Managers Update - 19th November 2007
An away game against Woodlands and no matches for the top three teams gave us our opportunity to go TOP OF THE TABLE, which is where we want to stay. Our campaign is gathering momentum but we must not become complacent particularly as our next fixture is against Christ the King who are only 2 points behind us.

Another strong team performance all round with special thanks to Rob Wallace and Ben Clarke who made their debuts and also to Wayne Pulford whose second half performance gave us a taste of his future goal scoring potential. Man of the Match went to Dave Anderson who was resolute in defence.

Coventry Alliance Division 3 - Woodlands WMC Reserves 1: Brinklow 2
17th November 2007

Report from Paul Huddlestone:-
A bobbley and rutted pitch was never going to allow “carpet football” from either side but it was a determined Brinklow who secured the points in this scrappy affair. The visitors took the game to our hosts with opportunities being made for Ben Clarke and Mark Woodward to go through on goal, however good positioning from the Woodlands keeper prevented the opener. As the game settled down excellent defending from MOTM Dave Anderson and debutant Rob Wallace prevented the home side from reaching the Brinklow area with their midfield then having the confidence to push on for the opener. Having had several clearer cut chances, Brinklow’s half time lead came courtesy of a magnificent lob by Lee Trainer from two yards inside the opposition half leaving the keeper no chance of getting back to clear.

The introduction of prolific new signing Wayne Pulford at half time was a master stroke by Coach Martin Pulford. Wayne steadied the forward line, working back into midfield when required, helping Brinkow to work the ball down the left flank through Scott Vallance. He in turn worked well with the impressive Wallace to Centre for Pulford to back heal into the path of Clarke to slot in for the best worked goal of the game. With the Brinkow defence in no danger and Dale Huddlestone only being threatened by long ball tactics a very strange penalty decision gave the surprised home side a slim lifeline which they duly converted. A scrappy end to the game saw Brinklow dig deep all over the park to preserve the lead and deservedly go top of the league.

Report from Gordon Betts:-
We met Woodlands on a blustery day on a pitch with a pronounced slope and we went looking for another three points. An excellent first half saw plenty of opportunities for us as the home team struggled to contain our speed past their defence. All the more interesting that our first goal came not from an attacking run but from a Lee Trainer lob that sailed high over their back peddling keeper and into the net.

The home team seemed to struggle more with the blustery conditions and although they had opportunities from open play and set pieces they rarely troubled Dale Huddlestone in the Brinklow goal.

The second half gave Woodlands the benefit of the downhill slope but it was Brinklow who pressed hardest and took advantage of a drive down the left to put Ben Clarke through for his first goal in his First Team debut. A strange decision from a Woodlands corner resulted in Dale facing another penalty kick and, although his record has been magnificent this season, on this occasion he was beaten by a powerful strike. Although this gave our hosts renewed hope we took control for the remainder of the match and went home as winners and now sit on top of the table.

Brinklow 1st Team Nov 2007