28th Jan 2012

Brinklow Reserves 6 Bilton Victoria 0
To say today’s game was important for the Reserves is putting it mildly. The fact is, it was crucial and probably the most vital game of the season to date as Bilton could still overhaul Brinklow for one of the promotion places and clearly, both teams knew what the benefit of three points meant to their respective clubs. The lads had been eagerly awaiting this match all week and the way they set about demolishing a side that sit third in the division was very impressive. They dominated and were in control of the match for virtually the whole ninety minutes. Six nil is not a flattering result as it could have and should have been much more, and you have to applaud the way Brinklow played their football today. They won in style and to give one of their best performances for when the Chairman of the Coventry Alliance league was watching was good timing as he can only have been impressed. With this result, Brinklow go back to the top of the table, and with a game in hand on all the sides near them, everything is in the lads’ hands. I have no doubt they will finish the job come the end of the season if they continue to play like today.

The match itself started with Brinklow taking charge and it wasn’t long before Bilton found themselves defending deep in their own half as the Reserves created chance after chance. Tom Pye-Ford, Shane ‘Taff’ Powell, Matt James and Jordan Smallwood all had good efforts either saved or kicked off the line and Shaun Tiernan skimmed the bar with a firm header from a corner. Various chances came and went but you sensed that Brinklow would find the net, and after twenty-four minutes they finally did. A Taff Powell shot was blocked on the line but the rebound fell kindly at the feet of Tom Pye-Ford who scored at the far post. It was no more than the lads deserved for all their efforts. Brinklow had the lead only for two minutes when keeper Dale Huddlestone was called into action and had to race out in order to make an important save. Dale clearly won the ball fairly, but the Bilton striker fell over him in the process and the referee awarded Bilton the gift of a spot kick. Justice felt done when Dale managed to make the save to maintain Brinklow’s lead. After the penalty incident Brinklow resumed much as before with them making the majority of the chances and it wasn’t long before Gregg ‘Eggy’ Linton blasted home Brinklow’s second with a thumping shot from just inside the box. The remaining ten minutes of the half saw Brinklow find the net once more but it was disallowed for a foul earlier in the move. The whistle blew to end a super half for the lads and the score 2-0.

The second half if anything was even better, and it was just a matter of sealing the win and Brinklow’s third goal coming just 17 seconds after the restart did just that. A Matt James cross came flying into the box where Jordan Smallwood was first to reach the ball and put it neatly into the back of the net. Ten minutes later Brinklow scored goal number four, when excellent work from Luke Roper set up ‘Eggy’ for a simple tap in. The lads continued to run rampant and create chances but it wasn't until the seventy-ninth minute that goal number five arrived, a vicious Jordan Smallwood shot coming off the Bilton defender into his own net, it was technically an own goal but was awarded to Jordan. The rout was completed on eighty-four minutes when Jordan completed his hat trick, this time with the ever-busy Scott Vallance the provider. This just capped a superb day from the Reserves who on the day simply had too much for Bilton to handle. An excellent performance, three vital points and back on top of the league is a great days’ work.

Brinklow’s Man-of-the-match today was almost impossible as the entire team worked hard and everyone was on top form and contributed to this result, but Scott Vallance took the vote in the end from Taff and Jordan who both did more than enough to win it themselves.

Regards
Bob Kearney

28th Jan 2012

Crick Reserves 0 Brinklow Reserves 5 (Massey Fergusson Cup RD 2)
It was cup action once again for the Brinklow Reserves today, this time in the ‘Massey Fergusson Cup’, with the reward for the winners being a semi-final place. First though, the Reserves had to deal with Crick Reserves who are currently near the bottom of our Division Five, and with it being a cup match you just never know what will happen.

Brinklow set about this game as if it was the final itself and really, from the start they had Crick back-pedalling for long periods of the game. When Jordan Smallwood fired in a stinging shot just after thirty seconds of the game that the keeper saved well, it set the tone for pretty much the remainder of the match. It was just the start Brinklow were looking for, and as the game progressed, they created chance after chance after chance. There were far too many opportunities to comment on, but really Jordan, Tom Pye-ford, Matt James and Jamie Huddlestone all had excellent chances to give Brinklow the early lead. Unfortunately, a combination of poor finishing and a Crick goalkeeper who on the day played a blinder kept the score at 0-0. Such was Brinklow’s dominance today that they had earned fourteen corners in the first twenty-five minutes of the game, which says it all really. The goal was coming, and Crick’s luck finally ran out after forty minutes when Jordan Smallwood raced onto a through ball from Scott Vallance, this time finishing neatly with a shot at the near post. At last, and long overdue Brinklow had the lead they so deserved. Just a minute later, Roger Lunt set up the lively Jordan who this time smacked his shot against the post. Brinklow scored again right on the stroke of half-time when again Jordan, who was causing all sorts of trouble for the Crick left back, managed to break clear and score his and Brinklow’s second with a low drive under the keeper doing the damage.

The second half saw Brinklow start where they left off. With some good approach work, the only surprise was that it took until the fifty-seventh minute for Matt James to curl a shot around the keeper for 3-0. Ten minutes later Brinklow scored goal number four, with Lee Huddlestone making a fine tackle in the midfield, he found Matt James who in turn set up Tom Pye-ford for a tap in goal. Goal number five was not long coming for the lads as once aging Matt James and Jordan Smallwood carved open the Crick defence. Matt put in a stinging shot that the keep could only palm away into the path of Tom who pounced on the loose ball to make the score 5-0. With twenty minutes to go it really did seem just a matter of how many goals the lads could notch up, they certainly should have gone on to score more. Fortune today smiled on Crick as the keeper made save after save, and also survived a number of close shaves as Roger Lunt hit the post twice and also had a shot cleared of the line, and Jordan should of scored his hat-trick when clean through his shot was just too near to the keeper who scrambled the save. Try as they might Brinklow just couldn’t add to their tally and the game ended 5-0 and job done, through to the semi-finals. Importantly today, Brinklow played some very good football today with a big improvement on their passing of the last game and it showed, as the lads were just too good for Crick on the day.

Brinklow’s Man-of-the-match goes to a forward today. Jordan Smallwood takes the vote, tearing the Crick defence apart repeatedly, especially in the first half when Crick had no answer to him.

Mention also has top go to the whole Brinklow defence who never gave Crick a worthwhile shot on goal in the whole ninety minutes, giving our more creative attacking players a solid base to go on and do their stuff. It was an all round excellent team performance.

Regards
Bob Kearney

25th Jan 2012

Thankyou Letter From Warwickshire Air Ambulance
Following on from the tremendous support for The “Bikeathon 1000” In August 2011 we have received the following thank you letter from Warwickshire Air Ambulance

HERE

9th Jan 2012

Sporting Club (GNP) 0 Brinklow Reserves 1
With the Christmas and New Year festivities out of the way, Brinklow Reserves returned to action with a tough game away at Sporting Club (GNP). This match being the first of a number of tough games in January against our main rivals for the promotion places. Once these games are played we will have an idea of Brinklow’s league position for the season, so to say these three points today were always going to be vital is an understatement. Sporting Club are always going to be a tough nut to crack as they make life difficult and you really have to compete for the full ninety minutes to get any kind of result. Today Brinklow did just that, they were by no means anywhere near their best but they put in a determined and battling display that earned them the win from a game that had a draw written all over it. It was a hard game with some end-to-end football, but both sides cancelled each other out on the day, and the goal scoring chances were very much at a premium.

The team took a while to settle with both sides vying for the upper hand and really it was no surprise that there were fifteen minutes on the clock before the first real effort on goal arrived with Mike Edwards flashing a shot well wide of the target, but it was still an opening in the Sporting defence. Roger Lunt, just five minutes later, tried a shot from just outside the box, but although on target it was an easy save for the keeper. Sporting Club got their first real break after twenty-three minutes when they broke away on the counter-attack but a superb challenge by Shaun ‘Iceman’ Tiernan kept the score level. Brinklow had a great chance to go ahead when the ball fell to Ricky Bains who forced a good save from the keeper, who parried the ball away for a corner but the two Sporting centre-halves were then able to clear the danger as they had most of the half. Although Brinklow did push forward looking for the goal they were vulnerable to the Sporting counter attack. Fortune smiled on the lads with five minutes of the half left, as a breakaway down the wing saw Sporting fizz the ball in across goal only to see it bounce back off the far post before Brinklow managed to clear the danger. The last real chance of the half came from Brinklow, with Ricky Bains latching onto a Dan Mallinson clearance, Ricky’s pass set up Gregg ‘Eggy’ Linton who only had to slot the ball home, but was stopped by an excellent last ditch tackle from a Sporting defender. The half ended all square with Sporting Club just about shading the play.

The second half definitely saw an improvement in the Brinklow performance and it was the lads who started to get themselves more into the match as they started to push Sporting back. An early effort for Mike Edwards was blocked as the ball headed towards goal and a couple of half chances went begging before the chances started to dry up again as both defences held firm. Brinklow did get a let off with Sporting putting the ball in the back of the net but it was given offside and the Brinklow lads quickly pushed the ball up field and their efforts resulted in working a good opening for Eggy who was presented with a clear shot on goal. Unfortunately, under pressure the shot was sliced just wide when maybe Brinklow should have taken the lead. Dan Mallinson in the Brinklow goal hadn’t had a great deal to do during the game but with seventy-nine minutes gone he was forced into a brilliant save from a point blank shot, the ball fell to Shaun Tiernan who cleared the danger from the advancing striker.

