Atomic Brom.

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Intro

Bromham FC were relegated from Division One last season after winning just one game, and ending the season on minus one point. That game came in November when they beat Melksham Town Development 2-1 at Oakfield Stadium. They only played 3 matches in all competitions after that, as they were unable to field a team after their 6-0 cup win over Bishops Cannings Reserves in January. They will be hoping for a fresh start in Division Two this season, with a more consistent squad. So far, after starting their season a couple of weeks later than most other sides in the league, they have thrashed new team Pilot FC 10-1 at home. Last weekend, in the Knock Out Cup, they defeated Freshford United Reserves 4-0 to maintain their fine start.

Avon Valley FC are fielding a Saturday team for the first time, and so are a bit of an unknown entity. The season got off to a slow start, as their opener against fellow new club Pilot FC was postponed due to concerns about the pitch at the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Field in Melksham. They hosted yet another club making their debut in the Trowbridge and District League – Freshford United Reserves – the following weekend and stormed to a 3-0 victory at Durrington Recreation Ground. Two away wins followed as Avon Valley travelled to Staverton Rangers, and then Bishops Cannings Reserves, prevailing 5-2 and 8-2 respectively. Their 100% record means they currently sit in 2nd place, behind local rivals Durrington who have a slightly better goal difference.

With 2 undefeated sides meeting today, this should be an entertaining game that I am unwilling to make any pre-match predictions on!

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The Ground

Bromham is a village just east of Melksham, and south east of Chippenham. The Jubilee Field is located on the southern edge of the village, and benefits from a large car park. There is a good-size building with changing facilities, and a separate smaller building which I assume is sometimes used as a bar. The pitch has a low barrier along the two sidelines. On one side is what seems to be one dugout, a tiny covered stand and a literal bench for the away side.

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The Match

Bromham stormed into the lead inside of a minute. Tyler Beattie stole in ahead of his marker and poked the ball past Avon Valley keeper Taylor Cope. The advantage didn’t last long, and the visitors hit back 6 minutes later – the ball unexpectedly reaching striker Konrad Makowski. His shot was well saved by Jayden Hancock and the Bromham stopper did excellently to block Tristan Jones’ initial follow up. However Jones was able to nod in the 2nd rebound to level things up. Halfway through the first half Jones almost got his brace, but was unable to keep his header down after Ahmed Haroun found him well from the byline. At the other end Cope was excelling in the Valley goal. A long range shot was spilled by the glovesman, and he did brilliantly to deny the Bromham forwards twice before the ball was forced out of play. Just a minute later Cope pulled off another impressive stop as Beattie shot with the outside of his foot. The hosts probably should have gone into the break with a one goal lead, but Ben Child side-footed over the bar after some good wing play by number 11.

Instead it was the visitors from near Salisbury who took the lead early in the 2nd period. A one-two between Makowski and Jones ended in the former finishing well past Hancock. Bromham’s left back nearly scored the goal of the season with a pot shot from 30 yards, but it flew just wide of the target. Avon Valley’s Tristan Jones then sent a cross-shot across goal just wide. It was end to end stuff around the hour mark as the hosts looked to restore parity, while the away team looked to put the game to bed. Bromham’s number 11 shot low but off target from 20 yards out. Valley substitute Richard Reed got on the end of what appeared to be a shot but ended up being a fantastic through-ball. Reed’s first time shot was hurried when he had time and it was too easy for Hancock. The home side was knocking on the door but the Avon Valley defense was just about holding. Beattie went one-on-one with Cope but the keeper came out on top, before a Bromham corner caused mayhem and the visitors had to clear the ball off the line. For Valley Haroun smacked a shot off the inside of the post which rebounded to safety. The match’s biggest talking point came shortly after; a melée in the Bromham penalty area and Valley’s Reed appear to throw a punch at a Bromham player. The visiting players were claiming that Reed was struck first. Either way the referee didn’t see anything as he was over sorting out a free kick. The visiting management team were quick to take Reed off the pitch before any more drama occurred. Valley were reduced to 10 men with 6 minutes remaining as Luis Soriano-Webber was sin-binned for dissent. And just a minute later they were made to pay; Archie Harris sent a 25 yard screamer straight into the top corner, setting off wild celebrations in the home ranks. Toby Wallis nearly won it for the hosts; receiving the ball at the far post he had lots of time to pick his place but scuffed the shot well wide.

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The Photos

The full gallery of match photos is also available HERE