The Development squad travelled to Emley missing a number players away on County duty but buoyed by the inclusion of a couple of first team players returning from injury and new recruit Baz Frankland from Leeds City.

Brighouse played up the Emley slope in the first half and created a number of good chances in what was a very competitive and even contest. Frankland would have expected to do better when picked out by an accurate cross from Will Tolley and then Tolley should have scored when putting an unchallenged header over the bar following a great cross from Chris Fisher. Emley weren’t without their chances and caused the Brighouse defence problems with their direct approach and quality deliveries into the box from set pieces. Emley took the lead following a great corner that was not cleared effectively allowing time for the Emley striker to beat the impressive Harry Stead in the Brighouse goal easily. This spurred Brighouse back into action and they put together a period of very accomplished play resulting in an equalising goal. Good play from George Oakley and Matt Stor allowed Frankland to create space to play in Tolley who finished powerfully passed Brighouse old boy Joe Stead in the Emley goal. A half time score line of 1-1 probably reflected the end to end nature of the game.

Brighouse took control of the second and dominated for large periods with the aid of the slope and some good inter passing. However, they were always aware of the speed and strength of the Emley forwards and their effective counter attacking. Callum Charlton should have scored when he was played clear by Frankland and two great crosses form Oakley failed to be converted. Brighouse took the lead when Frankland picked up a loose ball in the final third and cleverly chipped Joe Stead for a great goal. Additional chances came and went for both sides and as the game went into injury time Brighouse needed to keep their cool and control to see the match out. Unfortunately they showed a great deal of naivety and played as though they were seeking an equaliser and conceded two goals in the last two minutes to turn what should have been a good winning performance into a good loosing performance!!!

Development team football is all about learning and improving and the team have hopefully learned a big lesson after this game. As a management team we cannot lose sight of the many very good things that occurred in the game and what was a good all-round performance. Next up is Thackley away in the league on Saturday 20th September where we will be looking to register our first away points of the season.