With the game nearing the end, and despite some tiring legs on a heavy pitch, both sides were clearly trying to win the game, knowing how important these points would be in the league. Gaps now started to appear in the Sporting defence as they pushed forward, and Eggy found himself one-on-one with the keeper, who just managed to win the race and smother the ball as Eggy went to take the shot. The breakthrough came eventually after eighty-seven minutes with Lee Huddlestone winning the ball in the midfield. Lee found Luke Roper running through, who in turn put super sub Jordan Smallwood clean through on goal. It was a lovely cool finish from Jordan, his shot giving the advancing keeper no chance. The celebrations from the Brinklow lads said it all; this could be the crucial goal in Brinklow’s season. The excitement was not quite over though as just a minute after the restart Brinklow were awarded a penalty after Lee went down in the box. Scott Vallance stepped up to take the penalty only to see the keeper make the save, but fortunately it didn’t matter as the whistle blew shortly after. It gave the Reserves a vital 1-0 win from a match that really looked like a draw for quite a while. On the day, the lads played with grit and determination, and Brinklow kept their concentration and composure better and for longer than Sporting Club in a game that worked out fairly evenly over the two halves in a scrappy game.

Brinklow’s Man-of-the-match today goes Shaun ‘Ice-man’ Tiernan who was a tower of strength at the back, constantly talking to his defence and a massive positive influence on the team.

Regards
Bob Kearney

20th Dec 2011

Brinklow Reserves 1 Folly Lane Reserves 2 (Stockton Charity Cup Rd 1)
Cup time once again for the Reserves, this time against strong opposition Folly Lane Reserves who play their football in division two and who are currently pushing for promotion as well. The lads were expecting a tough match, and it certainly was but Brinklow matched everything that Folly Lane did, and at times played the better football in the process. It must be said, that this was probably, given the level of opposition, the best game that the Reserves have been involved with this season. Both sides giving everything, it was an excellent match played in the right spirit with some great football, you could say a typical cup match. When you look at a performance like this, it shows how far the Reserves have come, as they were winning this match right up until the eightieth minute and looking like they might just hold onto their slender lead. In the end, though, a combination of tiring legs and a dubious refereeing decision, finally got Folly Lane back on level terms before they got the winner minutes from time.

Brinklow started this match much better than Folly Lane, as they were quick to the ball, and their slick passing caused problems for Folly Lane for most of the first half. In the process, they created a number of good goal scoring opportunities that unfortunately the lads did not take, although to be fair the Folly lane keeper made a succession of quality saves to keep his side in the match. Gregg ‘Eggy’ Linton started Brinklow’s string of chances after just three minutes with a shot that only just passed the far post. This serves as a warning, and just a few minutes later ‘Eggy’ once again broke clear only to see the keeper make a good save. On the fifteen minute, mark ‘Eggy’ once again had the Folly Lane defence pedalling backwards and his shot once again forced another good save out of the keeper. Five minutes later Brinklow really should have taken the lead, a Mike Edwards pass finding Eggy who with most of an open goal at his mercy, put the shot too close to the keeper who scrambled over and got his fingertips to the ball, it was a real let-off for Folly Lane. With Brinklow unable to find that final ball, Folly Lane began to get in the game more and Dan Mallinson had to make a couple of good saves from Folly Lane moves. Various half-chances fell to both teams before finally the deadlock was broken after 43 minutes, Brinklow got their overdue goal, when the ever dangerous Eggy scored with a run that took out two defenders before cooling slotting the ball home. It was no more than the lads deserved for a really good half.

The second half saw Folly Lane gaining in stature all the time, whilst Brinklow still looked more than capable of adding to their tally, and it added up to a game full of end to end football with both sides failing to hit the net when maybe they should have. After fifty five minutes, Dan Mallinson pulled off a brilliant one-handed save to turn the ball around the post, and a few minutes later made another top save with a finger-tip touch over the bar to keep Brinklow’s slender lead in place. Whilst at the other end of the pitch, Eggy had a chance parried away and Scott Vallance had a chip shot scrape just over the bar with the keeper well beaten. The eighty-fourth minute finally saw Folly lane get the equaliser they deserved as they were finishing much the stronger, but it came with a large slice of luck as Shaun Tiernan was pushed over in the challenge leading up to the goal, it was a clear foul but not given. There was still time to get a winner though before the possibility of extra time and Brinklow should have retaken the lead when Liam Cawley set up Eggy whose shot went straight at the keeper, when anywhere else would have been a certain goal. The winning goal came three minutes from the end when a Folly lane forward nipped in between the Brinklow defence to score. It was so cruel on the lads after such a sterling display, but you do need to take your chances when they fall your way as on the day, that was the real distinction between the two sides as Brinklow made light work of the three divisions’ difference. The Folly Lane players knew they had been in a match and had certainly had to work hard for their win.

On this performance, I cannot praise the Brinklow Reserve team high enough, they played superbly today and with a little more luck may have well claimed a major scalp.

Brinklow’s man of the match vote today had loads of contenders, and when this happens the winner is fully deserved of the award, but it has to go to Dan Mallinson in the Brinklow goal, for a string of excellent saves at vital times. His counterpart in goal for Folly Lane also made a large number of vital saves and both keepers can be well pleased with their performances today.

Brinklow Reserves 8 Bourton & Frankton Reserves 2
As Christmas time approaches, Brinklow Reserves headed towards the break with a home tie against Bourton & Frankton Reserves hoping to end the year on a high and to keep pushing themselves nearer their target of promotion. They did eventually get the required three points, but on a very heavy pitch that caused a lot of problems Brinklow’s normal flowing football struggled to have much impact against a spirited Bourton side that battled well for the first hour or so. Bourton played quite well on the counter-attack, really giving it a go and at one point, they found themselves leading 2-1 against the run of play. This season though, the Reserves have found the ability to overpower their opponents with a never give up attitude, and today was one of those games. Brinklow eventually began to turn on the style in the final thirty minutes to deservedly take the points with an attacking display of football that should have seen them score well into double figures. Even though it wasn’t a vintage Brinklow performance, the lads found the will to go on and win the game after going behind, and had far too much for Bourton on the day.

Brinklow started the game well as they quickly went in search of an early goal. They didn’t have to wait long, only seven minutes in fact, when a Luke Roper cross was headed home by Tom Pye-Ford. The Reserves don’t score that many headers but this was a lovely looping header giving the keeper no chance. It was just the start the lads were looking for, and was the beginning of a good spell of attacking football by the Reserves hoping to build on a strong start. A number of good chances fell Brinklow’s way with Gregg ‘Eggy’ Linton, Tom Pye-Ford and Mike Edwards all having the opportunity to extend the lead, but some good goal keeping by Bourton saved them from going further behind. Bourton really had created very little up front, but with twenty minutes gone, they managed to get an equaliser after a goalmouth scramble. It was against the run of play but the lads were made to pay the price for some sloppy defending. Tom Pye-Ford should have restored Brinklow’s lead pretty much straight away when he found himself clear, only to see the keeper make a good save. Despite Brinklow still creating a number of good chances, the next ten minutes saw Bourton improve steadily and make life difficult at times for Brinklow with their counter-attacks causing some unnecessary panic in the defence and loss of shape in the team. Chances-wise, the better ones were all still falling for Brinklow, and both Liam Cawley and Scott Vallance had shots that had the keeper beaten but both went just over the bar instead. The half ended with the score 1-1 and all to play for.

The second half started badly for Brinklow when, with only three minutes after the restart Bourton took the lead. The Bourton striker allowed to run at the defence put a shot straight at Dan Mallinson who made a great stop but could only parry the ball away into the path of the striker to slide the ball home. Bourton’s lead lasted only two minutes as Jack Cunningham on a rare foray forward, got Brinklow level scoring his debut goal for the Seniors with a close range shot. At this point, the game was quite tight between the two sides, until Brinklow regained the lead after sixty-three minutes with a scrappy but vital goal from the captain, Scott Vallance. It was the start of a complete change in the game and Brinklow began to push forward and take control of the match. The score soon became 4.2 when Brinklow were awarded a penalty after Eggy was felled in the box; Tom Pye-Ford stepped up and calmly converted the spot kick. With the mood in the team now lifted, they really started to push forward at every opportunity and just two minutes later Tom completed his hat trick squeezing the ball home across the goal from a tight angle. It was really starting to feel a matter of how many goals Brinklow could score before the final whistle, as chance after chance bombarded the Bourton goal. With seventy-seven minutes gone Tom tapped home his fourth, and Brinklow’s sixth as the team surged forward looking to improve their goal difference in the league. Soon after, Liam Cawley showed a real touch of class as with a neat turn and lovely (‘Messi’) chip over the keeper he made the score 7.2. The final goal, to make it 8.2 came from Ricky Bains, who also scored his debut goal for the club today, following good work form Liam and Eggy. Jack Cunningham tried his best to increase the scoreline with a twenty-yard shot hitting the post after eighty-five minutes, Tom and Eggy both also firing in shots that were either blocked or just over the bar. With time almost up, Brinklow should have got goal number nine, but somehow Eggy managed to miss an open goal and lift the ball over the bar from less than a yard out (doing a ‘Justin’ as the lads called it). In the end today, Brinklow ran out comfortable winners but at times they really and to dig deep with a patchy performance on a difficult pitch and a Bourton side that didn’t want to lie down. This result really caps a great season to date for the Reserves ending 2011 on a real high, and although we have won nothing yet, it bodes well for the remainder of the season if we keep working hard as a team.

Brinklow’s Man-of-the-match today goes to Tom Pye-Ford who contributed to the game with a four goal haul, that could have been more, but also today you could not under-estimate the contribution that Scott Vallance gives to the team; an unsung hero who was always in the thick of things.

It just leaves me to wish all the players and their families a very Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year. See you all in January.

Regards
Bob Kearney

15th Dec 2011

It only seems such a short time ago that I was having a chat with Huddy about taking the senior section to Saturday football. At that time I was chairman of the club and Huddy convinced me that joining the Coventry Alliance would build on the previous success and put us firmly on the map as a club to be taken seriously. Well we have certainly had some ups and downs on the way, but we now have a senior section that everyone connected with the club can be proud of. In the last 5 years the club has made massive progress and is the talk of the town in the Coventry Alliance League. We have 2 very talented squads with youth on their side, both more than capable of promotion and trophies this season. It is fantastic to see the teams doing so well, and I urge the junior players to come and see what their future holds here at Brinklow FC. In addition, having created a dedicated team to look after things behind the scenes, we have now started to organise fund raising and social events for the club including a 1000 mile Bikeathon, Half Term Soccer Camp, and most recently a Race Night, all of which have been very successful, not just in financial terms but also bringing the club together on a social level. Thanks to everyone who has supported these events. I am pleased to say that we are currently well on track to achieve our 3 year plan objectives for both teams, and for our financial development. Both teams have been strengthened with a few new players this season, and our backroom team is also taking shape with Wiff joining us this season. So despite those inevitable ups and downs of the early days it is an honour and a pleasure to be working with such a great bunch of players and officials. To sign off I want to congratulate both teams on such a fantastic start to the season – keep it up lads !

