Glenn Beaman, Lee McDermott, Dan Nash, Gareth Duggan, Ian Poyser SUBS - Steve Barker, Dave Turner BENNY'S MAN OF THE MATCH - Alex Reeves - Not a foot out of place, again - Glenn Beaman - Behind everything Briars did going forward Briars Phoenix 1 Mill Race Lane Rovers 3 Briars failed to recover from an abysmal first half performance and slipped back to the bottom 3. Mill Race took an early lead when a long ball forward evaded Mark Dudley and Briars keeper Craig Millward was caught in two minds whether to pick the ball up or kick it clear allowing STEVE BLACKBAND to nip in and slot the ball home. The first half was fairly even with neither side playing fluently especially the Briars who failed to hold the ball up in attack and virtually every pass was too long or to the opponents. Five minutes before half time their task was made even harder when the home defence messed up clearing a corner and the ball fell to the unmarked BLACKBAND who had the easiest tap in of his life. Briars' manager Dave Anderson made 3 changes at half time and switched formation and it paid immediate dividends as a good passing move up the centre was hooked in by DEANE MACHIN. The Briars were on fire for the first 10-15 minutes of this half and but for the crossbar and good goalkeeping could have levelled the match and even taken the lead but despite all the effort they could not break through. STEVE BLACKBAND made it safe for Mill Race on 75 minutes when he raced through and capitalised on hesitancy in the home defence before chipping the ball into the net To make matters worse for the Briars Deane Machin was sent off in the last few minutes for a late challenge, although the referee chose to ignore the retaliation from the Mill Race defender. TEAM - Craig Millward, Jamie Thorpe, Dave Turner, Mark Dudley, Alex Reeves, Toby O'Brien, Lee McDermott, Lee Stuart, Dan Nash, Deane Machin, Ian Poyser SUBS - Glenn Beaman, Gareth Duggan, Adam Tillsley BENNYS MAN OF THE MATCH - Mark Dudley Briars Phoenix 1 Bewdley Bailiffs 0 A good performance by the Briars in which they dominated the play and restricted the opponents to only a couple of scoring chances. Briars started the game well and passed the ball from the offset whilst Bewdley tried to attack on the break with their pacey forwards. For all their pressure Briars didn't create many clear cut chances in the first period and goal line clearances from headers from Ian Poyser and Mark Dudley were the closest to breaking the deadlock, a small reward for the approach play. The second half was a different story as the Briars attacked almost relentlessly but this time the finishing was poor with countless chances missed. The home side should have taken the lead early on when an Ian Poyser header hit the underside of the bar and bounced out. Poyser was guilty again with the move of the match up the right hand side with Jamie Thorpe and Toby O'Brien swopping passes which tore the Bewdley defence apart, when the ball was centred Poyser screwed it high and wide. Another move down the right ended with the ball crossed by Deane Machin and was met first time by the onrushing Jamie Thorpe but the keeper produced an instinctive save to push it round the post. More and more chances were missed as Dan Nash, Deane Machin and Gareth Duggan all went close and it was the visitors who almost took the lead when Stuart Botfield raced clear of the defence but shot wide. With only 15 minutes left Briars finally found the Bewdley net. A short corner bobbled around the area before Deane Machin teed up LEE MCDERMOTT who crashed the ball home from 12 yards. Almost immediately Lee Stuart had the chance to increase the lead as he blocked an attempted clearance to race through on goal but put his shot wide. Bewdley threw everything forward for the last few minutes and forced several corner which were all cleared and had they had the final chance of the game when first Craig Millward and then Jamie Thorpe produced last ditch blocks to keep the score as it was. TEAM - Craig Millward, Jamie Thorpe, Dave Turner, Mark Dudley, Alex Reeves, Toby O'Brien, Lee McDermott, Lee Stuart, Dan Nash, Deane Machin, Ian Poyser SUBS - Gareth Duggan, Adam Tillsley BENNY MAN OF THE MATCH - all good performances today but Alex Reeves - a faultless display at the back Deane Machin - work tirelessly and was involved with most things that Briars created. Stoke Prior 2 Briars Phoenix 3 aet Briars struggled to win this game in the Worcester Infirmary Cup after building a lead in the first half. The game was delayed in order for the frost to lift from the pitch, but conditions were still difficult as the game started and Briars were guilty of trying to play too much football early on and often lost the ball with players loosing their footing. Briar shad the first chance at goal early in th game when an attempted clearance from the keeper was returned first time by Ian Poyser only to drift wide of the goal. Briars lost Gareth Duggan after 10 minutes with a knee injury and his replacement Dan Nash was sent clear twice as soon as he entered the pitch but his first shot was wide and the other easily saved. Stoke Prior did not really trouble Craig Millward in the Briars goal for the first half hour