Bradford Town Youth Football Club

Bradford Cs were given an early wake up call in their intra-club clash with the Bs when they opened the scoring within seconds of the commencement. This spurred the Cs into action as Cosmo soon restored parity with William S doubling their advantage shortly afterwards. The unrelenting attacking axis of Ryan, Cosmo and William, ably assisted by their midfield marshals (Jason, Isaac, Max) provided a further 3 unanswered goals (Cosmo 2, William 1) as they convened for the break 5-1 up.

The B’s responded positively after the interval and briefly narrowed the arrears. With the Cs in such a rich vein of form and their confidence high the Bs could do little to stem the tide. Ryan (2), Cosmo (1) and William (2) were rampant in this impressive all round team performance. This is to take nothing away from the B’s commitment and determination but the C’s defence were in a defiant mood as Luke’s reflex saves alluded to. Dom, Tobias, Ashley and Archie provided the rock solid foundation for the convincing 10-2 win.

With just two games remaining Bradford C are in a commanding position to secure a second successive promotion. A win over arch rivals Malmesbury on Friday evening will put the matter beyond dispute.

Bradford C made significant advances towards winning the league by securing two emphatic victories within the space of four days over Melksham (9-3) and BTY B (10-2) respectively.

As the season nears its conclusion the fixture list has become somewhat congested with postponed matches requiring fulfilment. This necessitated a mid-week fixture against Melksham.

During the opening exchanges Melksham’s fresh legs and optimistic enthusiasm enabled them to crowd the midfield denying Bradford space. As the game elapsed and fatigue came into play the game began to open up. Bradford were the first to exploit this when William S opened the account. A decisive clearance from Tobias was fielded by William who consequently squared it to Cosmo to slot away. Sustained pressure from the Bradford forwards forced Melksham to concede an own goal to further their advantage. The back four of Ashley, Dom, Tobias, Archie and impressive cameos by Max thwarted Melksham’s attacking ambitions as Luke stood defiant between the posts. William S added another to underline Bradford’s dominance as they entered the interval 4-0 to the good.

Melksham made a spirited start to the second half, however strong clearances and cultivated midfield play from Isaac, Jason, Max and Ryan allowed Cosmo to constantly harass their defence. The relentless counter attacking inevitably paid off, with Cosmo finishing off a following move, swiftly capitalising on this with another to complete his hat-trick.

Complacency set in and some uncharacteristically lacklustre defending enabled a resurgent Melksham to breach the defence on two occasions.  A penetrating run by William from deep within his own half provided Jason with a well taken goal.  William scored another almost immediately after the restart to allay Melksham’s hopes of a comeback. However Melksham, were able to sneak a late consolation as Bradford ran out comfortable 9-3 victors.

Bradford secured a hard fought 3-2 victory over Westbury Hurricanes in this fiercely competitive league encounter.

Westbury were a completely different animal to the one they comprehensively routed earlier in the campaign. Bradford were caught unawares by their vastly improved organisation and commitment, struggling to find the space they have grown accustomed to as Bradford toiled in vain to breakdown Westbury’s defence. As is so often the case it appeared to be a war of attrition with the team who struck first ultimately taking the spoils.  There was very little to separate the two teams until five minutes before the interval when Ryan selflessly provided William S with a pass that he clinically despatched. Minutes later Ryan and William combined again this time the woodwork denied Bradford a 2 goal cushion going into the break.

 When the teams reconvened Westbury sensed that they were still very much in the mix as their early equaliser attested to. Bradford began to raise their game but squandered numerous opportunities which could have proved costly. The lush surface did little to help Bradford’s plight resulting in a disproportionate amount of fresh air shots.  The deadlock was broken when Miles slotted a ball through for William to run onto which he converted with aplomb. As William completed his hat-trick the game seemed to be in the bag. However as complacency set in, Bradford dropped their guard allowing Westbury to narrow the arrears, making for an agonising last few minutes. Once again the resilience of Bradford’s defence determined the outcome as they clung on for the win.

Bradford continued their impressive run of form with a convincing 8-0 home victory over Bishop Cannings in the league.