As ever - Proud to be Brinklow FC........

Tony Glasscoe
Vice Chairman (Seniors)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well here we are a third of the way through the season and sitting in a very nice position indeed. As you can see we are sitting in the “box” seat in the league and are through to the ¼ final stages of The Telegraph Challenge Cup where we meet the winners of Alvis or Southam, (Final at the Ricoh Arena) , the final of The Bedworth Nursing Cup (we are the current holders of this cup), and are also in the ¼ final of the Foleshill charity cup. I’d like to welcome Ryan Byrne and Martin Smith to the management team who both bring an abundance of footballing knowledge to the management team.

I now have the great pleasure of introducing the 1st team squad for season 2011-2012 to the rest of the club.

Dale Huddlestone (Goal keeper) Class keeper who has made several top class saves at very important times when the games could have gone either way.

James A’Barrow (Right Back, Captain) Steady and calming influence to the young players around him.

Rob Wallace (Left Back) Fittest player in the squad, with a willingness to win at all levels.

Luke Walker (Sweeper) Top class, no panic attitude that covers our defence and makes the game look very easy.

Marc Woodward (Centre Half) Man mountain! Is a match for any semi-pro centre forward. Never loses a header.

Martin Bunning (Centre Half, Vice captain) “Rooney” is calm, reliable, reads the game superbly, and chips in with fair share of goals.

Jamie Huddlestone (Centre Half) Utility player who can play anywhere across the back line, has missed much of the season due to University.

Ashley Marks (Centre Mid) Excellent work rate, never stops running to cover defence and also chips in with many important goals.

Dave Sinclair (Centre Mid) Skilful and determined, puts foot on ball and plays simple 5 yard balls to work the ball through the middle of the park.

Ryan Byrne (Centre Mid, Assistant Manager) Play maker, skilful, strong, and always in the thick of the action. Has scored some unbelievable free kicks this season.

Tommy Glasscoe (Attacking Mid) Technically excellent, has grown in strength and stamina over the past couple of years.

Andy Gordon (Attacking Mid) Flare player, makes things happen in and around the box, links play from midfield to attack, dangerous.

Justin Neal (Winger) Skilful, deceptively quick, twists defenders inside out, has made and scored more than his fair share of goals this season.

Dale Linton (Winger) “Dilly” Pace in abundance, gets to the bye line and whips some excellent crosses in to the danger area, or ghosts in to round the keeper.

Ian Judd (Winger) Fast, gutsy player with never say die attitude, versatile and can play absolutely anywhere on the pitch, massive asset.

Danny Nelson (Forward) Strong as an ox, skilful, holds the ball up well to link with midfielders, scores goals for fun, top scorer this season

All the very best for the rest of the season to all Brinklow Football Club players, officials, relatives, and supporters. Have a great Christmas and a happy New year.

Paul Huddlestone
Seniors Team Manager

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Brinklow Reserves have had an excellent start to the new season ,winning 6, drawing 2 and losing only once in the Alliance Division 5. It really does seem a thing of the past that we were the team that could be beaten by lots of goals. I feel this change is due to mainly to the great attitude within the team now, which is 100% improvement on the past couple of seasons. The big influx of new players within the team have also brought a far more professional and positive approach to the game with them. A number of them are from this season’s current Youth team set-up; namely Jack Cunningham, Luke Roper, Josh Stothard and Liam Cawley. They are all good players and certainly do not look out of place in the Senior League, and with players like this coming through it can only benefit Brinklow as a club. Together with the other new lads who have joined us, the Reserves are all the more stronger for it.

Behind the scenes, a lot of hard work goes on getting matches on every week, and with us moving to Barr lane from Wolston Leisure Centre last season it becomes a real team effort. With Dan Mallinson taking care of our pre-match warm up, a vital role that allows me to organise elsewhere, it adds up to a smoothly run team which is ticking along nicely and steadily improving. The level of football is also of a better quality throughout the side with the lads benefitting from well run training sessions and playing along side the First team players on a regular basis. This helps get everybody playing the same style of football, which allows the Reserve players to step up and help the First team fairly easily when required.

At the moment, the Reserves are sitting in 3rd place in the league with two games in hand. We were on top for quite a while but with cup games where we have managed to reach two quarter finals, we have dropped slightly. With the games in hand, if we can get a couple of good wins we can regain the top spot.

There have been some notable games this season so far with vital wins away at Cov Colliery and Bourton & Frankton, 1-4 and 0-5 respectively. However, at home the results have been even better with good wins over Khalsa 3-1, Realise 4-0, Cov Colliery 4-2 and Sporting Club 3-1. We do have a draw to our name against Bermuda, but considering they brought along a number of their first team players I consider this to be just about our best performance to date taking into account our opponents play in Division two. We have progressed to the Major-Boyd Carpenter quarterfinals after a good win against Division four side Rugby FC 4-1 with a hat-trick from Tom Pye-Ford doing the damage. Really, I cannot say enough about the way the lads have been so far, a real credit to the club with their football and their attitude, and hopefully it will continue for the rest of the season. If it does, who knows what the Reserves can achieve. Well done!

Regards
Bob Kearney

-------------------------------------------------------------

As an old school Brinklow Bloke with a passion to get back involved with the the senior section, I did not hesitate when asked to come on-board and help Huddy and Ryan with the First Team, Who are without doubt the most talented group of lads we have seen pull on the Brinklow jersey, Starting the season in Alliance One I and many more Brinklow regulars were a little concerned about the squads age and expierience in such a competitive league, How wrong was I. The lads Have gone on from strength to strength in the last couple of months and god help anyone when they all actually realise how good a team they are. Racing Club Warwick away in the Telegraph cup was most definetly Brinklows biggest "ever" game and the lads should be proud of that performance. One thing is for certain as the games come thick and fast any upcoming opponent will be more worried about playing Brinklow than we will about playing them. If anybody with young lads wanting to learn the game or even if you are at a loose end on a Saturday afternoon I strongly recommend a trip to fortress Barr Lane. Keep up the good work lads and who knows with a little luck we might just finish the season with a much deserved trip to the Ricoh. All the best boys.

Martin Smith
Management Team

----------------------------------------------------

From a coaches perspective both senior teams have demonstrated high technical ability in training and in matches. With the clubs natural playing philosphy established players have a clear picture of how to play when they are selected for first team or reserve team duties and this is continuously spreading downwards through the youth and junior set up which can only be positive from the clubs perspective. Reflecting on the season so far, the first team have enjoyed dominant ball possession in every game, players have demonstrated that they are comfortable with passing the ball on the floor from the defensive third to the attacking third, with slick, sharp rotational movements and options all around the pitch. The depth of quality in the squad is a major factor in the progress of the team this season. We have welcomed established semi-pro players into the squad and added to the regulars from the past 5/6 seasons the squad has a youthful and energetic feel to it and with experienced players offering support and guidance. The squad is in a position to challenge and compete on all domestic fronts this season. it is important the players continue to absorb the winning mentality in the team, and focus on games one at a time, set short term goals and always strive to improve individually and collectively. the team spirit in the camp is fantastic and we should continue to train hard, continue to absorb tactical information, and keep themselves in peak condition as the biggest tests will come after the xmas period.

Ryan Byrne
Seniors Coach

------------------------------------------------------------------

Brooklands/Jaguar 3 Brinklow 3 - Dominant performance but wasted chances cost Brinklow 3 points with a last minute equaliser. MOM – Dilly Linton DOD – Danny Nelson

Brinklow 5 Dunlop 1 - Learnt from previous mistakes and took chances well. Great team performance.
MOM – Justin Neal DOD – Ash Marks

Shilton 1 Brinklow 5 - First away game and a totally dominant performance. Great team inter-play and lots of chances created. MOM – Luke Walker DOD – Justin Neal

Alvis 0 Brinklow 5 - Difficult first half against a well organised defence but managed to pinch a goal. Second half 1 way traffic with great wing play destroying the home team. MOM – Ash Marks DOD – Ryan Byrne

Justin Neal on the ball

Brinklow 6 Coventry Colliery 0 - First vs Second in league and Brinklow started like a train scoring 3 in the first 15 minutes. Game continued in similar fashion with great determination and quality on the ball. MOM – Danny Nelson DOD – Ash Marks

Brinklow 2 Bedworth Ex Service Res 0 - Difficult game against a determined lower division team. Got in Brinklows face from the off but quality came through in the end with 2 great headers and world class goalkeeping. MOM – Dale Huddlestone DOD – Ryan Byrne

Brinklow 7 Fillongley 1 - Another tough cup game and Brinklow more than stepped up to the plate, putting 7 past a team tipped to challange for the title in the same league. Again great wing play proving more than the opposition could cope with. MOM – Justin Neal DOD – Dale Huddlestone

Brinklow 5 Whitnash 3 - VERY bad start going 3-0 down inside the first half hour but Brinklows never say die attitude was well and truly proven. Real character and belief shone through the whole team and the comeback was complete. MOM – Ian Judd DOD – Ian Judd

Racing Club Warwick 1 Brinklow 2 - David vs Goliath as Brinklow met a team several leagues higher and doing well. The game started with Brinklow pressing well but turned when a mix up at the back let the home team go into a 1-0 lead. Brinklow continued to battle well and was rewarded when a well worked free-kick flew in just before half time. Second half was backs to the wall for Brinklow but great determination and fitness gave Brinklow a late chance which was well taken and well deserved over the 90 minutes. Great squad commitment and performance.
MOM – Mark Woodward DOD – Justin Neal