and it was the visitors who took the lead when Lee Stuart fed Ian Poyser on the left wing, who cut into and cut the ball back for GLENN BEAMAN to side foot into the net via the post. Briars continued to dominate for the rest of the half with Stoke restricted to breakaways and on the stroke of half time LEE McDERMOTT headed home after good work from the impressive Ian Poyser. The second half was a different story as Briars took the foot off the pedal and Stoke Prior were transformed from the side that played the first half and attacked relentlessly. Briars were hit with 2 goals in the first 20 minutes of the half before getting back into the game, but with Deane Machin firing blanks upfront and too many final passes going astray the game stayed level until the final whistle. The first half of extra time was highlighted by a superb save from Craig Millward that kept Briars in the game, apart from this Dan Nash was making inroads down the left wing and combining well with the rest of midfield against a tiring Stoke. With penalties looming Nash again burst down the left, cut inside and then laid a clever ball to Glenn Beaman. The first shot was blocked but Beaman recovered the ball and sent a deep cross into the box that DEANE MACHIN beat the defender to the ball and headed into the net. Stoke only had time to kick off and the referee blew for full time. The right result in the end of a game that the Briars could and should have made safe at half time. TEAM - Craig Millward, Jamie Thorpe, Alex Reeves, Mark Dudley, Dave Turner, Lee McDermott, Glenn Beaman, Lee Stuart, Gareth Duggan, Deane Machin, Ian Poyser SUBS - Toby O'Brien, Dan Nash, Adam Tillsley BENNY'S MAN OF THE MATCH - lots of good performances Craig Millward - Kept the side in the game, a good response to last week Glenn Beaman - At the heart of everything that Briars did on the attack Dan Nash - Excellent performance after a long spell on the bench Ian Poyser - Best game for the club so far, was aggressive, held the ball up well and was dangerous on the ball. Briars Phoenix 2 Bewdley Town 4 Briars failed to take their chances and lost out to their higher rivals in a pulsating match. The home side started well and controlled the play for the early minutes and almost took the lead in unusual circumstances when a 35 yard pass back speeded up along the wet ground and almost caught out the Bewdley keeper. Briars should have taken the lead when Gareth Duggan connected with a corner but the header went straight to the keeper. It was Bewdley that took the lead after 25 minutes when Briars failed to clear a corner and the ball was fired home from 10 yards. Almost immediately Briars went on the attack and Lee McDermott headed narrowly over from 10 yards. Bewdley were riding their luck at the back and on one such occasion GARETH DUGGAN got behind the defence and coolly lobbed the keeper to equalise. It only took a couple of minutes for the home side to take the lead as IAN POYSER took advantage of hesitancy by the Bewdley goalie to head over him into an empty net. Bewdley equalised shortly before half time when the ball was lost in the Briars box and the Bewdley player chipped into the top corner. The second half was very even with less chances than the first. Bewdley took the lead when Craig Millward misjudged a free kick and the ball ended up in the net and increased the lead with a shot from the edge of the area into the corner of the net. Briars had a chance to get back into the match when Ian Poyser turned his defender in the box and sent a crossshot across the area but no Briars player was able to apply the finishing touch. TEAM - Craig Millward, Jamie Thorpe, Dave Turner, Alex Reeves, Mark Dudley, Lee McDermott, Lee Stuart, Glenn Beaman, Gareth Duggan, Deane Machin, Ian Poyser SUBS - Stewart Branford, Tobias O'Brien, Dan Nash BENNY'S MAN OF THE MATCH - Lee Stuart Blakedown 2 Briars Phoenix 3 The two sides produced an action packed entertaining game at Blakedown before Briars emerged victorious. Both sides settled quickly and started to pass the ball around and it was Blakedown who had the first chance when Craig Millward was forced to tip a cross over the bar. Briars were looking dangerous on the attack and Glenn Beaman went close with a shot from the edge of the area that just cleared the bar. The visitors should have taken the lead when Deane Machin charged down a clearance but although his cross found the onrushing Lee McDermott, Blakedown's keeper was able to block the shot. Briars took the lead on the half hour when IAN POYSER turned sharply in the area before firing home. Almost immediately Blakedown hit back on the break as a right wing cross evaded the defenders and ROB FINNIE slid in to equalise. The game now very competitive and flowed from end to end with Deane Machin hitting a long range volley that the Blakedown keeper tipped over the crossbar. Briars regained the lead when a Mark Dudley freekick was nodded home by IAN POYSER, who soared above the keeper. For the first 10 minutes of the second half Briars played some superb controlled football, easily the best period of play for the season to date but as has so often been the case this year there was no end product, only a few