JC MSFL DIVISION FOUR
BRADY MACCABI 4 TEMPLE FORTUNE B 2
Brady B recovered from their first league defeat of the season and being knocked out of the cup to record an impressive win against the battling Temple Fortune B at the Lane today.
At first, however, it seemed as if the hangover from a couple of poor results had not been cleared for the Brady bunch, and after only moments Fortune almost broke the deadlock. After Brady failed to clear their lines, a low drive from outside the penalty area struck the post and bounced out of play.
Buoyed on by this, another Fortune long ball was not dealt with by the Brady back-line, and after a deflected shot ricocheted off of the post leaving keeper Dan Korn stranded, and the ball landed perfectly for Fortune top-scorer Terry Jeffries to slot home.
Brady reacted well to this, pushing forward and looking to create opportunities. The most notable came from the unlikely source of Michael Beaber, whose control and volley fom 30 yards forced the Fortune keeper to tip wisely over the bar.
From the resulting corner, however, Brady drew level. Ping-pong in and around the area led to a shot being blocked by a hand, and a penalty was awarded. Fresh from having seen his spot kick saved by FC Team A last week, captain James Joseph made amends in expert fashion, driving home into the top right corner.
After drawing level, the Brady boys began to exert full control on proceedings, with the excellent Joseph playing centre stage. Daniel Hildebrand came close for the hosts, as did Joseph with a superb 45-yard chest and volley that bounced narrowly over, but despite chances and possession, at half time scores were still level.
After the break, Brady came out and soon settled into their rhythm, and found a second. Excellent work down the right flank between Matthew Posner and Josh Dagul, culminating in a precise cross, from Posner got the finish it deserved, with the dangerous Hildebrand turning home to the delight of the home fans.
Having taken the lead, Brady lost some of their edge and clinical nature. Reiss Mogilner looked a threat, as always, down the left flank, but the men in red were unable to extend their lead.
Fortune, to their credit, did not let their heads drop and continued to look for a way back in to the game. Their robust and enthusiastic approach paid dividends on the hour mark, with Brady failing to clear a long throw from their area, and the ball was poked beyond Dan Korn by Jeremy Barnett to draw Fortune level.
Brady, however, refused to let their heads drop, and restored their lead shortly after. A sumptuous free-kick from the left flank from the right boot of Jerome Colmans found the head of that man Hildebrand once again, who added his second and Brady's third.
Straight from the restart, Mogilner poached the ball back, and almost netted a fourth entirely of his own making, but for a good low save from the Fortune keeper.
When the next goal did come, it did so in a sensational manner. With his mother watching her bambino from the touchline, the influential Joseph chested down a goal kick, and with the keeper slightly off his line, Joseph unleashed a majestic volley with his weaker left foot from all of 40 yards, sending the home fans into raptures, leading to a mini pitch invasion of sorts.
From this point forward, Brady kept their calm and composure, and held on for a valuable three points.
After the game, assistant-manager Josh Black shared his thoughts commenting: "After a couple too many Jaeger Bombs last night, a few of our lads started a bit too slowly for our liking.
"However, we showed a positive attitude and fantastic work rate, and James Joseph and Michael 'Justin' Beaber particularly stick out as having performed at the top of their game today."
"On balance, this was another well deserved, battling performance from the Brady boys, and one against promotion rivals that keeps them firmly in the mixer, with games in hand on several of the teams above them."
Fortune assistant-manager Adam Glekin told JC Sport: "It was a disappointing result, but I can't fault the effort of the boys.
"I thought Brady were probably the best team we've faced this season and their captain was the best player I've seen in this division, yet we gave them a real run for their money.
"Losing Joey Glynne after 25 minutes was a big blow for us, perhaps the outcome may have been different as he looked a real threat."
