Firstly, a special thanks to the volunteers who drained the pitch of sitting water before the match, but it was impossible to clear the surface of energy-sapping mud that made it so heavy to play on …. a bit like playing in treacle.

Despite these challenging conditions, Brill completely dominated the first half, rarely allowing Marlow get into our half. We could easily have scored five or more goals by halftime but we missed chances and some good Marlow goalkeeping resulted in a 1-0 scoreline after 30 minutes. Brill kept the pressure on throughout the first half, launching attack after attack and eventually scored when Gabe’s shot towards the far post escaped the goalkeeper’s dive and, following in like all good forwards should, Barns brilliantly put the ball in the net.

After the break Marlow improved and the second half became a bit more evenly matched, although Brill still looked to have the upper hand. The boys worked hard for a second while Marlow pushed for an equaliser. Marlow’s goal came late on when their attacker stretched to get a toe to the ball and it went past the advancing Henry, who had come out to narrow the angle. Throughout the second half, Gabe, Barns, Will, Sid, Harry and Freddie all had efforts on goal, and when we did get a clean strike on target, their goalkeeper made good saves.

While the boys playing down the centre of the pitch faced the worst of the conditions, all of them persevered and their efforts were amazing. Unfortunately, they didn’t receive their reward as the game ended 1-1, with Marlow arguably very fortunate to take a point.

MOTM goes to Sid today for his great efforts in the mud and for putting into practice some new ideas from the coaches! Well done Sid.

Brill United 10 - Tring Tornadoes 3

An outstanding display of swift passing and intelligent football from the boys today. It was no coincidence we found ourselves 10-0 up with 10 minutes of the game left - our decision making, confidence playing out from the back, hitting the channels, and clinical crosses and finishing put the opposition to bed by half time. I think all of our supporters there would agree it was quite possibly the best all round display from us all season. Four goals from Freddie ‘Bellingham’ Glover were well deserved, it was an imperious display from the skipper today who was everywhere. Two goals from Ben, and one each for Gabe, Harry, plus two of our defenders getting on the score sheet, Theo and Sam, rounded off a wonderful morning.

Every single one of our boys played their part today, their spirit and togetherness was evident to all watching. Theo was MOM for his calmness and distribution from the back under pressure, plus multiple epic tackles snuffing out their attacks. It’s an absolute pleasure for the coaches to be with these boys every week. Forza Brill 🤍🖤