Bradley Stoke Town FC Wins the Cup !!

Last night (Tues 12th April) Bradley Stoke Town Football Club played Mendip United Reserves in the final of the Gloucestershire Intermediate Cup. Both teams started the game very tentatively although with great gusto.

Midfield battles were set, with Mendip largely playing the long ball and using their wingers, Bradley Stoke keeping the ball on the ground and passing it around. There were a few attempts on goal in the first 20minutes but these were not clear cut chances. The first goal came after about 20 minutes when Mendip had a corner, Bradley Stoke could not clear the ball away and Mendip scored.

Not to worry, plenty of time left.

There seems to be defining moments in every game and Bradley Stoke’s came 5 minutes later when keeper James Potter (recently returned from long term injury) made a great double save at close range. The Mendip players were sure they had gone 2-0 up, but it was not to be!

Bradley Stoke then seemed to start taking control of the game, forcing Mendip further back into their own half. With minutes to half time Bradley Stoke won a corner. Coming in from the edge of the box was Ben Osborne who rose the highest to power a header passed the unlucky Mendip keeper and a defender. The class of this header would have graced any premier game.

Half time came and time for the 150+ Bradley Stoke supporters to get a well earned cup of tea. The vocal encouragement in the first half was a joy to hear and your support was much appreciated!

The second half started with both teams still playing their game but with Bradley Stoke on top. In the 20th minute of the second half Bradley Stoke had another corner, again Ben Osborne managed to steer it passed the Mendip keeper, this time with a low header.

Elation in the Bradley Stoke ranks but still work to be done.

With the defensive stature of Andy Gore, James Holbrook, Matt Hull and the midfield determination of Matt Burgess (captain), Ben Osborne, Brad Clark, Ross Rooney (yes, our very own), Matt Corney and the very dangerous strike partnership of Sam Chillcott and Adam Sykes (who both hassled the Mendip defense for the whole match putting them under constant pressure) Bradley Stoke came out well deserved winners. The substitutes of Rory Deans, Adrian Orlicki, James Collis-Pritchard, Nathan Corney and Marlon Talbot were not called upon but would have been worthy replacements if required.

At the final whistle Bradley Stoke Town were the winners at 2 –1.

The whole squad had worked hard for each other as a team and this showed in the end of match celebrations on presentation of the cup and the applause from the spectators.

Congratulations to ALL of those associated with Bradley Stoke Town FC and Mendip United Reserves for an excellent game of football!!

Match report submitted by Ian Drew, Chair, Bradley Stoke Town FC

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