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6th March 2005 Coward Cup Qtr Final

Team: Parker 7, Wallace, 6, Deans 6, Buckroyd 7, Gleed 5, Draper 6, Eade 7, Biggs 6, Sinfield 5, Salmon 7, Payne 6, sub Thorrington 6, Goodchild 6

As in the previous two meetings this season Brookhouse decided to give their opponents a 3-0 half time advantage. Hurd opened the scoring after Brookhouse were warned to stifle Writtle early on and shut down Mr Hurd in particular. Writtle were flying and their movement and first touch was un playable as far as our team were concerned.  Brookhouse put in a lot of effort but were made to look less than ordinary at times. The second half saw Writtle loose the appetite to finish the House off, though they continued to create chances.  Brookhouse made one or two half chances  but Writtle were never in any doubt through out of progressing to the semi final.  Brookhouse showed good team spirit and managed to halt the one way traffic, it was hard to take though as Writtle had time to joke and laugh  as they were finding life very easy on the pitch. How ever I would never knock another team for enjoying what was excellent football.  I believe Brookhouse have players that should compete more evenly with such a good side in time. However it showed that training is required and that using players with little match practice is costing us games. Hopefully  training through out the Summer as well as Evening training next year and the new Reserve Team we will see an improvement.

February 2005

Team: Parker 7, Wallace, 6, Deans 8, Buckroyd 7, Gleed 6, Draper 5, Fisher 7, Biggs 8, Sinfield 6, Salmon 9, Payne 7, subs Goodchild 6, Royce 7, Dockrill 7.

The team talk was accurate, take extra caution in the early stages and watch for the over hit cross to marauding wing backs, well we needed to be cautious and watch the over hit ball, as Heybridge stormed in to a two goal lead in 5 minutes through switching off and not tracking a marauding wing back.  Brookhouse were 3-2 down after Ben Salmon scored two great goals, and the second half was a very strange affair as Brookhouse dominated. However typical of this season, we were unable to turn the tables through goals and eventually went down to an experienced side.

28th November 2004 Premier Division

Team: Jeapes 7, Wallace, 7, Thorrington 7, Trott 7, Gleed 7, Deans 7, Jacobs 8, Draper 7, Sinfield 8, Payne 8, Salmon 7, subs Buckroyd 7, Fisher 7.

Priory had beaten Brookhouse in the previous 2 encounters with late goals and with a younger and improved side from earlier in the season, it was going to be a hard test. Though Brookhouse had much of the early possesion, Priory looked dangerous everytime they got the ball with brookhouse not shutting down play and leaving large gaps between defenders and midfielders which Priory exploited when Trebes opened the scoring. Brookhouse equalised through Salmon late in the half. James Trott came off feeling ill and was replaced by Krl Buckroyd.  Brookhouse started well and took the lead when Ben salmon caused confusion between the keeper and defender to punish them with a goal. Priory then put the pressure on and it was a rare counter attack that saw Brookhouse score when fisher slotted the ball home from close range. Priory did their usual and battled hard and pulled a goal back through Trebes.  Brookhouse then looked to have sealed victory when Sinfield was set up by Deans to strike a superb shot past the Priory Keeper for 4-2. Priory again came back and Trebes grabbed his hat rick to make it 4-3. Brookhouse survived a late penalty appeal and pressure to gain a hard earned victory against a Priory side that is well respected in the Premier. 

21st November 2004 Premier Division

Team: Jeapes 8, Wallace 8, Thorrington 7, Trott 7, Gleed 8, Deans 8, Jacobs 9, Biggs 8, Sinfield 8, Payne 8, Salmon 8, subs Draper 8, Fisher 7.  

Brookhouse took a very early lead with Payne scoring. Saints missed a dubious penalty award that Mr Wallace was penalised for after doing his utmost to avoid the ball he was adjudged to have handled. Saints equalised, but Brookhouse opened up a 4-1 lead with goals from John Deans, Brian Payne and Matt Fisher. The game was a very good one but unfortunately the referee was not having the best of games after the 60 minute mark.  Maldon showed amazing spirit and pulled it back to 4-3 and then fireworks. Their best player walked for a tame push on a player and then James Trott put in an amazing tackle to get booked which was then followed by a second yellow for dissent after another last ditch challenge awarded Saints a penalty with 2 minutes remaining. this was converted for 4-4. However Andy draper had great pace and vision to gallop up the right hand side and pick out Ben Salmon for an amazing win 5-4. MoM mike Jacob s put in a 100 mph performance tackling passing and running with the ball.  The side may not be fielding it's supposed Senior players but there is a team spirit building that is required if we are to try and catch some good sides that are a way off us at the moment, in league positions. 