Danny Nelson & Mark Woodward challenge the Potters Green goal

Brinklow 3 Brooklands/Jaguar 0 - Brinklow learnt from there mistakes in the return fixture and shut up shop, meaning 3 well worked goals collected all 3 points. MOM – Ash Marks DOD – Ian Judd

Brinklow 4 Bulkington S.S. 0 - Another cup game against higher league opposition, another scalp for Brinklow. Again great team play and clean sheet earning Brinklow a semi-final place. MOM – Danny Nelson DOD – Ryan Byrne

Brinklow 2 Hartshill 1 - Last 2 teams in all 6 divisions with unbeaten records clashed in this repeat of a previous cup final. Both teams very competitive attitude showed from the off and 3 injuries almost proved costly for Brinklow. However a moment of class won the game in extra time for the home side and left Brinklow the only unbeaten team (League & Cup) in the Coventry Alliance. MOM – Ryan Byrne DOD – Luke Walker

Match Reviews from
Ash Marks
Brinklow 1st Team

6th Dec 2011

Bermuda Reserves 0 Brinklow Reserves 8
You could say that the Reserves season really got back on track today after this excellent win at Bermuda. It really was a quality performance from a determined bunch of players who, on the day gave a good display of passing football that Bermuda just could not cope with. Virtually the whole ninety minutes belonged to Brinklow, with Danny Bell in the Brinklow goal a spectator for long periods of the game. He occasionally had to deal with the odd Bermuda break, but it was not very often, as the lads in front of him did their jobs well. In truth, the score line (which incidentally should have been far bigger) has been coming for a while, the lads finding their shooting boots and actually finishing off some of the many openings they create during most of their games. They certainly clicked today, leaving a well-beaten Bermuda side at the end of the game.

Normally, games between Brinklow and Bermuda are fairly tight encounters with little between the two teams. Today though, Brinklow got off to a flyer, pressing the home side right from the first whistle and really it was only for the Bermuda keeper making three very good saves early on that kept his side in the match, Matt James being denied on two occasions and Gregg ‘Eggy’ Linton with the other chance. The only surprise in this match was that it took until the 24th minute for the Bermuda keeper’s luck to run out and Brinklow to score their opening goal, with Gregg ‘Eggy’ Linton firing home a low hard drive after a good run in from the wing. Just two minutes later Brinklow made it 2-0 with a carbon copy of the first goal, again ‘Eggy’ the scorer, and he could have had his hat-trick just four minutes later when he ran free again, this time though the shot went narrowly wide. Brinklow did score their inevitable third goal when Luke Roper skipped past a couple of challenges and managed to tuck the ball nicely away past the oncoming keeper, Luke joining ‘Eggy’ on the score sheet, with both players today scoring their debut goals for the team. The half ended with a deserved 3-0 lead and a reward for a good all round team effort that saw the lads playing some really nice football.

The second half if anything was even more to Brinklow’s liking and after only three minutes into the half Matt James scored goal number four, following a slip by the Bermuda keeper, the ball fell kindly to Matt who turned and finished well. At 4-0 to Brinklow the game was effectively over as a contest and it just seemed to be a case of how many goals the lads would go on to score. With fifty five minutes gone, Matt James scored goal number five when his free kick sailed in over the keeper and into the net. It was a little fortunate, as it seemed more of a cross albeit a very good one! Bermuda should have pulled a goal back after seventy eight minutes when a rare sight of the Brinklow goal ended up with them hitting the far post from a free kick on the edge of the box, this probably summed up their day. The final ten minutes of the match saw Brinklow make the score line much bigger as the substitutions settled into the match. When Liam Cawley’s free kick was headed home by Jordan Smallwood for 6-0, it seemed to really kick-start the hunt for goals again. The final few minutes of the match saw Brinklow finish off their scoring first with a lovely 25 yard drive from Luke Roper into the top corner, probably the best of the goals of the day, soon followed by Liam Cawley setting up ‘Eggy’ to complete his hat-trick. It was another great move from the lads, with a finish that was past the keeper before he had the chance to move, making the score 8-0. In all, this was an excellent performance from Brinklow today and really, this result could have been far greater, but that is a minor gripe on what was an excellent team performance and a great win.

Brinklow’s man of the match vote today was again difficult with a lot of strong performances and contenders but with a hat-trick to his name, Gregg ‘Eggy’ Linton takes the accolade with a fine performance. He constantly caused problems up front, at times with three or four defenders all trying to stop him.

Regards
Bob Kearney

28th Nov 2011

The Bell (AEI) Rugby Reserves 3 Brinklow Reserves 0 (Major Boyd Carpenter Cup Rd 3)
Well I suppose every team has to have days like this at some point in the season in what turned out to be a game to forget and quickly! It is a shame as all the players were eagerly awaiting this cup clash with local rivals AEI, and with Brinklow Reserves ability to play well against higher opposition a giant killing always felt like a real possibility. Maybe a combination of things but on the day the game never quite lived up to expectations and it turned out to be a step too far for the lads as AEI did enough to progress through to the semi-finals of the cup. Having said that, Brinklow did have a number of very good scoring chances during the game and had some of these found the net this result may well have been different. When this is taken into account, along with a number of very good personal performances especially from the defence there are still positives from the game and the day wasn’t all bad. The real damage today was done with a couple of slips in discipline in the Brinklow ranks, which ended any chance the lads had today.

The first half saw Brinklow start rather slowly and AEI took advantage of this getting on the front foot, they were first to the ball and winning the 50/50 balls. It left the Brinklow defence with some defending to do which they did fairly well. One free kick from AEI did smack against the post after nine minutes to serve as a warning, which they heeded and otherwise coped. With Brinklow unable to really get hold of the ball, you did get the feeling that AEI may well get the opening goal, and so it proved on the 19 minute mark when a free kick wasn’t dealt with and it left a simple tap in for AEI at the far post. AEI didn’t capitalise on this and Brinklow slowly pulled themselves back into the game, making it a fairly even match. Neither team was creating much in front of goal as both defences did their bit. Brinklow should have equalised after 32 minutes, with Matt James setting up Roger Lunt who turned his marker and let loose a thumping shot that bounced off the AEI crossbar. This was pretty much the only goal mouth action of the half, and when the referee blew for the break Brinklow could probably have no complaints at being behind but at 1.0 there was all still to play for.

The second half saw Brinklow come out with a lot more purpose and within the first minute of the restart, Matt James and Tom Pye-Ford had managed to work an opening for Roger Lunt to shoot just over the bar. They had a warning of AEI’s intent soon after when a shot was cleared off the line by Matt Walker but they still tried to push forward looking for an equaliser. With sixty minutes gone AEI took complete charge of the game when they scored their second; an excellent goal line clearance by Jack Cunningham rebounded into the path of then AEI striker who blasted home. An incident soon after this gave Brinklow a mountain to climb when they had two players sent off and with them went any real chance of a come back. The remaining Brinklow lads all have to be commended as they still tried to play football and did so well. On the 71 minute mark they should have pulled a goal back, with Tom Pye-Ford putting in a cross for Gregg ‘Eggy’ Linton to fire home into an empty net, but somehow the chance was wasted as the ball hit the side netting, and you know when these things happen it is just not your day! Towards the end Tom could have scored a consolation goal but again poor finishing meant the chance was gone. AEI scored a third just before the final whistle, but the game was over as a contest a while before hand.

On the day AEI did enough to deservedly win the game, leaving Brinklow kicking themselves for their missed chances, but in the end it was division three versus division five and at times it showed. However like I said earlier it was not all bad today as a number of lads worked hard and showed a lot of promise; Stuart McQuillan, Matt Walker, Luke Roper , and Jack Cunningham all playing very well indeed and today’s Man of the match comes from these lads.

Brinklow’s man of the match today was split between the lads mentioned, just shading the decision would be Matt Walker, but it was a close call.

Regards
Bob Kearney

21st Nov 2011

Fillongley Reserves 2 Brinklow Reserves 2
It was another away trip today for the Reserves, this time visiting Fillongley, in a match, which always turns out to be a good game, and today was no exception. It was an enjoyable game to watch if not somewhat frustrating from a Brinklow point of view as the lads missed so many chances in front of goal. Some of the football by the Reserves today equals anything the lads have played so far all season, especially the first thirty minutes when Fillongley frankly were not in the game. Fillongley to their credit today defended admirably and maybe feel they did enough to hold onto a win, but Brinklow kept playing for the full 90 minutes and got their reward for all the hard work, which they thoroughly deserved. Brinklow played some great pass and move football you would find in a higher division and during this period they really should have been three or four nil up, but therein lies our current problem, we are playing football from division 3/4, but our finishing is from division 5. On a positive note, the lads are playing really well and creating so many chances in every game place that it will be only a matter of time before everything clicks and some one is on the end of a real thumping!

Brinklow right from the kick off found their form and within the first minute, Mike Edwards had set Richard Nelmes through on goal for a shot that the keeper parried away. With ten minutes gone, a Tom Pye-Ford corner was met by Stuart McQuillan at the back post, his header going just wide. Brinklow’s first goal really should have come when Matt James found himself clear; he chose to chip the keeper only to see the ball creep over the bar as well, when a hard and low shot would have been the better option. A few minutes later, a mix up in the Fillongley box saw Tom Pye-Ford gifted a chance, but he sliced the ball wide. It was with twenty minutes gone that you had the feeling it was one of those days when Tom and Richard Nelmes both broke clear but managed to fluff the golden opportunity as Richard slipped at the vital moment. Just a minute later Gregg ‘Eggy’ Linton very nearly put things right with a great shot that the keeper did well to push round the post. After having been in total control for thirty minutes, Brinklow pushed the self-destruct button with Dan Mallinson conceding a penalty while trying to make a save. It had been about the only real Fillongley attack of the half, and they put away comfortably the resulting penalty. The first shot at the Brinklow goal for the home side and it was 1-0. After this, Fillongley did enjoy a brief spell of pressure as Brinklow lost their way a little. Fillongley made it 2-0 five minutes later, after Brinklow didn’t clear their line, it was a soft goal and a goal that certainly gave the lads an uphill task. One of the most positive things about the Reserves this season is that even after going behind they do not give up but fight to get back in the game and today was no exception. Brinklow went straight back on the attack and almost immediately won a corner. The ball was met by Martin ‘Rooney’ Bunning whose header was blocked and cleared off the line. Just before half time Fillongley had a man sent off and with them down to ten men and Brinklow still playing for the game it gave hope for the second half.

