Spixworth United shared the spoils with Brandon Town from a 2-2 draw in their eagerly awaited first game at their new home. A disappointing result for Spixworth who appeared to be heading for victory but defensive blunders allowed Brandon back in the game which took the edge off what had been up until that point, been a very good afternoon.

Spixworth United shared the spoils with Brandon Town from a 2-2 draw in their eagerly awaited first game at their new home. A disappointing result for Spixworth who appeared to be heading for victory but defensive blunders allowed Brandon back in the game which took the edge off what had been up until that point, been a very good afternoon.

Playing conditions appeared immaculate in the late summer sunshine. Credit has to be given to club officials and committee members who have contributed to presenting an excellent playing surface with impressive surroundings.

With centre backs Mark Bloomfield and Ben Gowing serving one match suspensions, manager Brown was forced to reshuffle the defence. Luke Humphrey and Tom Hislop replacing the suspended duo and Lawrence Hare coming in at left back.

Brandon were first to show, clipping the crossbar after just five minutes. This appeared to spur Spixworth into action, James Richardson went close with a deceptive cross shot which signalled a period of home pressure. Spixworth took the lead after twelve minutes when Dan Allen burst into the penalty area only to be upended by the Brandon keeper. Dan confidently despatched the resulting spot kick and from that moment Spixworth controlled proceedings and should have added further goals. Damian Didwell, Mark Pitcher and Dan Allen all went close. Ramsay Gashut struck the crossbar with a splendid twenty yard strike as Spixworth continued to test the visitors defence.. Brandon however, finished the half strongly, serving notice of the threat they posed.

Playing into the wind after the break Spixworth were soon attacking. Lee Askew struck the foot of an upright from close range, Dan Allen had a shot well saved by the Brandon keeper. Spixworth increased the lead when Damian Didwell swept home a rebound in the sixty sixth minute after the keeper had saved yet again from Dan Allen. Spixworth remained on top creating further chances but wayward finishing prevented any of these being taken.

As in the first half Brandon finished strongly. With eight minutes remaining Ross Bilham failed to collect a cross into the penalty area cleanly, presenting a Brandon forward with a simple tap in to reduce the arrears. Lifted, Brandon now poured forward. Two minutes from time Luke Humphrey sliced a clearance which fell invitingly to a visiting forward who equalised from close range. The final minutes became very scrappy as Brandon continued to attack the home defence.

Disappointment then for Spixworth as this has to be considered as two points lost. Missed chances have cost us dear, as has failure to control a game when in a winning position. However, credit has to be given to Brandon who were resolute throughout, continuing to battle for the whole ninety minutes and being rewarded for doing so!

Next Saturday we are at home again when Scole visit for a Knockout cup tie.

John Keymer