The visitors made a spirited start with little between the two sides as both teams vied for territorial supremacy. It appeared to be a question of whose nerve would break first.  Crucially it was Bradford’s defence that stood defiant, stifling successive waves of attacks. The stalemate was eventually broken when Cosmo’s threatening run was illegally curtailed in the 18 yard box. Cosmo confidently despatched the resultant penalty. A sublime piece of interplay between Miles and William S perplexed the opposition defence allowing Cosmo to effortlessly claim his second goal. Bradford had to work hard to secure their two goal advantage as they went into the half-time break.

The tie was very much in the balance at the start of the second half. Yet the Bradford rear guard did not waiver and appeared almost impenetrable, frustrating the visitors and inspiring their own forwards. Cosmo soon secured his hat-trick and Jason received just desserts for his sterling work with a well taken goal. William S practically walked in Bradford’s fifth. Isaac appeared to have time to spare on the ball as he orchestrated proceedings from the midfield.   It was William this time who profited the partnership with Cosmo. Ryan’s fine solo effort made it 7. It was only now that Cannings began to capitulate as they reluctantly resigned themselves to their fate. Luke’s valiant fingertip save must have further dampened their resolve. Ashley typified the defence’s dogged determination and commitment ensuring a clean sheet. William S’s hat-trick goal was the final hammer blow to make the final score 8-0.

Bradford held an impressive Malmesbury outfit to a creditable 3-3 draw at the Victory field.

Bradford had lost the previous encounters but failed to be intimidated by their high flying opponents. Once again the defence played a crucial role, absorbing successive waves of Malmesbury incursions into their territory.  The visitor’s frustration was further compounded when Bradford grabbed the opener. William S was judged to be brought down illegally in the area and calmly converted the resultant penalty (taking his tally beyond the half century for the season). However this advantage was short lived as Malmesbury equalised almost immediately.  Bradford restored their lead when Mile’s astute thinking outside the box, both literally and figuratively lead to a goal. A quick corner caught the visitor’s defence unawares allowing Ryan to score.  Sublime interplay between Dom, Miles and Ryan enabled William S to score his second goal of the day as Bradford entered the break 3-1 to the good.

Bradford were under no illusions as to the task they faced in the second half. Malmesbury unaccustomed to chasing the game appeared to loose both their structure and cohesion. Bradford were unlucky not to consolidate their lead with several clear cut chances going astray. Malmesbury rallied and managed to narrow the deficit to 3-2. A somewhat dubious penalty decision appeared to have given Malmesbury parity. However Luke ensured justice was served with a brilliant save and a selfless dive on the ball from the ensuing rebound. Bradford looked to play the percentage game by restricting play to Malmesbury’s half. Bradford had looked to have done enough to secure the victory. Ashley epitomised the defences dogged determination with a valiant display. In the dying embers of the game Malmesbury were able to salvage a draw despite Ryan’s heroic efforts.

Bradford can console themselves with the obvious maturity and quality of their performance as they continue to raise the bar of expectation

After two resounding victories Bradford C looked to maintain momentum in this much anticipated intra-club derby.

Bradford C enjoyed the rare luxury of a substitute, as Tobias made a welcome return to the fold and Matt made his debut. Once again Bradford C BTY FC U11′s Ctook time to impose themselves, perhaps inhibited by the weight of their own expectation, though in truth the quality of the opposition meant they were always in for a torrid time. The teams were evenly matched leading to a war of attrition in the opening exchanges. The B’s, who always looked dangerous on the counter attack, broke the stalemate. Mile’s scorching strike swiftly restored parity. The resolute defence frustrated numerous forays into the last quarter of the pitch. A sweetly hit volley from Miles gave Cs the lead which was further consolidated when Oscar threaded the ball through for William S to profit from.  Cs entered the break with a somewhat precarious 3-1 advantage.

The game was still very much in the balance and the Cs could not afford to be complacent. The forwards were denied the freedom they have become accustomed to of late which shifted the balance of play, allowing unsung heroes, Max, Ashley, Alex, Isaac et al. to come to prominence. Luke who is looking increasingly assured between the sticks was emblematic of the defence’s fortitude. It was his reflex save during a frenetic goalmouth scramble that proved pivotal. Had they conceded at this juncture the outcome might have been very different? Dom was a rock in defence and his Delap-esque throw-ins proved to be a potent attacking threat, sweeping his team up the field like a rolling artillery barrage.

C’s finally inched towards victory when  a well executed corner left the B’s  defence in disarray, Jason’s predatory strike secured the 4-1 win.