The second half saw Fillongley put up the barricades to protect their lead and they defended very well with Brinklow trying all they could to break them down. Numerous chances fell Brinklow’s way with Tom Pye-Ford and Shane ‘Taff’ Powell trying shots from varying distances early in the half. It really took until the 67th minute for a real chance for the lads with Matt James turning provider when he set up Matt Walker for a shot that ended up in the keeper’s arms. It looked as if for all their hard work the lads were going to be unlucky but they never stopped working for each other and rightly so got the break through they deserved when they pulled a goal back after 83 minutes, Matt James sliding the ball across goal for Richard Nelmes to tap home. This signalled an all out attack from Brinklow as they pushed for the equaliser and two minutes into added time they got their reward when they scored their second goal, Matt James turning in a Jack Cunningham cross to make the score 2-2. Brinklow certainly tried for a winner and with maybe a bit longer to play may have indeed got it but the referee blew for full time to end an enjoyable match with Brinklow rescuing a point from what looked like defeat with ten minutes left. With the way the lads battled for their point today and other results elsewhere, not too much damage has been done in the league. We have games in hand and playing as we can, if we can win these we can still go back to the top of the division, things are in our own hands.

Brinklow’s man of the match vote today was split between ‘Rooney’, Jack Cunningham and ‘Taff’ who all played superbly and it is hard to pick when everyone gives 100%, today’s result was a real team effort. The casting vote however, went to Martin ‘Rooney’ Bunning who played like the class act he is – Excellent.

Cov Colliery Reserves 1 Brinklow Reserves 4
With no game last week, Brinklow Reserves were keen to get back into the action and a tough trip to Cov Colliery was just what was needed to get the lads back on their toes. It turned out to be a straightforward win for the lads who dominated throughout the match. Apart from the Colliery goal, they created very little up front to trouble Dan Mallinson in the Brinklow goal, who for long periods was a virtual spectator, with his defence in front of him doing a fine job. All this with Brinklow never finding their top form, but they had too much for the home side. In the end, a bigger margin of victory maybe should have been achieved but yet again wasteful finishing was the downfall in Brinklow’s performance. Having said that, the rest of the game saw the lads play some excellent football and the team is improving weekly despite regular changes to the squad.

The match itself saw both sides start somewhat slowly with neither settling well, Brinklow just about doing enough to create the odd chance now and then but little of note, just an odd half chance. Cov Colliery were getting nothing at all until they were awarded a free kick just outside the area after 20 minutes. The kick deflected off the wall and flew past Dan into the corner of the net giving Colliery a lead against the run of play and a goal with really their only chance so far. With twenty-three minutes gone, Brinklow should have pulled level when Roger Lunt put Tom Pye-Ford clean through but his shot was straight at the keeper. Just a few minutes later Luke Roper set Tom clear again, this time the shot was blazed over the bar, quickly followed by a good Stuart McQuillan effort blocked by a Colliery defender minutes later. The equaliser had to come with Brinklow pressing forward repeatedly. Forty minutes into the game the lads got their reward with Scott Vallance scoring a lovely curling shot from the edge of the box into the top of the net giving the keeper no chance. It was a just reward for the lads as they had responded very well after the early set back.

The second half saw Brinklow really step up a gear as they went in search of a second goal. Matt James nearly claimed it ten minutes into the half but a good save from the Colliery keeper denied him. Brinklow didn’t have to wait long for another chance when a good run into the penalty box by Luke Roper resulted in a penalty after Luke was brought down. Tom Pye-Ford stepped up and, making no mistake in putting the ball away. The score was 2-1 to Brinklow and just five minutes later it was 3-1 as recent signing Jordan Smallwood fired home his first goal for the club. With Brinklow now firmly in the driving seat, they set about adding to their tally. Richard Nelmes had a couple of shots, and Jordan went close with another shot just over the bar. With Matt James and Jamie Huddlestone also having chances Brinklow were playing some great attacking football. As the game neared the end, despite all the chances it looked like it would finish 3-1 but the lads scored their fourth goal with possibly the best move of the game. Richard Nelmes picked up the ball in the midfield and switched the ball across field to Jordan Smallwood who ran the ball into the box, with the keeper pulled out of position; he put in a perfect pass to Matt James who neatly slid the ball home.

Brinklow played some excellent football today, and it was a fully justified win for the lads giving Brinklow three useful points to keep the pressure on at the top of the division.

Brinklow’s man of the match today was Scott Vallance who gives the team so much with his experience and it showed today with a good solid midfield performance and a goal as well.

Regards
Bob Kearney

31st Oct 2011

Rugby FC 1 Brinklow Reserves 4
Brinklow Reserves today played their opening match in the Major Boyd-Carpenter Cup against Rugby F.C from the league division above them, division 4. What a good game it turned out to be, with Brinklow getting their form back at just the right time after a couple of lack lustre displays recently. Today though, the spark was back and Rugby struggled to cope with the pass and move play from the lads. Such was the dominance in the first half the game should have been over by the break as Brinklow wasted chance after chance and should have had nigh on double figures. Rugby, to be fair were at a disadvantage as they started with only ten men, but I think today such was the level the Reserves played at they would have won the tie anyway. What the lads did today was excellent, the belief and team spirit was back and it showed which was really important, and the result was a nice bonus.

The match itself saw Brinklow start very quickly from the off, asserting themselves and putting Rugby on the back foot immediately. In the process, they created so many chances, of which there are just far too many to mention, but some of the main ones are listed as follows. Greg Linton had the first clean chance after 8 minutes when he wriggled between two defenders, getting in a thumping shot that fortunately for the keeper was straight at him, anywhere else and he wouldn’t have seen it let alone save it. However, Rugby didn’t get away for long, and the next Brinklow attack came from Liam Cawley who started and finished a great move when he fired home through a crowd of players. It was a fitting goal to end a good pass and move including Lee Huddlestone and Jake Chater who worked well to set up Liam’s strike. Just four minutes later it should have been two nil when Greg Linton smacked a shot across the crossbar that bounced down onto the line and into the keepers arms.
With twenty-eight minutes gone, Brinklow created a move that included three good shots on goal from Lee Huddlestone, Liam Cawley and Tom Pye-Ford, all the efforts were saved or blocked near the line, and it seemed like the Rugby goal was leading a charmed life. The final golden opportunity of the half fell to Tom Pye-Ford who somehow managed to mess up an open goal. The only question now was would this be a costly mistake, as with the score only 0-1 the game was still up for grabs.

The second half saw no change in personnel or Brinklow’s dominance as once again, they set about Rugby, and within a minute of the restart, Scott Vallance had a shot whistle just over the bar. With forty-nine minutes gone, Liam Cawley almost claimed his second goal of the game when he bent a free kick past the keeper but just wide of the far post. The game did start to change Rugby’s way briefly when they managed to get an 11th player for the second half, and they did enjoy a bit more up front. Brinklow conceded a goal from a free kick after sixty-six minutes, when a thunderous shot went through the wall. It was 1-1 and Rugby were somehow back in the game. Rugby did now start to really push hard for the winner, and Brinklow had to work hard to stay in the match but they battled hard and held firm. Eventually they started to push Rugby back and Brinklow were ending the game much stronger, but the goal just would not come.
In the eighty-ninth minute with extra time looming, Rugby gave away a penalty after Kieran O’Connor was flattened in the box. Tom Pye-Ford stepped up and made no mistake with the spot kick to make the score 1-2 to Brinklow. There was little time for Rugby to make a comeback, and this finished the game really. There was five minutes of injury time added and Brinklow hit the net again making the score more respectable. Tom completed his hat trick in four minutes with two late strikes; one a neat lob over the keeper and the other a low shot just inside the post. It made the final score 1-4 to Brinklow and well deserved.

Apart from the winning scoreline, it was very pleasing today seeing how the lads reacted to recent setbacks, with everyone battling hard and working for each other. The defence were solid and gave the team a firm footing to get forward and get the win. Well done lads.

Brinklow’s man of the match voted a shared decision between Tom Pye-Ford, his hat trick finally deciding the tie, and Scott Vallance who was excellent in the midfield, playing a real captain’s role. In addition, worthy of mention was Liam Cawley who played very well and also scored his first goal for the Reserves.

Khalsa Leamington 2 Brinklow Res 1
Back to league action today for the Reserves with a tough trip to Khalsa Leamington who sit right below us in the league. A tight game was expected, and it proved to be just that with Khalsa battling hard all game. Brinklow themselves played fairly well on the day but a sluggish start did not help. Khalsa certainly had the better of the early exchanges however, this was very much a game of two halves and Brinklow should have at least taken a point out of the match. The side was already missing key players and the Saturday morning saw more players drop out for different reasons leaving it a problem even to field a side. With all this upheaval in the side and players out of position it was always going to be a difficult game, but in the end Khalsa were gifted three points as Brinklow paid the price for some sloppy play at times. Unusually today, a number of the lads lost their discipline and composure, which was a combination that let Khalsa benefit. It was a shame as a lot of hard work went into the game and a number of the lads did well and worked hard to try to keep the Reserves at the top of the table.

The match started fairly even as neither side created much in front of goal with both defences standing firm. With ten minutes gone, Khalsa got a break through with a somewhat fortunate goal. Dan Mallinson rushed out to make a clearance, the ball hit the Khalsa player and bounced back looping high over him goal-bound, Dan managed to get back and make a great goal line clearance only to see his hard work go to waste as the ball fell kindly to the Khalsa striker who had a simple tap in. Khalsa from this point did play the slightly better football, but they didn’t cause any real problems for Brinklow during this spell, and gradually the Brinklow lads pulled themselves back into the game. The remaining ten minutes of the half saw the lads turn things around and Richard Nelmes and Scott Vallance could have both levelled the score before half time had it not been for a couple of great saves from the Khalsa keeper.