close misses. With the amount of pressure the visitors were exerting without a goal Blakedown were still very much in the game and after 25 minutes of the second half they were awarded a free kick 20 yards out. The Briars wall was well positioned but MATT SODEN drilled it low under the wall into the corner of the net. The introduction of Lee Stuart gave the Briars another wind and he featured in most of the good moves that led to chances for Ian Poyser, Deane Machin and a superb effort from Lee McDermott that the Blakedown keeper turned round the upright. Briars took a deserved lead with the best move of the game, spreading the play from right to left and back before Lee Stuart passed the ball towards Deane Machin who dummied the ball allowing GLENN BEAMAN to surge into the area and finish. Briars had to endure a nervous last few minutes as firstly Deane Machin was sent off for 2 cautions and Blakedown threw caution to the wind, but they did hold out for a vital 3 points. TEAM - Craig Millward, Jamie Thorpe, Dave Turner, Alex Reeves, Mark Dudley, Lee McDermott, Toby O'Brien, Graham Cousins, Glenn Beaman, Deane Machin, Ian Poyser SUBS - Lee Stuart, Gareth Duggan BENNY MAN OF THE MATCH - Mark Dudley (gave the side a solid look at the back) Briars Phoenix 0 Claines 2 Briars bowed out of the county cup after a lacklustre display against experienced opponents. The home side started well and had control for the first 15 minutes but only had a long range effort from Graham Cousins and a near own goal to show for their efforts. Claines took the lead against the run of play and with a large slice of luck when a deep cross from the right caught the wind and looped over Craig Millward in the Briars goal. Briars again began to dominate the game but Claines defended deeper and hit the home side on the break. Briars thought they had a one man advantage when Ian Poyser was elbowed in front of the referee, but the official only gave a free kick, resulting in the tackles becoming more fierce. The second half was similar to the first with the Briars having lots of possession but not creating any chances with Claines playing the conditions perfectly. The visitors tied the game up in the last minute when a 30 yard effort flew into the roof of the net. TEAM _ Craig Millward, Alex Reeves, Dave Turner, Jamie Thorpe, Mark Dudley, Graham Cousins, Toby O'Brien, Lee McDermott, Glenn Beaman, Ian Poyser, Deane Machin SUBS - Dan Nash, Steve Clarke, Lee Stuart Station Inn 1 Briars Phoenix 2 Briars made it 3 wins on the trot with a hard fought victory at Wolverley High School. Briars welcomed Steve Clarke back into the squad after a lengthy absence through injury and apart from Gareth Duggan's suspension were able to pick from a full squad. The visitors started well with Glenn Beaman involved with most of the play in midfield and Dave Turner getting a lot of the ball on the left. In a half of few chances Briars could count themselves unlucky not to take the lead when Deane Machin was adjudged to have fouled the keeper before firing home. Station also had their chances but were mainly restricted to long range efforts that didn't really trouble stand in keeper Craig Millward. The second half started with Briars again controlling the play and they should have taken the lead when a long range effort from Mark Dudley was spectacularly tipped over the bar by Simon Wright in the Station goal. Briars did take the lead when a pass was threaded through to DEANE MACHIN who finished with aplomb from an acute angle. As is usual with a team at the lower reaches of the table, taking the lead led to a period of panic for the visitors and Station came back strong and started to dominate the midfield before equalising due to diabolical marking from the Briars at a corner. At this stage of the game there appeared to be only one winner with the Station running the midfield and they may have taken the lead when the Station "Formula One Racing car" forward was given offside. The linesman should have given advantage to the attacker who was 5 yards offside said the bald bloke who was stood in Wolverley Post Office. Dave Anderson, the Briars manager made a change and brought veteran Graham Cousins into the game and he proved to be a calming influence and got in a few crunchers in the middle of the park and the normally attack minded Lee McDermott was proving to be a rock in the defence. Deane Machin showed his class on the rare Briars attacks and after he was fouled on the edge of the box Glenn Beaman took a quick free kick to Ian "Yonner" Poyser who slammed the ball into the net to give the Briars a vital win. TEAM - Craig Millward, Adam Tillsley, Mark Dudley, Jamie Thorpe, Toby O'Brien, Lee McDermott, Alex Reeves, Glenn Beaman, Dave Turner, Deane Machin, Ian Poyser SUBS - Dan Nash, Graham Cousins BENNYS MAN OF THE MATCH - First Half - Glenn Beaman Second Half - Jamie Thorpe/Lee McDermott Briars Phoenix 6 St Johns Tigers 4 Briars had a full squad available for this Hospital Cup match against high riding Division Five side St Johns Tigers and were expecting a tough encounter, which is exactly what they got. The home side were given an early advantage when a St Johns player was sent off for receiving two