Bramham Football Club

Thursday 11th May

Bramham 1 Thirsk 1

Thirsk brought a strong team down the A1 for the final match of the season, but his was no end of season kick about as both sides were looking to go out with 3 points. The game was evenly contested throughout and it was Thirsk who took the league mid way through the second half following a throw in on the right wing which the home defence failed to clear.

From that point Bramham were always chasing the game, but the introduction of Mike Biscombe and Marcelle Edwards gave a welcome boost to the home side as they piled forward in the last 20 minutes. Barry Dodsworth was pulled down in the box for a stonewall penalty but inexplicably the referee ruled the foul outside the area. The resulting free kick swung into the 6 yard box and there was Paul Hicks with a glancing header to earn Bramham a share of the points

Tuesday 9th May

Addingham 2 Bramham 5

After just 2 minutes of this game Bramham found themselves behind following a throw into the penalty area which they failed to deal with. The visitors were penned in their own half for most of  the first 20 minutes, but Dowson and Marcelle Edwards posed a threat on the counter. It was Matty Dodsworth following up on his great goal at Pannal he pulled the visitors level with a 40 yard free kick which the keeper failed to deal with.

Addingham then had twp fine chances to extend their lead but failed to convert and with Bramham growing in confidence and the versatile Anthony Maltby looking solid in goal it was Bramham who turned around looking the more assured side.

Bramham were quickly out of the blocks and scored two goals within 5 minutes of the restart through Hicks and Edwards. Bramham had moved up a gear and the home side started to wilt as Hicks, Barry Dodsworth and Phil Alker started to carve opening through Addinghams rearguard.

There was a momentary lapse of concentration when Bramham failed to deal with a free kick, with Assistant Manager Firth screeming at the poor marking and space conceeded.

This Bramham team is made of tough stuff and they weathered the storm before clinching the points through goals from alker and Ryan Dowson

This victory guarantees Bramham's promotion back to the premier league for the first time in over 20 years. This was an outstanding display against an Addingham side who have equipped themselves well keeping up their own challenge for promotion to the final few days of the season

Whilst everyone played their part the performances of Matty Dodsworth and Paul Hicks were simply outstanding on the night. They oozed quality and determination!

Andy Linyard check out the Pannal report for a never to be forgotten Hat Trick!!

Saturday 6th May

Pannal 0 Bramham 7

Bramham turned in their most impressive away win of the season and despite some recent setbacks continue to keep up the pressure at the top of the league.

Bramham simply outplayed  Pannal all over the field and could easily of added to their tally had it not been for some fine keeping in the home goal.

A well taken Edwards goal and a Jason Wright penalty gave the visitors a 2 -0 lead at the break, but Bramham added a further 5 after the interval with Andy Linyard smashing a hat trick, Matty Dodsworth hitting a 40 yarder that screamed over the keeper and an own goal to add to a bad day for the Pannal back four.

There were run outs for Paul Firth who frequently got into good positions, and Ryan Dowson who always looked dangerous with some direct runs at the home defence. It was not to be Ryans day however as he clipped an easy chance on to the post and somehow contrived to miss the rebound!

The defence well marshalled once again by Colin Maltby looked solid and it was pleasing to come away with a clean sheet.

Tuesday 2nd May

Bramham 1 Kirk Deighton 1

Bramham continue to stumble towards the end of the season and shared the spoils in an evenly fought encounter. Once again the failure to  convert chances into goals proved costly. It was in fact an own goal which gave Bramham the lead after 20 minutes, but Deighton got back on level terms just before the break following some sloppy defending.

In the second half Bramham had strong appeals for a penalty turned aside but failed to convert their possession into goals.