14th November 2004 Coward Cup

Team: Jeapes 8, Wallace 8, Trott 7, Thorrington 7, Deans 7, Gleed 8, Jacobs 7, Sinfield 8, Payne 7, Goodchild 7, Salmon 8, subs Dockerill 7, Draper 7  

Brookhouse had a much needed break from the League with the visit to Fyfield Lion in the Coward Cup. Fyfield were very compact and never gave Brookhouse time to settle in the first half and sat very deep. brookhouse had  a great deal of possession and after numerous chances were awarded a goal after some confusion as to a possible offside when Deans netted. This was followed by a Ben Salmon goal. After half time Brian Payne scored a remarkable free kick that started off as though it would got 5 meters over but there was an amazing dip and curl that left the keeper with no chance. Salmon and Goodchild then finished the game off with a goal from Fyfield in between after a momentary lapse of concentration. Much of this result should be put down to the much needed input of Bill Eade who was of great help in the changing room and at half time.

7th November 2004 Premier Division

Team: Jeapes 7, Gleed 7, Buckroyd 7, Trott 6, Eade 7, Biggs 6, Fisher 6, Mansfield 6, Sinfield 6, Goodchild 7, Salmon 6, (Wallace 7, Deans 8, Jacobs7) 

Brookhouse started very badly, with Broomfield out warming up some 15 minutes before the House, it was evident that they were much more on the ball from the word go and were rewarded when they were 2-0  up at the interval, and able to create some good chances from long range when robbing the Sky blues  of possession in their own half.  Brookhouse introduced the experience of Wallace and deans and things improved immediately and Deans scored after a very good effort from Goodchild with his head. Brookhouse dominated for most of the half but confidence and time were not going for them and Broomfield held on for two points and Brookhouse pointless after 7 games. Some players were curious as to why some very good players were on the bench, and though things may have been different if they had started, some also felt there was a good reaction from the previous week and that others were given a chance which some took and some didn't. I hope everyone keeps their heads up as I know it is difficult. Even I struggle on weekends like these, but we have to roll our sleeves up and have belief that we can improve individually and as a team.

24th October 2004 Premier Division

Team: Jeapes 6, Wallace 5,Deans 5, Thorrington 5, Dockerill 5,  Draper 5, Eade 6, Jacobs 5, Payne 5, Salmon 5, Goodchild 6, (Sinfield 6, Gleed 6, Buckroyd 6,)

First half was all Gt Baddow, former Brookhouse stalwart Dave robinson played well and was rewarded with a well taken goal. Gt Baddow could have had more and Brookhouse were not looking like a Premier Division side. The second half got worse and at one point Gt Baddow looked like they would win by 4 or 5 goals. Brookhouse rallied towards the end when Baddow had taken their foot off the pedal.  Overall a very disappointing result that basically sees Brookhouse in real trouble at the foot of the table.

17th October 2004 Essex Premier Cup

Team: Jeapes 7, Thorrington 8, Eade 8, Deans 8, Biggs 8, Jacobs 7, Payne 6, Dockerill 7, Draper 7, Goodchild 7, Salmon 7 ( Sinfield 8), (Gleed 6)

Report:  The team were relaxed and looking forward to playing against what many say are the best team in the league.  Many of the team had only heard of Writtle's reputation and yet to have sampled their flowing style of attacking football. Brookhouse were 3-0 down after 25 minutes. As in the previous weeks the goals were probably attributed to sloppiness on our part rather than the opponents efforts..  However the young and old players could have thrown in the towel, and  given up their efforts or resorted to negative football.  however the remainder of the game was  relaxed and both teams strived to keep the ball on the floor. The Brookhouse players will certainly take this performance in to next weeks game, feeling that the way forward is to play football on the deck.  Brookhouse were denied on two occasions by two excellent saves by their new signing Paul Daly.  Both teams carried themselves well and though loosing is becoming a habit , it is going to be a habit that will dissappear and November could see a big change in fortunes as long as the against Writtle performance is repeated over coming weeks.

10th October 2004 Premier Division 

Team: Passfield 6, Deans 6, Trott 7, Buckroyd, 7, Eade 7, Payne, 6, D Fisher 6, Jacobs 7, Mansfied 6,  Salmon 7, Goodchild 6 subs Greenslade 5

Report - Galleywood made some changes with some established players on the bench. Both teams struggled to play a passing gam with the sandy and uneven pitch. The Game was not particually pleasing on the eye, but Galleywood were efficient and showed superior fitness. Brookhouse mae three errors and were punished on all three occassions.  Ben Salmon was able to get an equaliser before half time, but the mistakes were costly as in previous weeks.  The team showed good team spirit throughout and never excepted that an understrength team should see a lack of effort.  On this showing Galleywood will be a solid outfit and my personal opinion would be that they will cause a few established teams a few headaches with their organisation and fitness. 

