MATCH REPORT: BRADFORD TOWN 4–1 BRISLINGTON FC

Match Report – Jewson Western League Premier Division

Bradford Town 4–1 Brislington FC

On a sweltering Tuesday night under the lights, Brislington’s first away weeknight league fixture of the season ended in disappointment as they fell to their third league defeat of the campaign. The foxes had travelled to Trowbridge Road aiming to build on the point gained at the weekend, and hoping to catch Bradford Town still smarting from their late loss to Newquay AFC. But the Bobcats, promoted back to the Premier Division after last term’s play-off success, proved a stern test and ultimately ran out 4–1 winners.

The opening exchanges were evenly matched, with little to separate the sides. But on the half-hour mark, the game swung decisively in Bradford’s favour. Player-manager Ash Kington, jumping to defend a cross, was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box. Referee Michael Halford pointed to the spot, and Jack Farion made no mistake – calmly converting to put the hosts ahead.

The Bobcats took full advantage of the momentum shift. Just six minutes later, a speculative shot that the Brislington keeper would probably have expected to hold on to instead squeezed loose and out for a corner. From the resulting delivery, Brislington failed to clear their lines, and in-form youngster Jensen Wakefield – fresh from his FA Cup hat-trick – pounced to double the lead.

Ollie Williams was one of the brighter sparks for Brislington in the first half, showing real quality on the ball and involving himself in many of the visitors’ attacking moves. His composure and vision offered a glimmer of creativity on an otherwise difficult night for the away side, and his performance earned him the Brislington Man of the Match award.

With the game threatening to slip away, Brislington focused on reaching half-time without further damage. Goalkeeper Jordan Schofield was called into action one last time before the break, tipping a stinging direct free-kick to safety.

The second half saw a spirited response from the visitors. Whatever was said in the dressing room clearly had an effect, as Brislington became a real handful and began to turn the screw. Just four minutes after the restart, left-back Alfie Clarke launched a superb long ball that striker Oaklan Buck tracked perfectly before slotting home to make it 2–1.

The goal sparked a period of Brislington pressure, and they thought they had found a route back into the game five minutes later when a dangerous attack was halted by what appeared to be a Bradford handball. Post-match video replays confirmed it was indeed a clear infringement, meaning Brislington were right to be incensed at the lack of an award. With the visitors firmly on top at that moment, the decision proved a pivotal one, thwarting their momentum and a genuine route back into the game.

It was a bitter pill to swallow, made worse minutes later when Bradford struck again through Leo Gallazi. From the stands it looked offside, but post-match video confirmed he had timed his run perfectly to beat the trap.

Bradford saved the best for last. Harvey Woods capped the night with a spectacular strike from 35 yards, an effort no goalkeeper could have stopped, sealing a 4–1 victory for the home side.

To Brislington’s credit, they mustered on. Midfielder Radway in particular epitomised the industry and work rate demanded on such a challenging evening. There was also cause for optimism in the way the team’s younger players stepped up. In the closing stages, Brislington fielded a side with an average age of just 21 – including five teenagers – and, to their credit, they kept Bradford at bay for the remainder of the match.

Brislington will need to put this painful result behind them as they prepare for a swift return to action – hosting Helston in just a few days’ time.