Old Bradfieldian’s 2 Old Salopians 0    
     
After a few weeks of stretched resources and some disappointing results, Bradfield arrived in Chiswick to take on Old Salopians with a squad that properly reflects the current rude health the club is in. In saying this we were still without our Number 1 between the sticks, Angus Lees enjoying the delights of Japan and the rugby World Cup. Oli Smithson gamely stepped up to take the gloves for a must win fixture.
The new look centre back partnership of Miles Covers and Harry Martin played for the second game running in the hope that the early season trend of leaking of goals could be stemmed. Piers Oldland was also making his full debut for the OBs in the middle of the park. The OBs started brightly with the midfield 3 zipping it around as we know they can do, and the back four looking robust against Old Salopians fairly limited, but effective brand of football. The first half was a largely cagey affair of few clear cut chances, but the OBs enjoying the better of the play.
With the sun to their backs in the second half the OBs began to get into their stride, making the running in terms of chances created and quality of football. Salopian’s were starting to get frustrated at the direction the game was taking and just before the hour mark they gave away a penalty which Tom Joslin duly dispatched to give the OBs a deserved 1-0 lead. The second half continued on a similar vein with the OBs making all the running and new look back four giving very little away at the back. However, with star striker Rory Knibbs unable to complete more than a few minutes due to the injury he was carrying, there was always the worry that we would be made to rue our missed chances. Fortunately, new colossus at the back Harry Martin had other ideas, and stepped up with a bullet header from a corner to put the game to bed at 2-0 on 75 minutes.
The boys saw out the game very professionally, not giving Salopians a sniff, to secure a much needed win and an incredibly welcome clean sheet. Bring on the first round of the Arthur Dunn Cup at Bradfield on Rectory 1 this weekend.