3rd October 2004Coward Cup 1st Round

Team: Royce 7, Wallace 8, Trott 7, Deans 7, Jacobs 7, Eade 8, Dockerill 7, Biggs 8, Payne 7, Salmon 8, Goodchild 7, (Lofty 7, Evans 6, Draper 7)

Report - Brookhouse visited Woodham who have a much changed side from when we used to have regular close battles a few years back. Brookhouse were in good spirits before the match and this carried through to the game as well as afterwards. Radars looked like a new team who are still trying to find their feet, and brookhouse were in no mood to let previous weeks performances do anything but motivate them to a win.  Brookhouse took an early lead through dockerill who finished when the ball was crossed deep from the right hand side.  Danny Good child  or a defender finished off a cross to make it two nil, this was followed by a quick 3rd when James Trott burst through to finish superbly and then a Bumble free kick.  Brookhouse conceded  but then stretched things to 5  which was then pegged back with a radars goal.  The second half was a similar affair but for a period when the line up became disjointed and Wallace quickly reorganized things to get the House back on track Brookhouse continued to score, running out 8-3 winners. most memorable moments were the two misses from bumble who was looking for his hat-rick and a wonder goal by been salmon, who lift the ball over two defenders through some juggling and then volleyed home in  the second half. A much needed win that should help with confidence going n to the derby match at Galleywood.

26th September 2004
Premier Division

Team: Passfield 7, Wallace 7, Trott 6, Deans 6, Royce 6, Eade 7, Mansfield 6, Payne 6, Dockerill 6, Goodchild 6, Salmon 6 subs Draper 5, Jacobs 6,

Things appear to be going from bad to worse, and as much as we say that we are unlucky at present, no one is going to feel sorry for us and give us points. Teams are coming in to games against us confident and it is very difficult to get this out of our own minds it seems.  So far the formation has been positive, without gaining an end product.  This week we came in to the game understanding that a new approach was needed and that we reverted to 3-5-2. Neil Royce coming in to add some talking and cover for any defencive frailties that may arise. Brookhouse and Priory were cancelling eachother out with no one team retaining posseion for more than a couple of passes. Brookhouse were able to use Ben Salmon once when he was put through isolating the sweeper to strike the ball at the same time as the sweeper which went in, for a half time lead.  Brookhouse never really got any fluidity to passing and were therefore loosing possesion and gradually it became a defensive performance, we had now thrown down the guantlet to Priory as to breaking the Brookhouse defence down.  Priory were getting frustrated and rarely  threatened though they did bring a good save from Passfield which seemed to have knocked the stuffing out of Priory's spirit.  I personally felt we could hold out for the points, and may be we al thought that which was our down fall, as we again switched off for the last five minutes of a game. Priory chased down a defender and rather than make a clearance early the player was disppossed and the Priory player finished excellently to give the keeper no chance, to level.  Brookhouse panicked and started to give away free kicks and were eventually punished with two minutes left when an over hit cross was retrieved by Moss who re-crossed the ball and Priory were powerfull and made the ball theirs, hitting the back of the net.  Brookhouse have no thrown 2 points away in the last 5 minutes on two occasions out of four games.  The confidence is low, we are loosing games to teams that are not defeating us by being the superior team.  These are close matches that seem to be lost through small lapses.
I could harp on about negatives, but want to say that we are a new team with 8 players new to this standard on a Sunday, with 4 players only entering their second season with the Club. The majority of play is spot on and I am happy with all the signings and feel that we will have something good here however the bedding in time has gone, the major concern is that we have not allowed ourselves any thing to build on, points wise. We MUST now take games to the opponents  and boost our confidence.  Using a negative example, Priory 4 seasons ago had a god team that expected the loosing habit to run out, before they new it they were relegated and had a massive re-build to return after relegation. Using a positive example, Maldon Saints have gone from a bottom of the table side to top of the table in 5 months, with some good results when doomed for relegation.  Lets not wait for a result to come along lets go and get one.  Many people have tried to say that Priory are our bogy side, well I don't think this is the case, they are a club who are at the top, reached cup finals, progressed far in the Essex Cup last yea, and on each occasion we have played we have been evenly matched and have had chances to win.