Thursday 27th April

Bedale 2 Bramham 1

What a bizarre week this has been, with Bramham once again forced to travel over 40 miles up the A1 for the second time in 2 days for an evening fixture! At Dalton unexpectedly no assistant referees turned up for a cup semi final, yet for this league game miraculously 2 do appear when not even rostered! Intriguingly they appear to be the sons of the referee, a referee never before seen in the Harrogate league. The rostered referee has apparently been sent all the way down the A1 to officiate the Bramham Reserve game at Half Moon!

Not suprisingly it is the officials who make all the news allowing a Bedale forward to put the home sie in the lead after 20 minutes to the suprise of all at the match who clearly saw the striker several yards offside when chasing down a long punt. That set the scene for the evening and left Bramham chasing the game. They seemed to have claimed a share of the spoils whe Hicks fired home after 75 minutes but Bedale grabbed a late winner to claim 3 vital points.

Tuesday 25th April

Dalton 5 Bramham 4

There is nothing to report on this game as no football was played. Two sides took to the farmers cow pasture, kicked the ball up in the air as it was not possible to play on the grass. Dalton were fortunate to force the ball over the Bramham line on one more occassion than the visitors and hence won the game. This must be not only the worsed pitch in the League but probably in England, even the cows have left for fear of falling over! So sorry for the Dalton guys who have to play on it every week, you deserve to be in a final!

Saturday 22nd April

Bramham 3 Empress 0 Medal Cup Final at Ripon City

Bramham lifted their first trophy of the season with a comfortable win over Harrogate side Empress who were never really in this game.

Bramham line up:-

Malthouse, Robinson, Maltby (C), Appleyard, Maltby (A), Dodsworth (M), Alker, Dodsworth ( B) Linyard, Hicks, Malkinson. Subs: Edwards, Wright, Ewen, Booker, Fisburn.

Bramham took firm control of this game from the outset, and looked avery accomplished and disciplined side, who played to pre match instructions so effectively that Malthouse had little to do for long spells but when called upon handled with confidence and never looked like conceeding a goal.

Malkinson opened the scoring for Bramham  on 20 minutes firing in from close range following good work by Hicks. Just before the break the lead was increased when Hicks placed a glancing headed inside the upright following good work by Linyard, who impressed throughout the half with his tenacious tackling and commitment.

The second half was one way traffic and inevitably Bramham scored a third with 20 minutes remaining, which was the signal for Wright and Edwards to replace Malkinson and Hicks. Anthony Maltby sustained a knock in the closing stages and was replaced by Danny Ewen as Bramham passed the ball around with ease for what was a  convincing victory from a very professional performance.

There were fine displays all around the park for Bramham in what was an excellent team effort.

Tuesday 18th April

Bramham 3 Killinghall 3

Bottom of the league and relegated, Killinghall visited Freely lane with only pride to play for, and found themselves 2 down at the break following goals from Hicks and Malkinson, the latter a wickedly dipping 30 yard effort. Linyard added a third 15 minutes from time which allowed manager Wright the chance to give a couple of players a breather and give a run out to Drew and Barry Jones.

Unexpectedly the visitors struck almost immediately and then scored a second 5 minutes from time to set up a tricky last few minutes for the home side. It was with total dismay that they then added the final insult by grabbing an equaliser in injury time.

Whilst Bramham should have been out of sight long before the closing debacle, defences simply cannot go walk about at any level, and on this night they paid the ultimate penalty.

Saturday 15th April

Bramham 4 Spa 2

Bramham bounced back after their midwek setback to move to within 2 points of league leaders Bedale and with 4 games in hand. Bramham took the lead after 15 minutes and doubled their advantage shortly after with a fine move. Appleyard and Barry Dodsworth set up marsksman Wright who picked up the ball close to the byline, wrong footed two defenders in the six yard box and smashed a rocket into the top corner from an almost impossible angle. This goal was a typical hallmark of Wrights play throughout the season as he has once again terrorised defences the length and breadth of the league.

Bramham went in 3 up after a looping freekick evaded the Spa defence and though it may be disputed by the dodgy goals panel, Firth looked to get the last touch. Wright had hobbled off just prior to the third goal but at half time Bramham looked confortable.