The second half saw Brinklow come out a different side, playing with far more urgency and purpose. Within eight minutes of the re-start Brinklow got their reward, when a Tom Pye-Ford throw in found its way into a crowded box, Troy Watt reacted fastest and fired home the equaliser. Brinklow now had Khalsa on the back foot, and the lads went in search of a second goal. Josh Stothard had a half chance when he got a shot in that went just wide, followed by Tom Pye-Ford whose shot flew high over the bar. With sixty-nine minutes gone, completely against the run of play, Khalsa were awarded a penalty after a handball by Shane Powell. It was his second yellow card, unfortunately giving the referee no options, and with Brinklow down to ten men Khalsa made no mistake with the resulting penalty to put them back in the lead. It was the ten man Brinklow who were finishing strongest and they maintained the pressure right until the end. The lads did everything they could to draw level before the final whistle, notably Troy Watt who forced a couple of saves, and Liam Cawley, making his debut, who also went close with a header and a shot that whistled past the post. So the Reserves winning start to their league campaign comes to an end, with some of the lads not quite on top form today, but a slow start and the sending off helped push the points Khalsa’s way today. On a positive note, it was great to see the way the young Youth lads are integrating into the team and helping strengthen the squad and hopefully it will be back to winning ways next week.

Brinklow’s Man-of-the-match today goes to one of our current Youth team players, Jack Cunningham, who played a blinder at right back today, and on this performance looks set to be a part of the Reserves set-up on a fairly regular basis.

Regards
Bob Kearney

23rd Oct 2011

Folly Lane III 3 Brinklow Res 2
Brinklow Reserves excellent start to the season came to an abrupt halt today against Folly Lane III from Division 4, who on the day just seemed to click better as a team and this was ultimately the reason they progressed to next round of the cup. Both teams looked fairly evenly matched throughout the game and the result was in the balance right up to the 90-minute mark when Folly Lane pinched an equaliser as extra time loomed. Folly Lane may just about of deserved this but the Brinklow lads played a big part in the game and gave a decent account of themselves, really making Folly Lane work hard for the win. Brinklow had many enforced changes to the side today, with several playing out of position and a few key players missing. Had these players been available I have no doubt that the result may well have been different, but that’s football and the new lads that took their places did a good job and will be useful additions to the squad.

The match itself saw Brinklow start a little sluggish, but saying that they had a chance to open the scoring in the first minute when Joe Stratford’s shot bounced off the keeper into the path of Jake Chater whose shot was then cleared off the line. With five minutes gone Folly Lane caught Brinklow napping when they were allowed a free header at the far post that crept in to make the score 0-1. Folly Lane then enjoyed a spell of heavy pressure on Brinklow as they tried to re-organise and they could have scored again but Matt Walker and Jack Cunningham made good tackles a vital times. Things started to change with 25 minutes gone when Luke Roper got in a shot that went just over the bar, quickly followed by a Jake Chater shot that also went close. The next venture forward though Brinklow finally got their reward, with Joe Stratford pulling the keeper out of position, Tom Pye-ford picked up the lose ball and set up Jake Chater who drilled the ball home to make the score 1-1. For the remainder of the half it was Brinklow who started to play some of the good football they are capable of and had the lads managed to take a couple of their numerous chances during this spell, Folly Lane may well have lost some of their spirit, but at the break it ended all square.

The second half saw Folly Lane get themselves back into the game, but it still took until the 58th minute to create a scoring opportunity when they rattled the Brinklow crossbar. It was a let-off for the lads but they were punished soon after, with another header over the line from an unmarked Folly Lane striker. Folly Lane’s lead was short lived as Brinklow rallied again and just 2 minutes later Shane ‘Taff’ Powell equalized with a goal inside the six-yard box that went through everybody to make it 2-2 and game on again. The remaining 20 minutes did see both sides create good scoring opportunities, with both Jake Chater and Stuart McQuillan both going close for Brinklow. Unfortunately, it was Folly Lane who were finishing stronger as Brinklow’s new lads started to tire, but extra time seemed to be on the cards, when, with only three minutes left a melee in the Brinklow box resulted in a Folly Lane goal. It gave Brinklow little time to reply, they did try hard but it was too late and the game ended giving Folly Lane a place in the Benevolent Cup semi-final. It was a disappointing result, but there were promising signs from the new players, and we put it behind us and make sure we are ready for Khalsa next Saturday.

Brinklow’s man of the match went to Shane ‘Taff’ Powell, an excellent captain and leader who was always talking and encouraging his team mates, plus he scored as a bonus.

Regards
Bob Kearney

3rd Oct 2011

Brinklow 6 Cov Colliery 0
Brinklow went into the game knowing a win would put them above there opponents with a game in hand and this showed early on. The game started at a frantic pace with Brinklow getting in behind the visitors defence straight from the kick off but unfortunately not taking their chance. However, this was made amends for moments later when Justin Neal beat his man and blasted the ball past the keeper into the roof of the net. Minutes later it was 2-0 after some good wing play allowed Danny Nelson to tap in at the back post. After this flying start Brinklow continued to press and was awarded a penalty when Dilly was tripped and he got up to score the penalty himself. The game settled after this with the home team looking solid at the back and limiting the visitors to very few chances. After half time the game continued as the first had ended, until Danny Nelson scored his second and then third with well timed runs into the box. The rout was complete when a defensive mix up left Ash Marks with a 1 on 1 to make the score 6-0. Great team display and other results mean that Brinklow are now top with a game in hand.

MOM - Danny Nelson
DOD - Ash Marks

Ashley Marks

25th Sept 2011

Brinklow Reserves 3 Cov Sporting Club GNP 1
Back to league action this week for Brinklow Reserves against Sporting Club GNP, another unknown quantity, as they are new to the division having been relegated last season, and so once again the lads expected a tough match. Sporting Club duly obliged, making Brinklow work hard for these vital points that keep them top of the division. Sporting, on the day were quite lively and willing to put the work into making life difficult for Brinklow but the lads were well capable of coping with the challenge and were in charge for the majority of the game. The flowing football of recent weeks was missing at times today but even a patchy performance from Brinklow was more than enough to take the points. More importantly, this win keeps up the brilliant start to the season the Reserves have made, with 5 wins and a draw to their credit, they are putting themselves firmly in the driving seat in Division Five.

Brinklow started lively enough, gaining control early on, but they had to wait nearly ten minutes before the first real opportunity to take the lead when Ash Marks ran onto a defence splitting pass to leave a one-on-one with the keeper, the keeper got lucky though when Ash’s shot was just too close and he made the save. Just a minute later Tom Pye-Ford was guilty of wasting a good chance when his shot went into the side netting.

Numerous chances fell Brinklow’s way with Ryan Byrne, Ash Marks and Max Ziolkowski all going close before Tom Pye-Ford scored Brinklow’s long overdue opening goal. Tom fired the ball home with 28 minutes gone after finishing off a good move involving Ryan and Max. With 41 minutes gone Brinklow extended their lead, when after another good cross from Max this time set up Matt James who drilled home a left-footed drive to put Brinklow 2.0 up. The half ended shortly after, with Brinklow looking good for their lead.

The second half saw much the same as the first half with Brinklow the better of the two teams especially in front of goal. This was the case when Brinklow soon scored goal number three, Lee Huddlestone tapping home another Max Ziolkowski cross after 58 minutes. Sporting Club did pull a goal back after 64 minutes when a ball went through a crowd of players leaving Dan Mallinson in the Brinklow goal little chance of making the save. Sporting clearly boosted by this goal then had a decent spell themselves, pushing Brinklow back and making a couple of excellent chances to pull level. Lee Huddlestone blocked an almost certain goal on the line, and Dan made a fine save from the other fierce shot that looked goal-bound. As the game neared the end, Troy Watt skimmed the post for Brinklow, but despite their best efforts to increase the score, the match finished 3.1 to Brinklow. Maybe, had Brinklow converted some of their many early chances the game may have been more comfortable, but saying that the lads had too much for Sporting on the day and the winning scoreline reflects the spirit within the side currently.

Brinklow’s man of the match today went to Dan Mallinson who made a fine save late on in the match at a vital time when Sporting were enjoying a good spell. Dan handled everything well throughout the game and gave the team a solid base to win the game.

Regards
Bob Kearney

25th Sept 2011

Brinklow First Team and Reserves Both TOP OF THE LEAGUE!!
Congratuation to both the first team and Reserves who currently are both unbeaten & are both sitting
TOP OF THE LEAGUE!!

25th Sept 2011

Brinklow Reserves 4 Cov Colliery Reserves 2
Once again, another tough game was expected for the Reserves today against Cov Colliery Reserves who like Brinklow are so far unbeaten. A close match seemed likely, but with a great start to the season for the Reserves, there seems to be no reason why this should change as the lads are clearly showing a superb attitude in their games and the current team spirit is almost worth a goal start in itself. Today Brinklow were forced into a number of changes with players unavailable due to injury or work, but it didn’t matter as all the lads who pulled on the yellow and blue today played brilliantly, and the score doesn’t reflect the chances that the lads had to make the game safe before they did so late on. Cov Colliery did contribute towards making this a decent game to watch; they were always involved and were a constant threat all game, forcing Brinklow to be at their best to get the result. Over 90 minutes Brinklow fully deserved the points today against lively opponents who made them earn the win that extends Brinklow Reserves lead at the top of division 5.