9th September 2004
Premier Division

Team: Passfield 6, Wallace 0, Trott 6, Deans 7, Buckroyd 6, Jacobs 6, Dockerill 6, Mansfield 6, Fisher 6, Goodchild 6, Payne 6, ( Atkinson 6), (Salmon 7), ( Draper 7) 

Report: Disaster struck with the dismissal of Kevin Wallace, after a couple of minutes. The allegations, and technicalities were discussed, argued and re-argued,. It is unfortunate that it ever happened and spoiled a potentially good game. Heybridge were ruthless immediately after the send off scoring two quick and good goals. Close to half time Brookhouse conceded a penalty that was duly converted. the second half saw the House improve and Social take the foot off the gas,  Unfortunately our debutant keeper was injured badly and we were reduced to 9 players, with all the subs now on. Heybridge took advantage once more scoring a fourth.  
After establishing the goings on this Sunday, I am disappointed that we re-acted in a way that is outside the spirit of the game. However I would like to feel that we would not be accused of blatantly going out before kick off to provoke a player through allegedly spitting at him. I personally could not flatten a fly in with steam roller, but I am not sure how I'd react if I was spat at by two players,  I'd probably throw a powder puff punch and then pick myself off the floor, so it is difficult to expect a player not to react.  From what I have seen and heard, it seems the same player has spat at the same opponent in two separate games, this  is not something I want to be associated with and In my opinion is something that may have been pre-meditated 
After seeing many of the old boys the night before who said they enjoy playing in the lower divisions, I can see why, the actions of  a Brookhouse player and other players left me very disappointed.  From the moment the sending off happened I was happy for the full time whistle to go even if 88 minutes early and let the opponents have the points there and then, as it really was not what I got out of bed for.  
After speaking to our player he knows that there is nothing to be gained when accepting an invite to continue a feud  that was clearly being carried over into this fixture from a previous game.  I cannot defend violence against another player, if as the alleged spitting took place and his alleged kicking of an opponent violently took place. This not only put people in an awkward situation, but caused need less disharmony.  We were never going to recover, and it  was as big a let down to team mates as was last weeks no show by a player. It is was an up hill battle after last weeks loss, now going into our visit to Lodge Road will have one of our biggest challenges since we entered the Premier Division. 
Last year we avoided the drop as other clubs were in free fall more than we were. This causes me more concern as though we have a stronger squad we are up against a better balanced Division of teams. More worrying is the team who beat us last week lost 7-1 to newcomers Galleywood, who have lost their better players in the summer.  With important players out for the Priory game players will need to be on top of our game if we are to come away with any points.

11th September 2004
Premier Division

Team: Wallace, Trott 7, Deans 8, Buckroyd 7, Eade 8, Mansfield 7, Jacobs 7, Dockerill 6, Goodchild 7, Atkinson 8, Payne 7, (Fisher 6), (Draper 7) 

Report. Brookhouse have always prided itself in having players being reliable when it comes to turning up selected or not. Unfortunatley with a new group of players who are not as close knitt as the previous squad it seems to be easier to be a no-show. this week saw our Keeper again miss a league game, and without knowing reasons I can only hope that the player concerned is okay and also try and re-assure the squad that I will do my utmost to  secure a keeper for the Heybridge Game. 
Brookhouse wanted to play a quick short passing game, and the boys did an excellent job for the first 40 minutes, retaining possesion and creating frequent opportunities with one converted by Rhys atkinson though we could have seen the game out of sight for the opposition by half time. Mansfield  was moving the ball well taking it off the back four and linking up with the forward line. However a slight lapse when we did not stand up to the crosser of a ball we were punished as our stand in keeper was unable to reach a cross before the forward who headed home. The players and myself felt confident that if we maintained this level of play we had every chance of securing both points. The second half saw 10 yard balls become 20 yard balls and the control of the game slip. Springfield put on a third midfielder and were begining to dominate the second ball in the game. Brookhouse Countered this by addiing a midfielder and were able to get back on top as they created one excellent chance  which was followed shortly after with a goal for Danny Goodchild.  Brookhouse should have shut up shot, though did the complete opposite. The Midfiedl offered no protection to the back three as twice in the last 3 minutes springfield were alowed to hit three un challenged shots. both shots were sweetly struck and even the regular keeper would have struggled to save. Springfield were celebrating a good win for them, and seemed more shocked than us that they had been able to come away with the two points. Brookhouse started poorly last year, which was down to injuries and an un balanced squad. This season has seen a good team with balance get off to an equally bad start, and With no disrespect to Springfied I would expect most teams to take home points against them and this bodes a very bleak future if we don't actually put in to practice the errors that cost us and create the first half display for 90 minutes week in week out. The title was never going to be a realistic target though everyone has the same chance at the season start. now two weks in we have a better idea of where we stand along side other teams in the division and that is in the bottom two with no points.  Though there appears to be weak sides in the division, there will be no whipping boys and a target of 13 to 14 points may be required to stay up. I never expected a relegation battle this year but on the performances to date we need to get our selves up and running versus Heybridge. targets need to be set and 3 points from the next two games are the target now. With two key centre midfielders out this week we need to work hard and have self belief.

