Brady close the gap

Strikes from Dan Hildebrand, Reiss Mogilner and captain marvel James Joseph helped battling Brady record a huge win over title leaders Athletic Bilbaum at Little Bushey Lane in their hunt for the title.

After a two-week break, Brady were keen to ensure that a repeat of that dramatic defeat to SPEC FC would not reoccur. Their hopes for a win looked like they could be scuppered when a defensive mix-up let Bilbaum run through in the opening stages, but midfield maestro-turned-goalkeeper Jerome Colmans pulled off a great save to ensure Brady did not fall behind.

However a goal was coming, and Bilbaum got it, a sumptuous chip from Jake Gilbert over the on-rushing Colmans gave Bilbaum the lead.

Bilbaum's lead could have doubled shortly after but Colmans pulled off what could be save of the season when he seemingly dragged the ball away from the clutches off the net, paralleling David Seaman's save against Sheffield United.

Brady continued to battle, as they have done so well throughout the season, and had their chances to draw level.

A period of pressure finally paid off when Josh Dagul played a lovely ball over the top to the ever energetic Reiss Mogilner who squared for a calm Hildebrand to slot home from eight yards out to draw Brady level. Brady continued to pile on the pressure and the half time whistle came as a relief to Bilbaum.

Brady started the second half as they had ended the first and continually challenged the Bilbaum defence. Bilbaum did have the odd chance, a lob attempt sailing just over the bar and a volley just wide.

Brady, buoyed on by the introduction of a direct Kane Alexander, nearly got the breakthrough. Good work from Hildebrand found Alexander in the box. His first touch cannoned back of the bar to the despair of the Brady bench. The Bilbaum keeper then made a great double save from Mogilner who was through one-on-one.

Brady did not, however, dwell on their chances and with just five minutes remaining on the clock good footwork from newly signed Daniel Harrod led to a Brady free-kick 30 yards from goal. Mogilner stepped up and to the delight of the Brady boys saw his effort sail over the keeper and into the Bilbaum net. Cue Brady ecstasy.

Bilbaum had to go for broke and this left their defence open. In stoppage time captain Joseph took full advantage of this and weaving his way through the Bilbaum defence, rounding the keeper and slotting home to put Brady 3-1 up.

It was a game that Brady simply had to win and they did not disappoint.

Victory took Brady within three points of Bilbaum, with three games in hand.

Brady boss Josh Dagul told JC Sport: "It was well deserved."

Ben Wallis has come in as Brady interim assistant-manager now Josh Black has departed on a scouting mission to South America. Wallis told JC Sport: "We started slowly and were punished by Bilbaum. However, we then showed some passion and played our football.

"We started to create chances and were rewarded with the equaliser that our performance merited.

"In the second half we continued to create chances and got the goals and win we deserved, sending the SPEC boys who came to watch home dreaming of one day playing for Brady."

Baums joint-player-manager Mark Pasha told JC Sport: "I'm disappointed to lose in what for the most part was a pretty tight affair.

"Brady showed their quality today and despite the Baums taking the early lead we failed to capitalise, never quite finding our rhythm after the snow induced hiatus.

"Both sides created chances and had spells of possession, but unfortunately when it came down to the wire it was Brady who dug deepest and nicked the late goals.

"Losing so late on was definitely a bitter pill to swallow, but full credit to Brady who passed the ball excellently throughout.

"The season is far from over though. There is no time for wallowing (except for Baum Baum of course, who needs to wallow at least three times a day to stay fit), as the promotion battle rages on and the BGC is just getting underway.

"There's still plenty to play for and we expect to be right in the thick of it until the end."