BRINKLOW FC'S CRAIG BURRIN'S EXCELLENT REPORT ON HIS TEAM'S 3-2 WIN OVER RUGBY FC...

CRAIG BURRIN: 'MANAGER'S PLAYER OF THE YEAR' LAST SEASON...

"The weather was in the high 20s as kick-off was taken. Brinklow quickly set a high tempo, passing and moving the ball well all over the park.


Within the first few minutes, Brinklow had a couple of chances to take the lead, looking very dangerous in the air with Blake, Burrin and Ellis all coming close from corners and long throws. One flick on from Burrin landed at the feet of Ash Marks a few yards out but unfortunately he couldn't make Rugby FC pay. 

Nathan Ellis had a similar chance in the air moments later but he couldn't figure out which part of his body to engage with the ball and the chance went as quickly as it came. 


Midway through the first-half, just as Rugby FC were starting make the game more of a contest, Brinklow's Tom Ford had a shot that look bound for the top right-hand corner palmed away by Rugby FC goalkeeper Josh Hughes, who was in fine form all day, playing against his former team.


Brinkow had a lot of joy down the wings with an impressive performance from young full back, Billy Stenger. He along with more experienced wingers, Nathan Stoute and Paddy Ryan getting in behind on various occasions, usually after well worked controlled football from Brinklow's spine. 


Rugby FC had a good spell of possession after the half-hour mark. They nearly broke the deadlock when their forward smartly rounded Brinklow's 'keeper, Pascal only for Burrin to chase back and clear it off the line.


Just before the half-time whistle, Brinkow finally got the goal they more than deserved when a lovely passing move involving Tom Ford and Nathan Ellis set Nathan Stoute away. He burst into the area, drilling a low cross to back post where winger Paddy Ryan, on his debut, was there to finish the move off putting the ball into an empty net. 

The second-half started with both teams making changes, Brinklow introduced Elliot Lascelles, whose pace and direct approach made an instant impact with him setting a lively Blake Kassar up for his first of the day.


Brinklow's defensive midfielder Scott Lindley continued to control the game with Ford and Marks, whilst facing tricky opponents in the middle, Pat O'Brien and Kyle Gibson.


Midway through the half, both teams made changes: Scott Aka Hughie came on for Nathan Ellis who deserved his rest. Mike Thomas came on for Tom Ford and notably Rugby FC brought a new striker on in the shape of Daniel Bunting, who showed his energy and pace by driving past the Brinkow defence to fire past a helpless Daniel Mallinson who had came on at half-time for the home side.


It wasn't long before the game was over as a contest, when Brinklow's Kassar added his second to make it 3-1. Brinklow hit the woodwork and generated more chances in the latter stages but took their feet off the pedal which allowed the pacey Bunting to take advantage and get a late consolation making it 3-2. Brinklow though regained control of the game and held out for the victory. 


The game was played in good spirit on a very hot day with both teams missing players, which is typical of a pre-season friendly. The standard of football from both sides was very high, making it a great spectacle!

Good luck to Rugby FC for the season!" 


Craig Burrin, defender & skipper for the game, Brinklow FC...

HMM...