Bradford secured the runners up spot in the league with a hard fought 5-3 victory over Steeple Ashton.
Bradford started tentatively, conscious of the importance of the fixture and it was perhaps this that accounted for the first goal. The advantage was short lived, acting as a wake up call and parity was established with a quite sublime long range strike from Ryan. This raised the stakes and Ashton’s reaction was swift and emphatic. The goal seemed to banish Bradford’s initial nerves and provided a focus. Bradford’s share of the possession suggested there was better to come. Cosmo’s clinical finishing meant honours were even going into the break.
Bradford were able to take the early initiative as Ashton conceded a free kick and indeed the lead when William S was brought down by a rash challenge. William stepped up to the mark and slotted the ball away from the acutest of angles. Another Stockley goal consolidated the lead. Ashton rallied and were rewarded with a goal to narrow the deficit but in truth they seemed resigned to their fate. Ashley epitomised Bradford’s spirit with a scintillating run up field and a similar tenacious inroad into Ashton’s half provided Cosmo with the clincher as Bradford finished 5-3 to the good.
8-0 Victory
he comprehensive final score belied Castle Combe’s initial dominance as the home team started with more conviction. Against the run of play Miles Charlton opened the scoring with a speculative effort from the edge of the penalty area. This was succeeded by a goal from Cosmo who was the grateful recipient of a William S through ball. This served to galvanise the visitors who slowly began to exert control on the game. The energy sapping surface meant numerous opportunities were squandered. he score remained at 2-0 going into the break.
Bradford were swift to grasp the early initiative in the second half but chances continued to offer themselves with precious few being converted, much to Combe’s relief. Three strikes from William S appeared to break their resolve. Miles was able to pick his spot for his second, further dampening the host’s spirits. Ryan rattled the posts with a thunderous shot but to no avail. A brace from Cosmo completed his hat-trick and wrapped up the victory. The clean sheet was testament to the sterling work of the defence and the growing confidence of Luke in goal.
7-2 Victory
Bradford returned to winning ways with a convincing 7-2 victory over Bromham in the Mid-Wilts Cup.
Within minutes of the kick off Bradford had raced to a 2 goal lead with strikes from William S and then Cosmo. However the score line flattered the hosts as Bromham were very competitive but failed to make the most of their chances. Bromham’s plight was further compounded when a clumsy challenge brought William S down in the box. The resultant penalty was duly converted by William. Bromham’s commitment was rewarded with a goal just before the break and serving Bradford with a timely reminded not to become too complacent.
Ryan’s strike following his elusive run down the right flank was pivotal as it provided Bradford with some breathing space, enabling them to regain their composure and impose and play with more confidence. William S’s mesmerising run was rounded off with an exquisite lob over the goalie. Bromham struggled to deal with Bradford’s pace out wide with Isaac in particularly impressive form. A perfectly weighted through ball from William S allowed Cosmo to skilfully despatch it past the goalkeeper. Bromham continued to show great character and grabbed a consolation goal. Cosmo was able to secure his hat-trick as Bradford ran out deserved victors.
