MATCH REPORT: BRISLINGTON 0 – 0 SIDMOUTH TOWN

Poplar Stadium – Western League Premier Division

Brislington welcomed Devon outfit Sidmouth Town to the Poplar Stadium, with both sides still searching for their first league points of the season.

The home side started brightly, but early drama struck when striker Oaklan Buck was sent to the sin bin after a disagreement with the referee. The early momentum stalled and Sidmouth – the Vikings – began to settle into the game.

While the first half was relatively even, misplaced passes in midfield increasingly handed the visitors opportunities. Sidmouth tested the Brislington goal on several occasions, only to be denied by the heroics of keeper Jordan Schofield – with the post also coming to the home side’s rescue.

Young Amari McLeary made his full debut, eager to build on his performance at Wokingham a week earlier, but found himself up against a formidable opponent in full-back Harry Drew-Cull, who barely gave him an inch all afternoon.

The first half ended goalless, leaving both managers plotting ways to break the deadlock. Those plans for Bris boss Kington were thrown into chaos shortly after the restart when the assistant referee flagged for an off-the-ball incident. What followed was as cynical as it was disappointing – and certainly not very Viking: Sidmouth’s Sam Gleeson collapsed theatrically to the turf in a performance worthy of the West End, before captain Isaac Furness was caught on camera instructing him to lie down clutching his face. The act achieved its aim – the referee brandished a second yellow to Buck, reducing Brislington to 10 men for the remainder. Do check out the footage of this disappointing few minutes on X.

Down to 10 men for much of the second half, Brislington were forced to defend with resolve as Sidmouth’s chances mounted. The visitors struck the post again, but the home defence, marshalled superbly by Schofield, held firm.

The match finished goalless, with CRB Matchday Sponsor’s Man of the Match award deservedly going to Jordan Schofield, who was magnificent between the sticks.

While Brislington are still waiting for their first league goal, the resilience shown – particularly with a man disadvantage – offers positives to build on. The first point of the season provides a small platform, though injuries to Ben Withey and Callum Evans mean Tuesday night’s trip to Bradford will be an even sterner test.