Bradenham's pitch at Hale Road was in excellent condition considering the amount of rain in recent days, and the visitors started the game in impressive fashion. After just 8 mins their centre half found himself one on one with home keeper Findlay but he shot tamely wide when it was easier to score. A couple of minutes later Thorpe took the lead when their no.14 headed a simple goal following a corner, and this prompted the home side into action. First Frappell went close with a header, then from a Bradenham corner Bush chipped just over the visitors' bar. Just 2 mins later the same player headed home from a fine Palin cross, and on the half hour mark the visitor's keeper gifted the home side a goal when he mis-kicked his clearance straight to Clarke who scored with ease.
H.T. 2-1.
Bradenham started the second half in determined mood and after 52 mins Clarke shot just wide of the right hand post. Then on 63 mins the same player went on an impressive run on the right before releasing an excellent cross to Forder who scored with ease. The home side were now well in control and Clarke broke once more from midfield and almost scored again. Palin was next to cause the Thorpe defence problems but eventually they cleared their lines. Another fine home move ended with Palin unleashing a shot which was well saved by the Thorpe keeper. Clarke was in the action again when he hit an excellent free kick which was deflected into his own net by a Thorpe defender. Bradenham looked like they would now run riot but in fairness to the visitors they kept plugging away and on 83 mins their no. 10 converted a penalty which was awarded for a foul. Clarke continued to cause problems to the visitors and a fine interchange between himself and Derbyshire ended with the latter scooping a simple chance over the bar. Clarke was undoubtedly the star of the show but the home rearguard of Barnes, Melton, Gilbert, Eves, Frappell and Hancy all put in sterling performances to earn their side 3 points against very capable opponents. For Bradenham the roadshow goes on, and they are another three points closer to promotion.
F.T. 4-2.
Report by Brian Mason