Cov Colliery started the game the better of the two teams, settling straight away, whilst Brinklow seemed a little unsettled with the changes in the team. Colliery had a couple of chances early on to take the lead but Brinklow defended well and managed to keep the score level until they found a hold in the game. After about 20 minutes, the lads stepped up the pace and this had the desired effect as chances began to fall Brinklow’s way. It wasn’t long before Kieran O’Connor made Brinklow’s opener when after some good work just inside the box, he delivered a nice cross for Scott Vallance to head home from 5 yards. With 30 minutes gone Brinklow had a chance to increase their lead when they were awarded a penalty, as Elliot Lascelles was felled in the box. Tom Pye-Ford stepped up to take the shot only to see the ball strike the crossbar letting Colliery off the hook. Various chances fell to both teams after this, the Brinklow keeper Dan Mallinson pulling off a great save to keep his side in front, and Elliot having a last ditch tackle preventing him tapping the ball home. No more chances were destined for the net, and the half ended with Brinklow having their nose just in front 1-0 after a fairly even game.

The second half again saw Colliery start brighter and work an early chance, which once more brought a good save from Dan Mallinson. With 50 minutes of the game gone Brinklow did finally extend their lead when Luke Roper ran down the wing, skipped past a couple of challenges and set up Troy Watt, who fired home Brinklow’s second from just inside the box. Shortly after, Colliery were handed a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty of their own, which was duly converted. The score was 2-1 and the game back on, with Colliery lifted by this, they had a brief spell back in charge before Brinklow started to reassert themselves. Brinklow hit the post with a thunderous shot from Troy Watt before Brinklow did increase their lead when Matt James beat the keeper to tap home to make the score 3-1 and from this point onwards, Brinklow pretty much controlled the remainder of the match. Several chances went begging before Chris Ward sealed the win with Brinklow’s fourth goal, a simple tap in at the far post after the keeper had spilled a Tom Pye-Ford shot. Near the end, Colliery did score a consolation goal when a shot-cum-cross looped in over Dan’s head, somewhat lucky but the final whistle blew soon after so no real damage was done. In all it was a good solid all-round performance from the lads who on the day had a little too much for Colliery.

Brinklow’s Man-of-the-match today, could have been awarded to half the team but went to Matt Walker who was solid at the back, making life difficult for the opposing forwards.

Brinklow Reserves 2 Bermuda Reserves 2
A tough game today for the Reserves with Bermuda expected to bring along a large number of their first team who have no game. They ended Brinklow’s winning streak, but this result was still an excellent one in view of the level of many of the opponents who are currently playing football three divisions above us. I really can’t say enough about the attitude of the Reserves this season, it is a breath of fresh air to see the lads playing with such confidence and clearly relishing the challenge. Even today when the lads had to dig deep to get the result, they stuck at it and frustrated Bermuda time and time again with a never give in attitude. Bermuda clearly came today with three points in mind, they left with only one, and rightly so, although Brinklow came within ten minutes of beating them. Maybe, a draw was a fair result, but had Tom Pye-Ford not hit the woodwork a couple of times during the match, the result would have been even better.

Right from the start, it was Brinklow who settled the better of the two teams, and the lads could have taken the lead within the first couple of minutes when Richard Nelmes found himself free in the box, somehow though his shot hit the fortunate Bermuda keeper who knew very little about it. It was a let off for Bermuda but Brinklow kept at them and got their reward after 10 minutes when a Matt James corner was fumbled by the keeper giving Shane ‘Taff’ Powell a tap in goal. It was 1-0 to Brinklow but at a cost as Taff had to go off when an old injury flared up. This was a big loss to the lads losing an influential player and captain, and certainly made Brinklow’s task much harder, but to their credit the lads did not let it faze them and they got on with playing their football. With 19 minutes gone, Brinklow should have extended their lead when Tom Pye-Ford hit the crossbar with a free kick, and a Matt James chance just after.

Bermuda equalised after 23 minutes with a chance they converted, after their striker won the race with the Brinklow keeper to a loose ball in the box. It was 1-1 and to be fair after this Bermuda did step things up and for the remainder of the half, they had the upper hand. Brinklow though, did hold firm and managed to get to half time with the score level.

The second half Brinklow once again started brightly and the lads regained the lead after only 2 minutes when Richard Nelmes, with his back to goal managed to turn and fire the ball home. It was 2-1 and an upset looked on the cards, but then the defences took over and chances became scarce. The game looked to be heading Brinklow’s way, as the lads held firm and looked worthy of their lead with some fine play at times and strong defending. It was Bermuda who managed to salvage a point when, with just 10 minutes to go they headed home a corner ball to make the score 2-2. After this Bermuda may have fancied their chances to go on and win the game, but it wasn’t to be as Brinklow held out for a well-earned point. It may have even have been a fantastic fourth win if Tom’s dipping shot had gone in and not hit the cross bar with a minute to go. All in all, it was a great team performance from Brinklow against good opposition and the lads should be well pleased with themselves, as they remain unbeaten.

Brinklow’s Man-of-the-match today had a number of candidates but went to Stuart McQuillan who has started this season in very good form and his partnership today with ‘Rooney’ at the back gave Brinklow the platform to go and get this result today.

Regards
Bob Kearney

19th Sept 2011

Brooklands/Jaguar 3 Brinklow 3
MOM - Dilly Linton. DOD - Danny Nelson

Brinklow 5 Dunlop 1
MOM - Justin Neal. DOD - Ash Marks

Shilton 1 Brinklow 5
MOM - Luke Walker. DOD - Justin Neal

Alvis 0 Brinklow 5
MOM - Ash Marks. DOD - Ryan Byrne

After creating a dozen chances and only coming away with a disappointing draw in the first game of the season, Brinklow have since made amends by scoring 5 in each of their games since. Brooklands Jaguar away was a game of missed chances for Brinklow. Open goal misses, hitting the post, some good saves from their keeper and finally a calamity of events leading to a last minute equaliser from the home team. Taking the disappointment from Brooklands Jaguar, Brinklow righted a few wrongs in a midweek game against Dunlop. Fitness and work rate was on show from the off and Brinklow looked like scoring on every attack, taking chances well when it came down to it. Next up was an away fixture at unbeaten Shilton. Brinklows pace down the wings created all sorts of trouble for the home team and again good finishing saw Brinklow take all 3 points. Next on Brinklows hit list was well known Alvis who started extremely well and organised but Brinklow managed to pinch a goal late in the first half against the run of play. The second half was 1 way traffic though with Brinklow finally waking up and showing what they can do to teams when they want to. Precision passing and crossing killing the home team off and keeping Brinklows unbeaten start to the season going.

Ashley Marks

14th Sept 2011

Bourton & Frankton Reserves 0 Brinklow Reserves 5
Brinklow’s only midweek fixture saw a visit to Bourton & Frankton which is always a tricky place to go, but were lucky enough to be able to take a strong side over that sustained the great start to the season that sees the Reserves currently sitting proudly at the top of the division.

It was a game that Brinklow dominated from the start with Bourton only occasionally getting a sight of the Brinklow goal, the lads having a little too much quality on the day for the home side. Although Brinklow got the early goal they wanted, scored by Matt James with a low drive under the keeper after good work in the midfield, they still had to work hard to keep Bourton at bay. Try as Bourton might though, all the main chances were falling Brinklow’s way. With 21 minutes gone Ben Clarke found the net, only to see his effort ruled out for a foul on the keeper, it had looked a perfectly good goal but the referee deemed otherwise. It was a let-off for Bourton, but it still seemed only a matter of time before Brinklow increased their lead, and Ash Marks had a good chance to do just that but his shot went just a little to high bouncing on the top of the net.

Bourton managed to hold out until the 38th minute when Ash Marks, after some good work in midfield, turned provider and put a great ball through for Matt James who scored his and Brinklow’s second goal with the finish being very similar to the first, low under the keeper. The half ended 2.0 to Brinklow and to be honest looking comfortable for the lads.

The second half if anything saw Brinklow enjoy even more of the play. It all started when Brinklow made the game safe with goal number three, as Ben Clarke tucked the ball away after a good cross from Tom Pye-Ford. Brinklow made it four goals after 60 minutes with Tom again involved, this time setting up the chance for Ian Judd to finish. Brinklow were by now really on top of the game, and it just seemed a matter of how many they could score. With chances falling to Matt James, Dilly and Troy, Brinklow should have been out of site before they finally scored number five, with Dale Linton causing all sorts of problems running down the wings. Brinklow finished their scoring when a ball into the box from Dale fell at the feet of Simon Bullock who tapped home from 5 yards. As the match neared its end, Dale also smacked a header onto the post, when it looked a certain goal. The score remained 5.0 despite all Brinklow’s efforts, but it was a good solid performance from the lads and three well-earned points in the bag.

Brinklow’s Man-of-the-match today was awarded to Matt James whom Bourton struggled to contain especially early on, he scored two goals and really should have completed his hat trick as he certainly had the opportunities.

Brinklow Reserves 4 RealiZe FC 0
Brinklow Reserves today once again played hosts to another new to the league side RealiZe FC. The difference this time being we knew something about them, as we played them a few weeks ago in a friendly, which we lost 2.0 on the day and didn’t play very well. This time, Brinklow were ready for them and duly put in a performance that had Realize struggling to cope with the slick team play the lads achieved at times today. The first half in particular, in which this game was won, Brinklow were excellent.

The game started well for Brinklow who were on the front foot right from the whistle and on the attack from the off, the first goal wasn’t going to be long in coming. Just 7 minutes gone and a goal; crafted by two of the clubs ‘Youth’ team players who have come to start playing in Seniors football, and on this showing fully justifying their inclusion in the side. Luke Roper started the move when he managed to retrieve a lost cause ball; his cross was headed away from the keeper by Josh ‘Turbo’ Stothard, for a simple tap home by Tom Pye-Ford. It was the perfect start and allowed the lads to start playing the ball around with some real confidence. Brinklow’s next good chance came from a corner after 18 minutes, when Stuart McQuillan’s header was tipped over the bar when looking a certain goal, but it was an excellent save from their keeper. Just two minutes later though, Brinklow did increase their lead. Following a free kick, the Realize keeper could only punch clear into the path of Matt Walker who calmly slotted the ball back past him, giving Brinklow a 2.0 lead. This really saw a good spell from the lads as Realize were clearly second best and every Brinklow venture forward looked like it may increase the score. With 25 minutes gone, Brinklow scored probably their best goal of the game when Troy Watt blasted a 20-yard shot past the helpless keeper who could only watch the ball fly past him.

