The Development Squad travelled to Osset Town looking to produce a much improved performance following their narrow victory at Eccleshill the previous Friday. The team welcomed back Tom Haigh into the centre of midfield and Chris Fisher once again was looking to get extended game time to sharpen up his match fitness.
The team were challenged to set a high tempo to the game and to produce a performance reflective of their abilities. The whole team rose to this challenge and certainly did as they were asked. A number of half chances were created as the midfield trio of Haigh, Kurt Harris and Connah Judson constantly recycled possession and fed the hard working front three of Isaac Baldwin, George Oakley and Will Tolley. Tolley finally opened the scoring on 20 minutes when he latched onto a loose ball in the area and powerfully finished into the far top corner of the net. The lead was soon extended when Matt Stor headed home following great work from Judson and two minutes later Baldwin scored following a great through ball from Oakley. Jack Cooper replaced the unlucky Fisher whose hamstrings had tightened and was taken off as a precaution. The half time 3-0 lead didn’t fully reflect the dominance and control shown by Brighouse but was never the less a great platform for an impressive second half performance.
With less than 30 seconds of the second half gone Tolley latched on to a loose back pass and chipped the oncoming keeper with aplomb for a great start. Oakley scored after good work from Cooper and after 60 monies a powerful run and cross from Tolley saw the unfortunate Ossett defender turn the ball into his own net with Baldwin waiting to pounce. Saned Gharor was introduced from the bench and showed some nice touches and great skill. Tolley complete his hatrick when the goalkeeper kept giving him the ball back and he finished at the third attempt to be soon substituted for Kaine Hall. Baldwin was brought down in the box and Judson stepped up to coolly finish before Baldwin finished off the scoring after further good work from Cooper.
The score line does reflect the dominance that Brighouse had on the game on the whole team showed a focus and application in response to the under par performance from last week. The next game is against the same opposition at home in the Eastern Division League Cup semi-final on Tuesday 9th December. The same levels of application, focus and commitment will be needed to ensure a successful result

Charlie Tolley