The  game changed early in the second half when unexpectedly Spa struck a goal back and Bramham had Appleyard sent off. Spa sensed they may yet get something out of the game and therer were a couple of anxious moments for the home side until Fishburn notched a fourth with 10 minutes remaining.

Booker had been exceptional in the Bramham goal all afternoon and it was dissapointing to see his afternoon end with a freak goal. An innoculous ball looked to be heading into his safe hands when suddenly it bounced,reared up and climbed above him to give Spa a lote consolation for their second half efforts.

In reality the much depleted Bramham side were too strong in all departments and were good value for the points.

Tuesday 11th April

Kirk Deighton 2 Bramham 0

Lee Appleyard, replaced Matty Dodsworths in midfield and Ben Booker took over in goal from Chris Malthouse on a bumpy pitch in a blustery wind. Deighton had the better of the early exchanges and Bramham looked vulnerable at the back, disorganised in midfield and toothless in attack. It was no surprise then that Deighton carved open the Bramham defence and took the lead after 15 minutes. 10 minutes later they were two ahead when a deflected shot left Booker stranded.

As the teams came off at half time, not since their defeat at Thirsk in November had Bramham turned in such a poor performance. Fishburn replaced Chapman at half time and whilst Bramham turned in a more threatening second half display, time and again they came up against some stubborn defensive work by the Deighton rearguard. In the closing stages Bramham had a perfectly good goal ruled out for offside when all present clearly saw Wright play the ball back from the byline for an easy tap in. This perhaps summed up the evening for Bramham, where every bump and bounce conspired to run against them, but they looked a jaded side, badly missed Alker and Matty Dodsworth and never came to terms with the unfavourably conditions.

Saturday 8th April

Masham 0 Bramham 4

Chris Elliott came into the side to partner Robinson at the heart of the Bramham defence and there was a starting line up for Ben Chapman as the teams took to the field in blustery conditions, but on an excellent playing surface.

Bramham started with the strengthening wind behind them and soon had Masham penned in their own half.On 13 minutes Wright took a long throw on the right flank which caused confusion in the Masham ranks and Chapman was on hand to put the visitors ahead from 6 yards out.

As the weather rapidly deteriorated and turned into a driving hailstones chances were few and far between and Masham were happy to turn around just one behind as Bramham had completely dominated the first half.

In the second half the wind dropped and Bramham started to play some excellent football, moving the ball with pace and accuracy. It was Dave Malkinson who nudged Bramham further ahead on 52 minutes when he outjumped the Masham defence to head home from 8 yards out.

Bramham continued to press with the result that Wright was brought down in the area and converted the subsequent penalty to give them a 3 goal lead after 68 minutes.

It was all Bramham by now and Robinson let fly a venimous free kick from 40 yards which the goalkeeper paried onto the crossbar and was delighted to see the ball bounce back into his arms, but there was more to come following  fine work by Danny Ewen who found Wright on the left edge of the area and slipped a pass through to the umarked Hicks who slotte home a fourth goal to wrap up the points.

This was another excellent all round display by Bramham with the impressive Robinson looking assured at the back, tireless running by the midfield quartet and fine finishing from the strikeforce.

Thursday 6th April

Horsforth 2 Bramham 4

Once again manager Wright was forced into several changes as Bramham made this evening trip to Horsforth, and found themselves in early trouble from a Horsforth side who looked lively and pacey up front, cutting through the Bramham rearguard with worrying ease. It was no surprise to see them take the lead when the out witted the Bramham defence after 20 minutes following a rapid counter attack. On 30 minutes they doubled the lead following another slick move as Bramham looked on. They threatened to put the game beyond the visitors and squndered a good chance to take a 3 goal lead.

This proved to be a turning point as Wright broke away and fired a low drive into the bottom corner of the net as Bramham started to claw their way back into this game.