yellow card in a matter of minutes. Briars did not make the most of their extra man and the visitors were more than a match in the early stages with Briars keeper Craig Millward brought into action on several occasions. Briars took the lead somewhat against the run of play when GARETH DUGGAN brought the ball down on the edge of the area and sent an unstoppable volley into the roof of the net. Instead of taking a grasp of the tie Briars had a sloppy 10 minutes and soon found themselves 2-1 down and were only just able to equalise before half time when "Goal Machine" DEANE MACHIN found the corner of the net from close range. Defensive lapses at the start of the second half allowed St Johns to grab 2 more quick goals but a close range finish from GARETH DUGGAN put Briars back in with a shout. The home midfield was starting to take control mid way through the second half with Glenn Beaman and Lee McDermott influential and it was a slick move through the middle of the park with Glenn Beaman featuring in a series of one-twos before squaring to DEANE MACHIN who had the simplest of chances from 2 yards out. Briars were putting the visitors under increasing pressure and a right wing corner was headed home by MARK DUDLEY, giving the player his first goal for the club. A late penalty from DEANE MACHIN wrapped up the victory and with St Johns having a second player sent off the last few minutes were played out. TEAM - Craig Millward, Alex Reeves, Adam Tillsley, Mark Dudley, Dave Turner, Toby O'Brien, Lee McDermott, Glenn Beaman, Gareth Duggan, Ian Poyser, Deane Machin SUBS - Matt Freemantle, Graham Cousins, Stewart Branford BENNYS MAN OF THE MATCH - Glenn Beaman Harriers Arms 0 Briars Phoenix 6 Briars progressed to the last 16 of the county cup after a first half demolition of their lower league opponents. The signs were good from the start as Briars passed the ball with confidence and started to create chances from the start. The first goal came from a spectacular free kick from TOBY O'BRIEN who curled the ball from 25 yards out off the underside of the bar with the keeper motionless. The visitors soon went 2 up when LEE McDERMOTT fired into the top corner from the edge of the box. Within a couple of minutes DEANE MACHIN completed a trio of superb goals as he raced onto a Glenn Beaman through ball and finished with aplomb. Moments later Machin was guilty of one of the misses of the season as he hit the post from 5 yards. Briars were commanding the game now and close passing resulted in two close range finishes from DEANE MACHIN and DAVE TURNER before a goal that will be replayed on TV for years: WHAT A GOAL!! IAN POYSER was fully 2 yards out when he received a difficult boot level ball which he controlled and finished into the right net in one move. Once again WHAT A GOAL!!!! The second half was highlighted by more good approach play from the visitors but poor final balls and poor finishing let the Briars down as they could not add to the score. A good display from the greens with Glenn Beaman running things in midfield and every player performing well. TEAM - Craig Millward, Alex Reeves, Adam Tillsley, Mark Dudley, Dave Turner, Toby O'Brien, Lee McDermott, Glenn Beaman, Gareth Duggan, Deane Machin, Ian Poyser SUBS - Jamie Thorpe, Matt Freemante, Stewart Branford BENNYS MAN OF THE MATCH - Dave Turner Tenth Lock Harriers 6 Briars Phoenix 0 Briars entered this game with three new players in the squad and held their own against the league leaders for most of the first period until a corner evaded the Tenth Lock player but hit Ian "Yonner" Poyser and beat Dave Mason in the Briars goal. A collision between mark Dudley and Dave Mas0on resulted in an injury for the Briars keeper that ultimately changed the game. Tenth Lock hit the Briars early in the second half with Dave Mason unable to move easily and took a three goal lead before Mason brought down the Tenth Lock forward to concede a penalty and make the score 4-0. The game was effectively over at this point and Mason was replaced by Craig Millward who was unable to prevent Tenth Lock scoring a further 2 goals to make the final score 6-0. Despite the score line Briars showed an improved performance that should hold them in good stead for the rest of the season, but lost out to the team that WILL be league champions come the end of the season. TEAM - Dave Mason, Alex Reeves, Dave Turner, Adam Tillsley, Mark Dudley, Toby O'Brien, Lee McDermott, Glenn Beaman, Gareth Duggan, Deane Machin, Ian Poyser SUBS - Stewart Branford, BENNYS MAN OF THE MATCH - Alex Reeves Briars Phoenix 3 Blackheath Liberals 6 After a more encouraging performance last week the Briars crashed back down to earth in a game that was lost by half time. Dave Anderson was again forced to use Ian Benbow as a makeshift keeper and Ian Poyser stepped in to replace the reliable Adam Tillsley at the back. Both sides started brightly with a couple of close shots each in the early moments but it was the visitors who took the lead when poor marking let the Briars down once again and ANDY COOPER was able to head home. Blackheath took control from this point but were lucky to get a second when a blunder from Ian Benbow allowed a cross to come over and STEVE