A difficult away trip to Harrogate Railway last Thursday to play a much improved Railway team coached by former Brighouse player Simon Wood and containing ex- U16’s captain Dale Spink proved a real challenge from a quality footballing point of view. The first half of the game saw the Development team play with three at the back to mirror the formation being currently used by the first team and two wing backs employed to provide width and forward penetration. This formation was new to many of the team and although sticking to the formation some difficulties were encountered. The forward pairing of Issac Baldwin and Will Tolley were forced to work hard trying to deny space and possession to the home teams back four and the at times the rest of the team dropped too deep allowing Harrogate to dominate large parts of play. However, Chris Fisher, Ellis Nichols and the returning Tim Wallace kept a solid defensive line ably assisted by Elliot Scott and Matt Stor. Scott provided a number of incisive forward forays on the counter and despite having less of the possession it was Brighouse who came closest to scoring when Fisher got on the end of a well delivered corner only to see the home keeper pull off a magnificent point blank save. At the other end Matt Hirst in the Brighouse goal had be sharp and alert to cut out a number of dangerous through balls.
The formation was changed at half time to reflect the pattern of the play and a more conventional 4-4-2 set up provided a surer platform for Brighouse to take control of the game. The second half was a complete role reversal with Brighouse dominating possession and controlling the game. Kurt Harris and Dave Melling took charge in the middle of the park and George Oakley and Issac Baldwin combined well down the right flank to put pressure on left back Spink. Baldwin teased Spink in the box with quick feet to draw a rash challenge that the referee had no hesitation in penalising and pointing to the spot. Tolley stepped up confidently and blasted the penalty securely home. Soon after Baldwin played a good one two with Oakley before an interchange with Tolley allowed him space to finish powerfully and extend the Brighouse lead. New boy Josh Eastwood was introduced and settled in well along with Connor Judson and finally Liam Holmes. Brighouse looked to be seeing out the game before a lapse in concentration allowed Harrogate to grab a goal back. This could have led to a nervous last 10 minutes but Harris and Eastwood took control of the central areas of the park and through this regained control Judson stepped forward to restore the 2 goal lead with a well taken goal.
This game was played in a fantastic spirit by two very capable footballing teams. Brighouse ultimately succeeded because of their ability to take advantage of the passages of play when they had control of possession and because of the resolute approach to defending.
The game last Saturday against Brighouse Old Boys in the Halifax District Cup was a completely different affair and required an equally resolute but different approach. With a place in the quarter finals of the Cup and local bragging rights at stake the pressure on both sets of players was high. Brighouse started well passing the ball around and not allowing the Old Boys chance to settle but the quality of the passing and possession retention deteriorated in the final third and no clear opportunities were created. Dave Melling and Kurt Harris controlled possession in the middle area and the defensive unit of Harry Stead, Matt Stor, Elliot Scott, Tim Wallace and the ever improving Ellis Nichols ensured the Old Boys created very little.
The Development team took the lead on 30 minutes when Lamin Janneh was fouled 25 yards out and Melliung stepped forward and scored directly from the free kick into the top left hand corner of the Old Boys goal. It was a sweetly struck free kick and illustrates the qualities that he possesses. An injury free run of games will surely see him forcing his way into first team contention. With the first half entering injury time Mikey Pearson for the Old Boys managed to shake off the attention of Wallace and he accurately crossed for Richard Heins to head powerfully home for the equaliser.
Having conceded just before half time in this way the challenge to the much younger and less experienced Development side was to respond and not allow the Old Boys to take control of the game. This they did with a second half performance that showed maturity and game awareness way beyond their young years. Will Tolley was pushed forward to lead the line and the introduction of Callum Charlton provided the Old Boys defence with another threat to deal with. Jack Cooper on his return from suspension strengthened the midfield area and brought and assurance and calmness to proceedings and allowed the Development team to take greater control. The lead was regained when great work down the left by Charlton lead to a shooting opportunity for Baldwin who drew a fine save from the Old Boys keeper but Tolley pounced to fire home the parried ball and spark some wild celebrations. With only a one goal advantage the Old Boys always felt that an equaliser was not far away but the defensive unit of the Development squad and in particular man of the match Nichols controlled the last ten minutes of the game and ensure progression to the next round at the expense of our local rivals for the second year running.

The two games required two completely different approaches and illustrated the qualities that underpin this group of young players. They showed that they can withstand pressure, adapt and readjust to not only change a game but to then show great game awareness in ensuring a result is achieved. With league games against Eccleshill Leeds and Eccleshill United this week the opportunity exists to build on these last two performances and climb back up the league.