Bramham took stock at half time, rolled up their sleeves, and took the game by the scruff of the neck, with goals from Wright, Hick and Fishburn to run out comfortable winners. This was a gutsy performance from Bramham, in circumstances where many teams would have folded, and should stand them in good stead for the remainder of the run in. 

Saturday 25th March

Thirsk 1 Bramham 2

Bramham once again relied on their strength in depth as they looked to progress to the final of the Medal Competition. Chris Malthouse returned on goal, Anthony Maltby took over at left back and Richard Robinson returned to accompany Matty Dodsworth at the heart of the Bramham defence.

Having been on the wrong end of a 3 -1 league defeat on this ground Bramham started cautiously and were content to  play a containing game based on some solid defensive work. The back four were well organised and easily coped with the Thirsk strike force and grew in confidence as the game progressed.

On 38 minutes Marcel found Jason Wright on the edge of the area, he cut inside two defenders and drove the ball home from 12 yards out to put the visitors in front at the break.

Bramham dominated the opening of the second half but an error by Malthouse allowed Thirsk to level against the run of play after 65 minutes.

Bramham were always the better side and deservedly run out winners with a fine near post glancing header from Marcel following a Wright corner 10 miutes from time.

Saturday 18th March

Spa Athletic 2 Bramham 5

It was a decimated Bramham  side which arrived at Killinghall Moor for this Intermediate cup tie. Malthouse, Grover, Maltby, Richardson, Hick amd Mallinson were all missing and Barry Dodsworth was carrying a bad rib injury sustained at Bedale the previous week. Phil Alker returned from injury to skipper Mick Wrights depleted troops who took the field with Booker in goal, Bowden continuing in central defence after his fine display at Bedale accompanied by Biscombe, with Anthony Maltby at left back. Marcelle and Chapman were given starting opportunities and there were places on the bemch for Danny Ewen, Drew and the evergreen Paul Firth.

After a shaky opening  Bramham began to get the better of the midfield exchanges but Spa looked dangerous as they made several telling raids on the Bramham back four. From one of these raids a Spa striker was brought down in the area, but Booker made an excellent save to deny the home side the lead. Booker continued to  be a steadying influence on the Bramham defence and was a commanding figure in goal all afternoon.

On 30 minutes, Bramham put together a sweeping move well finished by Alker from 10 yards out. On the stroke of half time again it was Alker on the end of a fine Bramham move who crashed the ball into the roof of the net from close range to give the visitors a 2 goal cushion at half time.

Bramham continued to press in the second half but against the run of play and with the Bramham defence no where to be seen Spa got back into the game as a low cross was converted from close range.

There was a brief tricky spell for Bramham as Spa threatened to get back into the game but  well taken goals by Wright and Alker, to complete his hat trick saw the visitors comfortably home.

As the game entered its closing stages and with Wright carrying an ankle injury there were cries from the Bramham contingent for the introduction of Firth, for a rare first team appearance. Despite the advancing years the experienced Firth has lost none of his positional know how, and ghosted in at the far post to smash a fifth for Bramham from 8 yards out on 88 minutes.

There was still tme for some late drama as Spa were awarded a  second penalty for a mistimesd tackle and even the impressive Booker couldn't deny the home side a consolation goal.

Nonetheless it was a happy Bramham team that left the moor with a fine victory and evidence of the growing strength in depth that the club now possesses.

Saturday 11th March

Bedale 4 Bramham 4 (aet) (Bedale win 3-2 on penalties)

With these two teams currently first and second in division one,this match was always likely to be a close encounter. as they fought for a place in the Ackrill sponsored League challenge cup semi final. Bramham last years winners  have made a determined efort to retain the trophy this season but found themselves a goal down after  just two minutes when they failed to clear from a nicely floated free kick.