WESTWOOD rose to head into an empty net. Against a very poor Briars performance Blackheath were able to pass the ball around without being pressured and a killer ball through the middle of the Briars defence allowed LEE COOPER to finish at the second attempt. Within minutes a similar move sent STEVE WESTWOOD clear and he steered the ball into the corner of the net. Dave Anderson had a few choice words for the home side at half time and it appeared to have sunk home when DEANE MACHIN picked up the ball on the edge of the area and lobbed the keeper in the early stages of the second period. Hapoes were raised amongst the Briars supporters when a Graham Cousins pass was nodded on by Ian Poyser to DEANE MACHIN who finished well. The resurgence was shortlived as STEVE WESTWOOD restored the lead from the penalty spot and LEE COOPER added a 6th after racing clear of the home defence. Briars gained a consolation in the final moments when CRAIG MILLWARD harried the sweeper and after winning the ball finished into the far corner. TEAM - Ian Benbow, Steve Barker, Alex Reeves, Ian Poyser, Dave Turner, Graham Cousins, Toby O'Brien, Jamie Thorpe, Lee McDermott, Gareth Duggan SUBS - Gary Barrett, Craig Millward. Matt Freemantle BENNYS MAN OF THE MATCH - ALEX REEVES Perdiswell 2 Briars Phoenix 3 Manager Dave Anderson was forced to shuffle the pack due to work commitments, injury and suspensions and opted for a 4-5-1 system but the move worked as Briars produced their best half of football for the season so far. The visitors took an early lead when Deane Machin fed GARETH DUGGAN who beat the keeper from close range. Briars were playing some lovely passing football and were causing their higher ranked opponents from the Worcester League no end of problems. Against the run of play Perdiswell equalised when a corner was half cleared and the subsequent shot was deflected past stand in keeper Ian Benbow. The goal for the home side gave them confidence and Briars had to dig in for a few minutes before reasserting their dominance on the game and took the lead when a cross field ball from Deane Machin was slotted home by GARETH DUGGAN. Duggan should have completed his hat trick when he missed from close range after a jinxing run from veteran Graham Cousins, yes that right, a jinxing run from Graham Cousins. The visitors went into their shell at the start of the second half and allowed the Worcester side to come back into the game and it was no surprise when they equalised when a player was left alone to head in an inswinging free kick. The half was fairly even from then on until substitute Craig Millward chased a through ball and crossed the ball to the far post for GARETH DUGGAN to nod home his third of the game and give Briars the win. TEAM - Ian Benbow, Steve Barker, Adam Tillsley, Alex Reeves, Dave Turner, Toby O'Brien, Lee McDermott, Graham Cousins, Jamie Thorpe, Gareth Duggan, Deane Machin SUBS - Craig Millward, Matt Freemantle Benny's Man of the Match - Deane Machin ( narrowly pipping Gareth Duggan) Briars Phoenix 0 Rock Sports 3 Briars bowed out of the League Cup at the first hurdle, losing 3-0 at home to Rock Sports, riding high in Division Two but in reality it was Rock's finishing that was the difference between 2 sides who failed to get going in a scrappy game. After Briars manager Phil Saunders resigned in midweek, Dave Anderson took over the reigns hoping to build on last weeks improved performance. Both teams started tentatively but it was Rock who took the lead after 10 minutes when Phil Oliver was left unmarked to head in a corner. Briars came back into the game after this early set back and the Rock keeper was forced to tip over a snap shot from Gareth Duggan. Rock stretched their lead on the half hour when a Matt Baynton free kick was deflected past Dave Mason in the Briars goal by Adam Tillsley Rock almost made the game safe when along range effort from Gary Middleton flew past Dave Mason but crashed against the post and to safety. Briars started the second half much brighter and created a few chances with Deane Machin, Ian Poyser and Matt McWalter all going close when perhaps on another day they would have done better Rock went 3 up in one of only two chances they created in the half when a misjudgment in the Briars defence left Craig Homer clean through and he finished coolly into the corner. The game petered out after this and Rock go through to the next round. TEAM - Dave Mason, Jamie Thorpe, Steve Barker, Adam Tillsley, Alex Reeves, Toby O'Brien, Lee McDermott, Dave Turner, Gareth Duggan, Deane Machin, Ian Poyser SUBS - Dan Nash, Matt Freemantle, Matt McWalter Benny's Man of the Match - Gareth Duggan Briars Phoenix 6 Burlish Olympic Reserves 2 After receiving a bye in the first round of the Worcestershire FA Sunday Minor Cup, Briars were given a tough looking tie in the second round against fellow Division Three club Burlish Olympic Reserves. Manager, Phil Saunders shuffled the pack a bit after a few below par performances and brought Matt McWalter into midfield for his first start of the campaign. The home side got off to the best possible start when with just a couple of minutes on the clock, a precision through ball from Lee McDermott was collected