Bratt Pack.

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Intro

These two sides compete in the Wiltshire Senior League Division One, but today meet in the League’s cup competition. To reach this round, Bratton impressively beat Wroughton who are currently 3rd in the Premier Division. They are currently 10th (out of 15) but with at least a couple of games in hand over most other teams in the league. They come into this game off the back of two draws: 3-3 away at 5th place Down Ampney last weekend, after a 1-1 stalemate at home to Bishops Cannings the Saturday before.

When today’s teams met in Swindon back in November, Redhouse capitulated and conceded 5 first half goals on the way to an 8-1 thrashing. Interestingly, their next game (which didn’t actually take place until January 4th) was an 8-0 win over winless local rivals Purton. Another interesting couple of results had Redhouse beat Bradford Town Reserves away in the 1st Round of the Fountains Trophies Cup, before they lost to the same team a few weeks later on home turf. In the league, Redhouse are down in 11th but should be safe from relegation as they are currently 12 points clear of the drop zone.

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The Ground

Bratton is a village to the south east of Trowbridge, with the famous Westbury White Horse between it and the town that lends its name to the iconic landmark. The Recreation Ground – which is shared with the village cricket team – is on the road north out towards Trowbridge. The football pitch is partially roped-off, and boasts a couple of decent-looking dugouts on one side. There is a clubhouse at one end with changing facilities and a car park to the side.

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The Match

The first chance of the game fell to the home side, as Jack Booth sent an effort from a very tight angle across goal. It was turned behind by a Redhouse defender exercising the Safety First mantra. The visitors’ relief was short-lived as from the resulting corner Adam Kenich found himself unmarked and able to knock the ball in unchallenged. 5 minutes later the Bratton lead was doubled – Louis Wilkins received the ball in the box and coolly finished one-on-one past Redhouse keeper Paul Squires. It could’ve been a goal for Brandon Thompson 2 minutes later, but the shot was ballooned horribly after a couple of squared passes from Joe Whiteman and then Wilkins. The latter went on a great run and shot halfway through the first half, but unfortunately his effort was just over. The visitors finally had their first real chance of the game as young Charlie Chambers found himself the recipient of a fantastic ball, but his shot was wide. Controversy reared its head a couple of minutes later. One of the referee’s assistants raised their flagged for a foul against a Redhouse player, however the flag was quickly lowered as play continued. The ball reached Wilkins on the edge of the box who fired low into the bottom corner of the goal. Keeper Squires got a touch but couldn’t keep it out. The visitors were showing signs of flaring tempers, and this came to a head as Arron Dale was sent off just prior to the half-hour mark for kicking out at a Bratton player. 2 minutes later the hosts made the numerical advantage show – a fluffed clearance from Squires was hit back first time by Whiteman; the ball flying low into the corner of the goal.

The second period saw the visitors start brightly – good persistence from Paul Amoni allowed the ball to reach Chambers but his shot was turned behind well by Rob Mead in the Bratton goal. 3 minutes later the home side extended their lead further – Jack Booth with the close range finish after a great ball in from Wilkins. It was 6-0 five minutes later as substitute Sam McQueen sent in a cross which Louis Wayman smashed home with a flying side-footer. Squires produced a couple of good saves before Bratton were awarded a penalty, seemingly for a push at a corner. The spot kick was buried by Booth for the striker’s second of the game. An unlikely consolation goal arrived for the visitors, and it came in the form of another penalty. A good battling run from defender Daniel Axford, and he was brought down in the box. He dusted himself off and scored the penalty himself. The hosts could have had more than their 7 goals – a combination of shots zipping just wide of the target, and decent goalkeeping kept the tally in single figures.

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The Photos

The full gallery of match photos is also available HERE