Wright levelled the scores just before half time and then converted a penalty just after the break as  Bramham took a hold of the game, but they were never able to throw off a resilient Bedale outfit, who levelled 20 minutes from time. Wright slotted home what looked to be a winner for Bramham but once again Bedale responded with a low drive in the final minute to take this tie into extra time.

The pattern continued with Bramham nudging ahead only to see Bedale come back with an equaliser. The match ended 4-4 after the extra time period but it was Bedale who go through, winning the penalty shoot out 3-2!

Saturday 25th February

Kirkby Malzeard Res 1 Bramham 4

This promised to be a tough encounter for Bramham as Malzeard had only lost once since early November and already had under their belt a draw in the earlier meeting of the teams this season at Freely Lane.

Bramham were forced into changes with Barry Dodsworth and Lee Appleyard both unavailable, which provided the opportunity for Danny Ewen to return at left back and for David Malkinson to have a full run out. There were places on the bench for Michael Wright and Ben Chapman, who was carrying an injury.

Bramham started the game well and from the off stamped their authority and superiority all over the field. It was no suprise to see them take the lead after 15 minutes when Matty Dodsworth set Jason Wright away down the right flank with a well weighted pass. Wright drew the defenders out and a pin point pass found David Malkinson  who fired home a low drive from 10 yards.

Shortly after Bramham looked to have a good appeal for a penalty turned aside but from the resulting corner the Malzeard keeper could only hook the ball into his own goal whilst under pressure from the Bramham strike force. Bramham lost Andy Linyard with a groin strain just before the interval, giving Mike Wright the chance of an outing

After the break there was a shock for the visitors when a nicely floated free kick evaded the Bramham back four and despite the eforts of Malthouse in goal Malzeard were able to grab a goal back from close range.

This was really the only blip on the afternoon for Bramham and thereafter they took the game by the scruff of the neck, with Phil Alker ploughing through the mud and driving his team forward. Robinson, Maltby and Grover are becoming a real class act in defenceand look more assured as each week passes. They were well supported by Danny Ewen, who battled on despite carrying an injury and he typified the spirit of this Bramham side.

The best was yet to come as Jason Wright continued to cause panic amongst the Malzeard defence, and broke away down the right, brushed passed some heavy challlenges and drove a 20 yard shot passed the keeper to extend Bramhams lead. 5 minutes later, once again Wright created some space in the penalty area and unleashed a thunderbolt into the roof of the net. These two strikes were simply breathtaking and allowed Bramham to play out the latter stages of the game without any concerns.

This was an excellent all round team display with Chris Maltby assured in goal and Mark Hicks turning in another good performance

Saturday 18th February

Bramham 4 Pannal Sports 1

Jason Wright returned replacing Ben Chapman and Lee Appleyard had a place on the bench as Bramham were quickly out of the blocks launching waves of attacks in the early phases of the game.

Several gilt edged chances were missed  by the Bramham strike force before Wright opened the scoring after 15 minutes. The pattern continued throughout the first half during which the home side should have been well out of sight. Dave Malkinson eventually converted an opportunity and the home side turned around with a two goal advantage.

Bramham dominated  the second half but failure to take chances  and sloppy work in defence allowed the visitors a glimmer of hope as they pulled a goal back against the run of play. Bramham had an uncomfortable spell before Wright was brought down in the area and scored the subsequent penalty. Just before the final whistle Wright clinched his hat trick smashing the ball into the the roof of the net from close range.

Robinson and Maltby once again looked an assured pairing in the centre of Bramhams defence and there were solid displays from Grover and Linyard as Bramham at last halted their run of 3 successive league defeats and have their championship challenge back on course.

Saturday 11th February

Bramham 1 Half Moon 0

Half Moon, storming ahead at the top of division 3 and unbeaten in their league were the visitors to Feeely lane for this Medal quarter final tie and from the early minutes it was clear to see that Bramham were in for atough afternoon.