by DEANE MACHIN who fired home through the Burlish keeper from inside the area. Briars soon made it 2-0 when GARETH DUGGAN shot into the corner from just inside the area. At this point Briars were breaking at will and playing some nice passing football that has been absent so far this season. DEANE MACHIN made it 3-0 with another crisp finish and should have completed his hat trick when he screwed wide when well placed. Briars began the second half dominating the game and DEANE MACHIN completed his trio when he beat the keeper in a goalmouth scramble. It did not look like a 5th goal would be long in coming but some glaring misses from the Briars prevented this and it was Burlish who scored next when the smallest player on the park was able to head home a corner unmarked. IAN POYSER added a 5th with an absolute peach of a goal ( I didn't see it but 'Yonna' assured me it was the goal of the season). Slack marking in the Briars defence again let Burlish back in when TOBY O'BRIEN cleared into his own net but he made amends when he un leashed an unstoppable shot from the edge of the area and left the final score as 6-2. TEAM - Richard Hancher, Steve Barker, Alex Reeves, Jamie Thorpe, Adam Tillsley, Gareth Duggan, Lee McDermott, Dave Turner, Matt McWalter, Deane Machin, Ian Poyser SUBS - Dan Nash, Toby O'Brien, Graham Cousins Benny's Man of the Match - Alex Reeves Bewdley Bailiffs 1 Briars Phoenix 0 The game began with Bewdley on the attack for the first 20 minutes in which they could and should have been 3 or 4 goals up with Stuart Botfield and Justin Chaplin both hitting the woodwork and Dave Mason in the Briars goals pulling off a couple of goal saving saves. Briars only real chance of the first half came when they failed to convert a goal mouth melee. Briars manager, Phil Saunders rang the changes at half time putting all three subs on but shortly into the half Steve Thomas was forced out with a reoccurance of a knee injury. The changes seemed to work with Briars much more on top in this half but without creating too much and Bewdley restricted to break aways. Briars thought they had equalised when a cross from Lee McDermott was headed home by the prolific Deane Machin. The referee was happy with the goal by the persistence of the Bewdley linesman caused him to disallow it for offside, strange for a cross from the goalline !! With 5 minutes remaining Dave Mason again kept the Briars in the game when he saved at the feet of the Bewdley forward when clean through. Deane Machin almost grabbed a late equaliser when a Lee McDermott shot was blocked and the ball rolled to Deane Machin on the edge of the area, Machin curled a magnificent shot towards the top corner only for Bewdley's 7 foot keeper to superbly fingertip it round the post. Team - Dave Mason, Alex Reeves, Jamie Thorpe, Adam Tillsley, Dave Turner, Toby O'Brien, Ian Poyser, Lee McDermott, Dan Nash, Deane Machin, Gareth Duggan Subs - Matt Freemantle, Steve Thomas, Steve Barker Benny's man of the match - Dave Mason Gigmill 1 Briars Phoenix 1 (4-5 Penalties) Briars travelled to play Division 6 side Gigmill in the first round of the Hospital Cup hoping for a morale boosting victory after last weeks debacle, but it was not to be as they came up against a very hardworking side who fought all the way for a result. Briars tried to play the ball about but with the pitches still being hard and bumpy passes went astray and control was difficult but they still managed a few close efforts notably a Deane Machin free kick and Gareth Duggan header. Gigmill looked dangerous on the break and took the lead midway through the first half from a break away. Briars were given a bit of a roasting at half time and started the second half in a much better frame of mind and soon were encamped in the hosts' half. The equaliser was not long arriving when Ian Poyser fed DEANE MACHIN to stroke home his 8th goal of the season. Briars then went back to the way they were playing in the first half and mistakes started to creep back in, luckily for them Gigmill were restricted to only a few break aways. Briars should have wrapped up the match as Ian Poyser ran through the defence only to put the ball wide after rounding the keeper and Jamie Thorpe crashed a long range effort against the bar but the winner would not come. In the final seconds Gigmill could have pulled off a shock when Richard Hancher pulled off a fine save to keep out a chip from the edge of the area. As extra time was being played Briars thought they should have had a penalty when the ball was "saved" on the goalline by a Gigmill defender but the referee did not see the incident and the match went to penalties. Briars came from 2 penalties down to win 5-4 despite a show of bad sportsmanship by Gigmill's 5th penalty taker (who missed himself) TEAM - Richard Hancher, Jamie Thorpe, Adam Tillsley, Dave Turner, Alex Reeves, Toby O'Brien, Lee McDermott, Ian Poyser, Dan Nash, Deane Machin, Gareth Duggan SUBS - Steve Thomas, Craig Millward Benny's man of the match - Adam Tillsley Chaddesley Corbett 7 Briars Phoenix 2 I shall start this week report with the second half. It began with a penalty for Chaddesley that only the referee saw out of 40ish people present, Briars