St Brendan’s RFC OB vs Nailsea Vets 50s

Match Reports

What a weekend of sport. Emma Raducanu wins the US Open, Ronaldo scores a brace on his return to Man Utd and St Brendans vs Nailsea 50’s put on a 10 goal thriller! This was one for the neutral.

A new look Nailsea with some late replacements enabled us to kick off the season vs St Brendans on schedule although we were without our ever-dependable keeper not being available for this first fixture of the season. Striker Alex Plenty took the gloves and kept Nailsea in the game in the early stages with a wonderful finger tipped save onto the post. St Brendans were however the brighter of the two sides in the first 10 minutes and took a deserved 1-0 lead. Nailsea slowly began to find their way and levelled after 15 minutes through Buzz. Gary H received the ball wide on the right and jinked his way into the box all the way to the byline to pass back to Buzz who side footed in from 8 yards out. This seemed to give us the lift we needed and some great football followed. One of the goals of the game came from Matt G who saw the St Brendans keeper off his line and floated a beautifully lobbed shot into the far corner from just inside the box to give us the lead. 3 more followed for Nailsea as they dominated the half; an own goal as Gary H caused more panic in the St Brendans defence and two from striker Lee Cogan; a side footed effort from an in swinging cross from Dave Miles and a glancing header on the end of a superb ball in from left back Shane.

Injuries forced Nailsea to make changes at half time. Starting with 14 we were now down to a bare 11 and despite a comfortable lead it still felt as though St Brendan might edge back into the game. That’s an understatement. What a comeback! Goals on 50, 75, 77 and 85 minutes levelled the score. Nailsea gifted a couple (one in particular) but St Brendans heads never went down. Nailsea had numerous chances to put us out of reach but our finishing didn’t match the first half and the St Brendans keeper pulled off one terrific save low down to his right.

It was a tough result to swallow but it turned out to be fair on the balance of play. Great to have the season up and running again and we wish St Brendans an enjoyable season. Pleased to report the game was competitive but within the spirit we all wish for every Sunday morning.