There were 4 changes in the Bramham team, with Chris Malthouse deputising in goal. Ben Chapman came in for Jason Wright and Richard Robinson returned replacing Danny Ewen. Barry Dodsworth also returned to replace Anthony Maltby.

The two teams were well matched in the opening stages with clear cut chances scarce as each team fought for midfield supremacy. Bramham gradually got the upper hand but the Half Moon defence were well marshalled and the home side were restricted to the odd half chance. On 35 minutes Bramham were awarded a free kick, which was perfectly flighted allowing Mark Hick to produce a glancing header into the bottom corner for what proved to be the only goal of the game.

Once again Colin Maltby was a commanding figure in the centre of the back 4 and with Robinson and Grover providing excellent support the improvement seen in Bramhams defensive play  last week continued again. Maltby has stamped his authority all over Bramhams defensive displays in the last two weeks and there is a much more solid look about the team.

Phil Alker yet again turned in a tenacious performance in midfield, inspiring his troops with another tireless effort against a very good and committed Half Moon who are clearly playing in a league well below their capabilities. It was pleasing to see two good sides play a well referreed game in such good spirit.

Saturday 4th February

Otley 1 Bramham 4

Following their dissapointing performance last week in the league, Bramham returned to Otley for this intermediate cup tie, knowing that they would need to sharpen up their performance if they were to progress to the next round.

The vistors started the game with Anthony Maltby and Danny Ewen coming in at the back with Barry Dodsworth and Dave Malkinson, on the bench both recovering from injury. Bramham had the best of the earlier chances but as in previous weeks conceeded a sloppy goal after 20 minutes and the recent nervousness seen in the back 4 was once again evident.

As Bramham piled forward Jason Wright was taken down in the box and converted the penalty to level the tie after 30 minutes. A few minutes later and Bramham were ahead following a sweeping move rounded off by Mark Hick.

As the match progressed the Bramham defence started to look more settled than they had for several weeks with Colin Maltby and Lee Appleyard marshalling the line well.

At times Bramham threatened to completely overrun their opponents but failed to convert  some gilt edge chances before first Anthony Maltby and then Paul Fishburn found the net for what in the end was a comfortable win, which sets up a meeeting with Spa Athletic in the next round

Saturday 28th January

Otley 4 Bramham 2

Bramhams push for promotion continues to stumble along as they sufferred their second successive league defeat.

Once again Bramham were slow out of the blocks and came under immediate and constant pressure from an Otley  side who were up for this game from the first minute.

A 35 yard free kick and poor defending saw the visitors go 2 down within the first half hour and although Bramham created chances they always looked vulnerable in defence and likely to leak further goals.

Bramham seemed to have recoverd as goals from Giggsy and a penalty from Jason Wright levelled the game after the interval, but their defensive frailties were there for all to see as they conceeded 2 late goals and the points slipped away.

Bramham were out of sorts all over the field and it is clear that teams are now raisng their own game against the promotion chasers and the run in to the season will be a dificult one as opponents pull out all the stops.

Ironically Bramham return to Otley next Saturday for a cup encounter and their approach will need to be right if they are to progress

Saturday 21st January

Bramham 3 Albert 2

Unbeaten in the league, Albert arrived at Bramham full of confidence and were ahead within the first two minutes. They completely dominated the early stages of this game and added a second after 20 minutes.

Bramham were unable to come to terms with the rugged approach of their visitors and it was easy to see how they had taken the second division by storm this year and for much of the first half looked as they would simply blow Bramham away.

The home team steadied the ship and started to get a foothold in the game and were rightly awarded a penalty converted by  Jason Wright after 35 minutes.

Following a morale boosting talk at the break by manager Mick Wright, Bramham were a revitalised team in the second half and despite losing Rocca to a Red card quickly got back on level terms. The quality of Bramhams football on a heavy pitch was at times, simply outstanding.