had 3 players sent off, Briars played the last 42 minutes with 7 players, Chaddesley scored 5 goals and Toby O'Brien scored his first for the Briars with a late header. Chaddesley began the first half playing neat football in all parts of the pitch but the visitors should have taken the lead when Lee McDermott broke down the right and crossed only for Deane Machin's diving header to go wide. Chaddesley then took control of the game and only 2 fine saves from debutant Dave Mason kept the game scoreless. Chaddesley duly took the lead that their dominance justified and increased this shortly after with a shot deflected into the corner. Briars pulled a goal back with a superb move started and finished by DEANE MACHIN, who picked the ball up in the Chaddesley half and sprayed it wide to Dan Nash, who fed Ian Poyser to play the ball across the area for Machin to finish from close range. Chaddesley resumed their passing game and a through ball was chased by the Chaddesley forward and Adam Tillsley only for Dave Mason to bring the Chaddesley player down on the edge of the box. A penalty was duly given but Mason was surprisingly sent off despite a Briars player being present and in a position to tackle the opponent.. Richard Hancher took over in goal and pulled off a magnificent save to stop the penalty only for a retake to be awarded for the keeper moving off his line, remarkable considering that Hancher saved the ball on the goal line. The second kick was put into the same corner and again saved by Hancher. The rest of the half petered out to leave Chaddesley with a narrow lead. TEAM - Dave Mason, Garry Barrett, Adam Tillsley, Jamie Thorpe, Dan Nash, Toby O'Brien, Lee McDermott, Ian Poyser, Dave Turner, Deane Machin, Gareth Duggan SUBS - Richard Hancher Benny's Man of the Match - The seven who played their hearts out for the second half Briars Phoenix 2 Gornal A 3 Last seasons struggle for players seemed a long way off as 19 players were available for selection prior to kick off against one of the title favourites. Briars began the game on the attack and caused the Gornal defence problems early on with Lee McDermott fitting straight back into the midfield after suspension. The quality of the visitors, many of whom play at a good level on a Saturday, soon came to light as they got into their stride and passed the ball around and showed superb movement in the attacking areas of the pitch. Despite all the good approach play the Briars stood firm and got the tackles in when they counted. Briars fell behind to a sucker punch when a near post corner was headed home by LEE HARRISON. Gornal pressed on from this point and the home defence was working overtime to keep them out. The game swung the other way on the half hour as the home side started to press and created chances from Ian Poyser and Deane Machin. The equaliser soon arrived when Lee McDermott fed DEANE MACHIN on the left of the area who continued his run of form and chipped the keeper. Within minutes Gornal were back in front when LEE HARRISON was left unmarked to head in from the penalty spot. Gornal dominated the early stages of the second half and it seemed that it was only a matter of time before they made the game safe. Briars survived 2 strong penalty claims before Gornal went 3-1 up. A corner was not cleared and RICHARD HARTILL had time to bring the ball down before firing an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net.. With Gornal still in control the game looked over at this point and the visitors were guilty of missing a few chances but Briars were unlucky not to get a goal back when a clearance from Adam Tillsley was put away sharply by Deane Machin, but only after the referee had awarded a free kick for the foul on Tillsley. Briars ensured it was a shaky last 15 minutes for Gornal when IAN POYSER broke down the left wing and cut inside before firing into the bottom corner. The impetuous was now with the Briars and a late pot shot from Lee McDermott was collected under the bar by the Gornal keeper. Overall it was the right result and Gornal are sure to be in the running for the title this season. TEAM - Richard Hancher, Jamie Thorpe, Garry Barrett, Adam Tillsley, Dave Turner, Toby O'Brien, Ian Poyser, Lee McDermott, Deane Machin, Gareth Duggan, Dan Nash SUBS USED - Alex Withers, Steve Clarke Benny's man of the match - Adam Tillsley Briars Phoenix 3 Blakedown 2 Briars managed to scrape a win despite putting in a poor performance. Blakedown took the lead after a scrappy start when a long ball over the Briars defence was lobbed into the net by ROB FINNIE.. Both sides found it difficult on a very bobbly pitch and the game was strewn with errors from both sides. Half way through the half Briars began to pass the ball around and during this purple patch equalised when Gareth Duggan dribbled to the edge of the area before laying the ball square to strike partner DEANE MACHIN who finished well into the bottom corner. The home side continued to play the better football for the rest of the half but without any result. The second period began as the first one had with neither side able to dominate, Blakedown going the closest when a snap shot from inside the area was saved by Richard