Plus I am not so bothered about if we will get a keeper this year, or that we are bottom of the league, but who stole the No 19 Shirt the other week 

5th September 2004
Premier Division

Team: Parker 7, Trott 5, Buckroyd 6, Wallace 5, Deans 5, Mansfield 5 (Payne 5), Biggs 7, Draper 6 (Evans 5), Jacobs 6, Salmon 5, (Goodchild 5), Atkinson 6, 

Report: Dejavous for brookhouse as they kicked off the season once more against Purleigh.  In previous games there have been little in goal scoring chances, but with a new look House, and a change in some personnel at Purleigh things were not as they were in previous encounters. both team creating chances. Purleigh mainly threatening from free kicks that they were winning on a frequent basis. With Cush clipping the bar and causing a threat. Purleigh scored first from a corner kick, Brookhouse  were the winners in defending the first ball, but lacked when it came to wanting to ensure the second phase was to be won when the flick on was unchallenged and the Purleigh player was able to gain composure enough to add power and direction to his headed goal.
Brookhouse were understandably shaken, knowing that three good chances had been spurned which don't come often against a Matt Dowse marshaled defence.  Purleigh upped the pace and were dominant for a five minute spell after the goal, however the House settled and with their first piece of football that saw the ball moved quickly from left to right with good pace and control, Ben Salmon  netted.

Both teams had reason to feel they could have been in front, with myself as manager being biased in feeling a lead should have been in our favour with the open play chances spurned.

The second half became scrappy from the House point of view, with too many easy options ignored for a ball that would only allow Purleigh to retain possession and build on their passing game seeing our back four unable to settle.  However Purleigh had no clear opportunities, though their patience in taking free kicks proved decisive as it had done in previous games.  Brookhouse were harshly adjudged to have fouled a player outside the box, which even the purleigh manager commented was not a foul, but a fair shoulder on a player falling.  Purleigh were able to retake the initial free kick after being penalised for encroachment and with the re take a low shot was turned in off the Brookhouse player attempting the block.   brookhouse had to push forward after this and the second half substitute Harrison was able to benefit from the space left down our left wing as he was able to progress unchallenged to the 18 yard box after a good run.  James Trott came over to hold the run up and was penalised when Harrison went down.  From where I was standing the ball was not under control as it seemed that Harrison was loosing his footing which could have accounted for him going down when being pressured. It seemed harsh, however after speaking to Paul he assured me he felt it was a foul. some could have said this made up for the Brookhouse getting away with not conceding a penalty in the first half that I was expecting to be given.  A few over zealous challenges gave Purleigh time to settle things down in their favour, the fight in the House team was not channeled suitably, and some ill discipline and bad sportsmanship crept in, rather than focusing footballing matters on the which I saw the game petering out to a 3-1 defeat, which came with 5 minutes remaining after brookhouse and Purleigh agreed to call it fulltime after a nasty injury to House's Chris Evans.

Players will this learn that I have high expectations from each of them,  which will be shown against Springfield with Eade, Fisher, M Dockerill and others returning, there will be a more balanced and effective performance to try and counter the poor result this week.  I didn't expect this team to drop two points this  week vs Purleigh and hope that we can gain full points over the next two games.  Even though some may say we have a new team and it takes time to gel, I feel they all have great ability through the 21 players we have and see no reason that they can form a winning team.

 A quote from Purleigh representative to me after the game- "It is games against the likes of Springfield,  Maldon Saints and Brookhouse they expect to pick wins up against".  Though they did get the two points I believe we can get two points or cup wins against any side in the Prem (excluding the mighty Writtle) if we can reduce the errors, and focus on the easy option rather than the hard ones.  I have got every player I want in this squad, and feel it is the best balanced one we have had.  I can't wait to get out there against Springfield and start a fresh, they have had some convincing wins against us to date though the last encounter will be something they wish to avenge after loosing their first competetive encounter against us..  

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