4.0 away win at Stowmarket to keep 100% cup record.

[Res Match Day Sec]

Tonight we won 4.0 away at Stowmarket in the First Division knock out cup. (previously we beat Brantham at home in the League Cup on pens)

I have written lots of notes for a match report, but I need to be up at 6 a.m so must go to sleep, full details tomorrow about 11 a.m.

Well done lads for tonight.

[Res Match Day Sec]

Eastern Counties League - First Division Knockout Cup 1st Round.
Stowmarket Town (0) 0.2 (4) BRAINTREE TOWN RESERVES.
Att. 45.

Kit - Shirt : Orange,
Shorts : Royal Blue,
Socks : Royal Blue,
Keeper shirt : Sky Blue.

GOALS :
Braintree Town Res : 1.0 : (19 mins) Joe Maybanks / 2.0 (27 mins) Joe Maybanks / 3.0 (69 mins) Alfie Walker PENALTY / 4.0 (86 mins) Joe Maybanks.

TEAM :
1, CARL PENTNEY (CAPT)
2, KIERAN ELLIOTT
3, STEVE SMITH
4, GEORGE PULLEN
5, JOE MOORE
6, CONNOR SMITH
7, ALFIE WALKER
8, REECE SAYERS
9, SEYE OKUNLOLA
10, JOE MAYBANKS
11, REGAN PELLING

SUBS USED IN ORDER.
73 mins : 14 JACK TYRER FOR SHIRT 9
73 mins : 12 MATT BAXTER FOR SHIRT 51

UNUSED SUBS.
15 JAKE GILDER
17 LUKE BANNER (GK)

YELLOWS : SEYE OKUNLOLA

BRAINTREE TOWN BENCH : Mark Sansom (Manager) Wayne Lowry (Assistant Manager) Jake Gilder (Physio)

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What a difference a week can make in football, last Tuesday we felt the lows of losing to Cornard but last night the euphoria of beating Stowmarket who had previously beaten us 3.0 convincingly at home. We retain our 100% record in cups following on from the heroic's of the league cup win last month.

Last night we were up against a "Stow" team who wanted to play football, not like Cornard and we always seem to do better against the footballing sides rather than the physical sides. Our first effort of any real note came 11 minutes into the game with Joe Maybanks getting in a header from close range. The game was more than even until an error in the Stow defence led to an opportunist goal to fall into our laps and Joe Maybanks put it away to give us a 1.0 lead with 19 mins played. This seemed to upset Stow who their best player the number 10 Captain Tom Bradlaugh decided to go down after an Iron challenge and let out a scream like he had been mauled by a lion. Fortunately the referee ignored his screams he got the freekick but then turned from a lion into a headless chicken running around. Two minutes after he screamed for his life.

Just short of the half hour mark, we had action at both ends, Joe Maybanks added a second while George Pullen pulled off a critical challenge which if he had not got too, we would of been level. Before the interval it was the turn of the Stow number 5 Stefan Marsh to give us a lion impression, again a strong referee ignored his attempt to get a Braintree player booked. We went in half time two goals to the good. Smiles all round from the Iron bench as they walked into the dressing room.

Second half we dictated the game, Regan Pelling hit the post (63 mins) and a header on target (68 mins) and minute later Alfie Walker is brought down and gets a penalty - he blasts it into the net and gives us a 3.0 lead. (69 mins) . Two minutes later Stow are down to ten men when the number 5 Stefan Marsh was sent off for a 2nd yellow. Within a minute we make a sub and Jack Tyrer fresh from the bench has a shot on target. 6 minutes to go and Jack Tyrer forces the keeper to make a save he spoons it and at this stage a 4th goal was coming. Two minutes later the best goal of the night from Joe Maybanks, a freekick over the wall and into the top corner breath taking to watch. In the final minute Regan Pelling who really deserved a goal from his five chances tonight forced the keeper to make a fantastic save.

We won 4.0 it could of been more, Joe Maybanks hit a hat-trick and is the club's leading scorer with 5, the lads continued the effort from Swaffham, but this time they got the rewards. The lads were awesome tonight. Pleased for everyone of them, special mention must go to returning player Connor Smith - solid as a rock, but every player was fantastic. WELL DONE EVERYONE.

[mooresy25]

Well done to the reserve lads, cracking result. Good job Joe got his third having not been given the opportunity from the penalty spot (or did he decline the offer to take it?). Poor Carl Pentney must wonder how he's gone from Chelmsford first team to Eastern Counties football.

[Res Match Day Sec]

Quote "Well done to the reserve lads, cracking result. Good job Joe got his third having not been given the opportunity from the penalty spot (or did he decline the offer to take it?). Poor Carl Pentney must wonder how he's gone from Chelmsford first team to Eastern Counties football."

Regarding your points.

I am sure Joe realizes he is playing men's football now and as he is playing men's football, he accepts the Gaffa's decision. To Joe's credit he acted mature and accepted the Gaffa's shout that penalty taker Alfie Walker take the spot kick, it was a clear instruction that no player even questioned. These lads might only be academy lads, but their attitude has been top notch and they respect Mark Sansom & Wayne Lowry.

Regarding Carl Pentney, I can include Steve Smith & Ryan Case. I am sure Dev's will be proud of these fringe first team players, they have come into the Reserves and offered advise to the younger players, I have never heard any of them in the minibus, clubhouse or changing room have any kind of attitude. They have been grateful to receive minutes as they fight for their place in the first team and accept Mark & Wayne are the boss.

All the lads in the Reserves are showing a great deal of maturity.

Finally, Eastern Counties Football is a good level and our own first team not many years ago were playing in this league. (Supporters aged only 40 will remember it) A lot of our supporters loved their time in this league.