Credit must go to Realize as even though 3.0 down they never gave up and were always trying to create an opening in the Brinklow defence. They must have thought they had pulled a goal back when a free header in the box looked goal-bound but an excellent save from Dan Mallinson denied them.

Various chances fell Brinklow’s way for the remainder of the half, and with a little more luck Matt James, Josh Stothard and Stuart McQuillan could have all added to Brinklow’s tally, but at the interval it was 3.0 to the lads capping a good solid first half performance.

The second half, whilst still enjoyable, never quite lived up to the first, as Brinklow were happy to contain Realize. Chances though were still falling Brinklow’s way, and with 49 minutes gone, a Matt James shot across the goal, beat the keeper but also unfortunately went round the far post, whilst a Tom Pye-Ford chip over the keeper from just outside the box clipped the bar. A minute later Brinklow were let off the hook when they missed a golden opportunity for a consolation goal. Dan Mallinson didn’t quite clear the danger, and the ball ran loose to the Realize striker who shot against the crossbar with an open goal in front of him. With 75 minutes gone Brinklow completed the scoring when Matt James netted number four, his shot low under the keeper into the far corner. The remainder of the game belonged to Brinklow, and the only surprise was that the score remained at four as Lee Huddlestone, Kieran O’Connor and Chris Ward could have all made the scoreline even better.

This was another good team effort from the Reserves, building on last weeks’ opening result. We had a solid defence, a competitive midfield and some very good ‘Youth’ lads starting to integrate into the team. Well done everyone, all the hard work is really paying off.

Brinklow’s Man-of-the-match was tricky today as everyone played very well, but two players today were outstanding; Troy Watt and Shane ‘Taff’ Powell, take a bow lads, you are joint winners-both brilliant.

Brinklow Reserves 3 Khalsa Leamington FC 1
Brinklow Reserves season started for real today with their first fixture in this campaign to a team new to the league, Khalsa Leamington FC. They were somewhat of an unknown quantity but Brinklow expected a tough game and it proved to be just that as Brinklow had to be on their toes for the full 90 minutes, as Khalsa played well and they were always in the match right until the final whistle. Both sides put in decent displays with some strong challenges seeing a yellow card displayed for both sides, but the referee did his job and the game was kept under control, leaving a tight but enjoyable match. Khalsa, on this showing look like they will be a team that will be right up there near the top of the table for the majority of the season. This gives Brinklow Reserves the aim of staying above them and on this performance today, they can achieve this, as the lads just about seemed to have the edge today and looked in control throughout the match.

New faces to the team, Shane, Matt, & Troy all fitted in well today looking like they will be a major asset to the squad, whilst the remaining Reserves from last season also looked lively. Thanks also go to the lads from the first team who helped out filling in the gaps where we needed players. The game itself was a tight contest with few goal chances especially in the first half and really, when Brinklow broke away after 13 minutes, Tom Pye-Ford slotting the ball home at the far post to open the scoring, it was the first real chance of the match. This gave Brinklow a foothold in the match and they started to control the game with the only thing missing, a second goal for all of their neat play. The half ended 1.0, a slender lead but with the lads well worthy of it.

The second half if anything saw Brinklow start even better and with only three minutes of the half gone, Tommy Glasscoe made it 2.0 with a low drive into the bottom corner well out of reach of the keeper. A number of chances then went begging as Tom Pye-Ford, Dale Linton, and Matt James all made chances to extend Brinklow’s lead. The game had to wait until the 72nd minute before another goal was scored, but this time it fell to Khalsa who had battled hard and put the ball in the back of the net after a clearance fell kindly to them. It was 2.1 and Khalsa were right back in the game.

As you would expect Khalsa gave it a real go, but to no avail as Brinklow got their fully deserved vital third goal just five minutes later. Dan Mallinson’s excellent long throw out of goal put Dale Linton on a run down the length of the wing out-pacing the Khalsa fullback, before putting in a good cross for Tommy Glasscoe to seal the win as he finished off the move with the ball going in at the far post. This gave the Brinklow Reserves a nice 3.1 opening day win against a tough side that will be one of our main competitors in the league.

Brinklow’s Man-of-the-match was difficult today with a number of good individual performances from the lads who all played very well, including everyone in the back four for starters, who hardly gave Khalsa a look in on goal. The final decision though went to Tommy Glasscoe who was always lively and looked a class above plus the two goals he scored.

Regards
Bob Kearney

25th August 2011

Brinklow FC Senior Section Complete The “Bikeathon 1000” In August 2011
I would like to extend my sincere thanks and congratulations to all those who supported and took part in the recent Bikeathon event at the Raven Inn Brinklow. This was a huge challenge, and was organised entirely by the players themselves, led by Ash Marks. We received fantastic support from players, officials and the many local people who have donated generously to the cause. We expect the final amount raised to be around £1000.

As part of their pre-season training in August 2011 Brinklow FC Senior section took on the challenge of the 1000 mile sponsored Bikeathon as players and officials of the senior section rode non stop for 3 days on two static bikes provided by LA Fitness (Rugby). After more than 75 hours the riders finally completed the 1000 mile distance in split shifts of approx 40-45 minutes. The event was held at The Raven Inn Brinklow where local community members gave generously to help raise funds for Warwickshire Air Ambulance Service as well as the football club. This is the second charity donation from Brinklow FC who raised over £1500 for Leukemia Research when a team of 11 riders took part in the Rugby Bikeathon in June 2011.

The final league table:

Many thanks to everyone involved,

Tony Glasscoe
Vice Chairman (Seniors)

23rd July 2011

Brinklow FC Senior section “Bikeathon 1000”.
As part of their pre-season training in August 2011 Brinklow FC Senior section are taking on the challenge of a 1000 mile sponsored Bikeathon. This will be done by players and officials of the senior section on two static bikes courtesy of LA Fitness (Rugby) and will take around 75 hours to complete. The 1000 mile distance will be split into 100 shifts of 10 miles, with each shift taking approx 40-45 minutes at a steady pace. The event will run non stop at The Raven Inn Brinklow over the 4 days starting at 17:15 on 10th August and finishing at approx 20:15 on 13th August. This is a fund raising event to benefit local charities as well as the football club with the chosen charity on this occasion being Warwickshire Air Ambulance Service. This will be the second charity donation from Brinklow FC having already raised over £1500 for Leukemia Research when a team of 11 riders took part in the Rugby Bikeathon in June 2011.

Sponsor forms are available from Ash Marks (details below) and we are in the process of setting up a “justgiving” website for donations online.

The event will conclude on Saturday afternoon 13th August when there will be a Karaoke event in the Raven Inn, Brinklow. Visitors and supporters during the event will be most welcome.

We are also running a raffle during the course of the event so we are looking for some prize donations if anyone can help ?

Your sponsorship and support would be very welcome.

If you would like to take part or sponsor us in any way please contact Ash Marks for further information.

Ash Marks 07795 142666 EMAIL

Tony Glasscoe
Vice Chairman (Seniors)

7th July 2011

Vice Chairman (Seniors) report, Brinklow Football Club AGM, July 6th 2011
The 2010/11 season has been one of development and success for the senior section. On the pitch, where it really matters, we have worked hard and got results. Not just trophies, but also the respect of our opposition and peers. Off the pitch we have been organised and disciplined, building our plans to develop, grow, and continue building a successful setup for the future.

I will let the team managers provide the detail in respect of our football achievements, but for the record I have to say that this has been an exceptional season, and one for the entire club to be proud of. League titles and promotion do not come easy, and for the 1st team to take the Alliance 2 title by 5 clear points is outstanding. The reserve team finally found its feet this year finishing the season in a respectable 8th position, in doing so creating a greater level of commitment and interest to build on next season. The fact that both 1st and reserve teams field particularly young squads, many of whom have developed and grown up through the ranks with the club, bodes well for the future and our continued success. The youth team has provided players to both 1st and reserve teams during the season, and this must be encouraged.

It will of course remain a challenge as one integrated football club, to ensure that the senior section is an inspiration to our junior players, and I sincerely hope that the experience of seeing the seniors win the Bedworth Nursing Cup at the Oval was one that was enjoyed by everyone. What a fantastic night out for all those connected with the club.

On a personal level one of the most rewarding aspects of the season was the respect the club received from league and cup officials, which extended right back into our local community via the parish council when Christ the King officials commended our football as well as our conduct and appearance at the league presentation night.

Off the pitch, at the beginning of the season the club formally adopted a specific constitution and policy for the senior section and a small group of committee members have focused specifically on the senior section in addition to their main committee roles. Whilst it has not been easy at times we have made real progress, and notably we have achieved an improved performance on subs collection, for which I extend sincere thanks to Marie Kearney. I am also pleased to report that we have successfully recruited a number of players to work with us, bringing new ideas, energy and a sense of ownership to what goes on behind the scenes. Perhaps most importantly we have outlined a 3 year plan which sets clear objectives for the continued development of senior football, including improved player and team development, coaching methods and techniques, and the need to restructure the financing of senior football within the club. We know that positive change is necessary if we are to progress and we should remember that we are just one step from playing in Alliance Premier.

So, we still have work to do, but this years success has been a tremendous team effort and I thank Paul, Bob, Marie, Paul Wilby and Dale for all their work “behind the scenes”, with a particular mention for Bolty who worked tirelessly all season to make sure that pitches and changing rooms were in order.

To complete the seniors picture I will give a quick mention for the over 30’s who continue to meet and play every Thursday. This is really a social event rather than a football one, and all previous comments about being organised, disciplined and successful do not apply. However we do enjoy the banter nonetheless, and I thank all those who make the effort to come along.

Finally I would like to express my congratulations, respect and thanks to each and every player for their contribution and commitment to the club, it has been a great season. And on behalf of the players, thank you to those who have supported us throughout the season.

Tony Glasscoe
Vice Chairman (Seniors)