Bradford produced a convincing league display with a 12-1 demolition of Bishop Cannings.

Once again there seemed little to separate the two teams in the opening exchanges. It appeared to be a question of who would take the early initiative. Fortunately it was Bradford who struck first when Cosmo broke free and calmly slotted the ball past the keeper. This goal proved crucial as it settled Bradford’s nerves and enabled them to establish some sort of rhythm. With an almost uncanny economy of effort, thanks in no small measure to the service he was provided, Cosmo punished the opponents defensive frailties all though the game. Within minutes he had doubled his tally. Isaac made a welcome appearance on the score sheet as Bradford raced to a three goal lead.  A rash challenge on the edge of the penalty lead to a free kick which William S lofted into the 6 yard box. Cosmo was the grateful recipient and ruthlessly dispensed goal bound.  Cosmo further consolidated the lead with yet another strike to take a 5-0 advantage into the break.

Things were beginning to look ominous for the home team as straight from the kick off  a mesmerising solo dash by William S down the left flank was followed by a cut back inside to score. Canning’s heads began to drop as they resigned themselves to defeat. Cosmo added a brace to his hoard of goals taking his total to 6 for the day. Miles scored as just reward for his invaluable contribution. William S scored yet another and Archie’s cross forced an own goal. Bishop’s Cannings were able to sneak a solitary consolation goal as Bradford returned home emphatic winners.

Bradford ensured the heavy defeat they endured in their last outing was all but a distant memory with an emphatic 10-1 victory over Westbury Hurricanes.

Bradford anticipated stiff opposition from recently relegated Westbury. Initially these fears appeared to be well founded as Westbury made a spirited start. Max displayed great versatility in defence with his decisive clearances and nerve under pressure, helping to thwart Westbury’s attacking ambitions. Bradford struck first when a Westbury defender was a judged to have handled in the area. William S stepped up to the mark and duly converted. Debutant Oscar was denied by the woodwork, William S profited from the rebound with a rare headed goal as Bradford went into the break two goals to the good.

With a player advantage Westbury were able to crowd the midfield nullifying Bradford’s superior pace but the relentless pressure eventually began to tell. William S secured his hat-trick. An ineffective clearance was punished by Ryan to make it 4-0.

As the deficit increased Westbury were forced to chase the game which presented the Bradford forwards with the space they craved. Miles Charlton’s clinical finishing was rewarded with a long overdue hat-trick. William S doubled his tally with a further 3 goals.

Archie attempted to gatecrash the proceedings with an audacious lob from the half way line that had the goalie floundering but was sparred his blushes by the post. Westbury received scant consolation with a late strike as Bradford ran out convincing 10-1 winners.

MID-WILTS YOUTH & MINOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE – SATURDAY  Fixtures

Date – 20/02/10  Bradford Town Youth C    v Westbury Yth Hurricanes                        

Date – 27/02/10  Bishops Cannings Yfc     v Bradford Town Youth C                                  

Date – 06/03/10  Bradford Town Youth B    v Bradford Town Youth C                               

Date – 13/03/10   Bradford Town Youth C    v Malmesbury Youth                               

Date – 20/03/10  Melksham Town Yth Robins v Bradford Town Youth C                          

Date – 27/03/10  Bradford Town Youth C   v Bishops Cannings Yfc                           

Date – 17/04/10  Westbury Yth Hurricanes  v Bradford Town Youth C                          

Date – 24/04/10  Malmesbury Youth   v Bradford Town Youth C                          

Date – 01/05/10  Bradford Town Youth C    v Melksham Town Yth Robins                       

Date – 08/05/10  Bradford Town Youth C  v Bradford Town Youth B

Bradford’s cup aspirations came to an abrupt end with 12-0 loss at the hands of Trowbridge in what remains only their third defeat of the season.

A prolonged weather enforced hiatus did little to aid the continuity and momentum they had established before Christmas. The home team started confidently enough but sustained pressure and the disparate share of possession began to take its toll on the stretched defence. Bradford could only muster a squad of eleven which meant they had little in reserve to bolster their weary legs and flagging spirit. Ultimately Trowbridge’s higher league status and experience against high quality opposition week in week out proved the most decisive factor.

Bradford should not be disheartened and must put it down to experience as it is no reflection on their undoubted ability. They must now turn their attentions to the new league campaign with renewed vigour.