 Wave after wave of attacks rained down on the visitors goals and the commitment was total as Albert were left chasing shadows and Bramham went on to secure a fine 3 - 2 victory. Perhaps most pleasing of all was the tremendous attitude and spirit demonstrated by all those in the Bramham colours which will serve them well on their busy run in to the season.

Saturday 14th January

BECKWITHSHAW SAINTS 2 BRAMHAM 4

Bramham maintained their hold on the trophy they won last season with a fine all round team display on a heavy, bumpy pitch. Andy Linyard returned at right back and turned in a typically tenacious display and his series of deep crosses always had the home side on the back foot. As Bramham took the game to their Premier league hosts it was no surprise when the lethal Jason Wright opened the scoring after 10 minutes and followed up with a second shortly after.

Beckwithshaw were clinging on at this stage but edged their way into the game with some longer spells of possession as the Bramham goal came under some sustained attacks. As the game approached the interval once again the ball broke to Wright who completed his hat trick to give the visitors a commanding advantage at the break. 

The lead was nothing more than Bramham deserved, with Barry Dodsworth and David Malkinson always a handful on the flanks, Phil Alker tackling everything that moved in the middle of the park and Rocca marshalling the defence to great effect.

Beckwithshaw  got an early goal back after 50 minutes and piled foward, pinning Bramham in their own half and a second goal on the hour mark brought this game right back into the balance. Rocca steadied the ship for Bramham and Alker and Matty Dodsworth once more got hold of the midfield and inevitably it was Jason Wright the scourge of Beckwithshaw all afternoon who grabbed his fourth 5 minutes from time to blow away any late concerns and see the visitors to victory.

Saturday 7th January

BRAMHAM 2 BEDALE 3

Bedale took the spoils in this long awaited top of the table clash to extend thier lead over Bramham to 5 points.

From the off both teams were aware of the significance of this game and in a tough fought first half Bramham had the edge on chances and possession but were unble to convert thier supremacy into goals, the closest being a strike from Giggsy which hit the upright just before the break.

Within minutes of the restart Bedale were ahead following sloppy work in the Bramham defence. Bramham took control of the game for long spells and goals from Giggsy and Barry Dodsworth looked to have Bramham in sight of the points. Bedale were always dangerous and scored a hotly disputed equaliser with Bramhams claims for offside looking fully justified.

Excellent work from Jason Wright resulted in him being pulled down in the box but to the dismay of all on the field the referee chose to book Wright for theatrics and awarded a free kick to Bedale, who made a swift raid on the Bramham goal and took the lead with 10 minutes remaining.

In the final minute Wright was once again pulled back in the penalty area and shouts for a penalty were  turned aside.

A jubillent Bedale left the field 5 points clear of Bramham who still have 2 games in hand over their rivals. The race for the First division title is set to go to the wire and the return game at Bedale may well decide the destiny of the title although one or two other contenders may emerge in the scrap for promotion

Saturday 10th December

KILLINGHALL 2 - 3 BRAMHAM

Despite starting the game with only 10 players;Bramham managed a win.Jason Wright had to start in goal,and after  5 mins a huge gap in the middle of the park let in Paul Outhwaite who kept his nerve & composure to open the scoring for the home team.

With Bramham later up to 11 players & Jason Wright up front he scored after  good work from Matty Oakes.1-1 The second half was all Bramham and Jason Wright soon made the score 2-1.

Chance after chance went beggin due to poor finishing & good goalkeeping from Rob Gill in the Killinghall goal.The home team drew level with a well taken goal by Jim Coleman,after Mark Hick punched clearance landed at his feet.

Bramham piled forward & were awarded a penalty when Barry Dodsworth was tripped in the box,upstepped Jason  Wright to send Rob Gill the wrong way in the Killinghall goal.

MAN OF THE MATCH for Bramham was Matty Dodsworth.

A final note about the game has to be the numberof players missing and ringing the manager 2hrs before kick off. Everbody  who wanted the club back up & running needs to take note!