Brentwood 2 - 3 Wapping

Brentwood were expected to turn up with 12 players but 2 unfortunately pulled out last minute; Pingu and Harry with illness and it didn't involve alcohol. It made for an interesting journey discussing tactics. Not to mention the thought of facing Wapping with a stand-in Keeper Paul Holland (at least he can't get injured in goal)

Since the opposition had a 4 man advantage, Brentwood's game strategy was to play with a 4-4-1 formation; 9 behind the ball leaving the lone striker to hold the ball in Wapping's end for when the rest of team play the long ball and counter with pace, dribbling and short passing from their youth in midfield.

The first half started with tenacity from the home side; dominating possession (as expected), desire to win the ball back and create scoring opportunities giving them an early lead. Brentwood's tactics remained unchanged but prevailed when Blake Holland, despite picking up a foot injury in the first 20 seconds, managed to hit a Wapping foot in their D after receiving a long ball from the defence leading to a short corner which Ian Anderson scored from. Momentum shifted towards Brentwood and managed to take advantage of Wapping's passing errors and encounter from that leading to another short corner which Ian Anderson again scored from a short corner ending the half 2-1 to Brentwood.

Brentwood's game plan changed slightly to adjust to Blake's injury so that he did not have to do as much running. Brentwood continued to dominate the game but when Brentwood had their short corner opportunities Wapping became wise enough to prevent a goal. Brentwood were beginning to run out of steam and were not able to take advantage of the opposition's weaknesses which led to them finding a way through the defence leading a penalty flick conceded by clumsy Simon Hill shot saving tackle. But "hero" Holland pulled off an amazing flick save keeping Brentwood in the game. The pressure from Wapping remained persistent eventually scoring from a short corner. In the closing minute Wapping took the lead, from a difficult angle of the edge of Brentwood's D - one could question whether it was intended to be a cross.

There was just time for a couple of last minute chancing to level the game , but this time it was not to be. With the game finishing 3-2 to Wapping there are lot of positives for Brentwood to take from the game; to improve, the youngsters , Simon and Henry again stepping up and showing they are more than capable playing at this level. A new injury free keeper , a team with real determination.

Man of the Match goes to Henry MacDonnell