Pearsall low down. Briars took the lead when they were awarded a controversial penalty. It looked like both players were having a bit of a tug as Deane Machin and Rich Southgate chased a ball to the far side of the area but the defender was adjudged to have impeded Machin and a penalty was awarded. With confidence sky high DEANE MACHIN tucked the spot kick away. Blakedown attacked their hosts from the kick off and began to exert more pressure with the home side attacks reducing in number and soon equalised when a mix up in the home defence allowed RICHARD SPOONER to squeeze the ball into the corner of the net. With time almost up a kick from Briars Keeper Richard Pearsall was allowed to bounce by the Blakedown defence and after letting the ball bounce three times in the penalty box DEANE MACHIN coolly volleyed home to give the Briars a welcome victory, which on the balance of play they probably didn't deserve. Team - Richard Pearsall, Jamie Thorpe, Alex Reeves, Adam Tillsley, Dave Turner, Toby O'Brien, Ian Benbow, Ian Poyser, Dan Nash, Deane Machin, Gareth Duggan Sub - Steve Barker Benny's man of the match - Deane Machin Hoobrook Crown 0 Briars Phoenix 2 Injuries and suspension robbed Briars of a clutch of players particularly in midfield with Ian Poyser asked to drop back and Alex Reeves pushed into an unaccustomed left midfield position. New signing Garry Barrett was drafted into the back four for his first game for 2 years. To make matters worse Briars lost veteran Graham Cousins in the early minutes of the game with a reoccurrence of a knock picked up against Blackheath. Hoobrook started the brighter and put the visitors under a fair bit of pressure but it was the Briars who took the lead with a fantastic strike from GARETH DUGGAN. Hoobrook continued to have the lion's share of the play and were thwarted by the woodwork on a couple of occasions and a few good saves were pulled off by Richard Pearsall in the Briars goal. Briars were now restricted to playing on the break and had a few half chances, Gareth Duggan cutting in from the right to fire narrowly over and Alex Reeves going just wide with a volley. HALF TIME 0-1 The second half began in a similar vein to the first with the big Hoobrook side bombarding the Briars defence, well marshalled by Simon Shaw, with long balls and even longer throws, but good defending and a bit of luck saw the visitors keeping the lead intact. With twenty minutes left a ball down the right from Toby O'Brien was flicked across the box by Gareth Duggan, DEANE MACHIN brought the ball down well and slotted past the keeper to give the Briars a priceless cushion. Minutes later Gareth Duggan burst through the defence and fired over the bar with Deane Machin well placed to the left but despite almost constant pressure they held out for a vital 3 points. Manager Phil Saunders was delighted with the team spirit and togetherness of the side and the way we defended today especially the back five of Pearsall, Barrett, Tillsley, Shaw and Thorpe and with players soon to return to the fold things are looking up for the first time for a while. TEAM - Richard Pearsall, Garry Barrett, Adam Tillsley, Simon Shaw, Jamie Thorpe, Toby O'Brien, Graham Cousins, Ian Poyser, Alex Reeves, Deane Machin, Gareth Duggan SUBS - Craig Millward, Ian Benbow Benny's man of the match - Gareth Duggan Blackheath Liberals 2 Briars Phoenix 1 It may be a new season but the same old troubles appear to be affecting the Briars. After a friendly on Thursday with a near full squad four players decided not to show up for the first league game of the season and as is usual nowadays no contact was made with the club. As a result of this the visitors had a rushed preparation and very much a scratch team to play Blackheath , who started the game on fire, hitting the woodwork 3 times in the early minutes. The Briars back three held firm though and with Graham Cousins, Dave Anderson and Ian Poyser tackling hard in midfield the Briars slowly came back into the game and created a few chances. Briars took the lead against the run of play when a deep cross from Gareth Duggan was fumbled by the keeper, Deane Machin's shot was tipped round the post by the defender who was rightly sent off. DEANE MACHIN duly converted the penalty. The game was more even for the rest of the half but just before the break Blackheath controversially equalised when an attempted clearance from Dave Anderson was palmed into the net by the Blackheath striker. Blackheath had the advantage of the slope in the second half and continued to press but the Briars, with debutant Richard Pearsall gaining in confidence in goal were holding out. Blackheath finally went ahead when Cooper met a corner on the half volley and his shot evaded both the the keeper and defenders to loop into the top corner. Briars could have snatched a late leveller when Gareth Duggan went clear but shot wide from an acute angle. Team - Richard Pearsall, Alex Reeves, Adam Tillsley, Dave Turner, Toby O'Brien, Graham Cousins, Dave Anderson, Craig Millward, Ian Poyser, Deane Machin, Gareth Duggan Subs - Andy Longmore, Ian Benbow, Mark Payne Benny's man of the match - Alex Reeves |
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