BRAMFORD UTD 1, WANDERERS RESERVES 2.

SUFFOLK JUNIOR CUP 1ST ROUND

SATURDAY 22ND OCTOBER 2005

With Ricky Ward, Dave Kenyon and Blain Burgess already missing, the management knew that there would be a shortage of players, so the loss on the day of Adam Burrows, Darren Yellop and Matty Thompson left a bare 11, plus the managers.

Undaunted by this, the team took to the field against SIL Div 1 opposition with confidence still high after the win last week v Clacton and the superb display at Diss.

Ben Warne came into the back four along with the recalled Sam Knibbs,with Paul Clow moving to centre back. There were also starts for Tom Cross and Jimmy Nunn.

The first half proved a real battle , with a physically strong home side more than matched by Wanderers.  Bramford had 3 good chances to take the lead, but skied 2 of them and Robbie Stannard produced a fine save to deny the other. However,they paid for their lack of finishing when Jimmy Nunn netted from close range to put the vistors ahead.

Bramford Utd 0 Ipswich Wanderers Reserves 1

The second half continued much the same , with chances at both ends at regular intervals. Wanderers went 2 up with a goal from a corner, netted by Ben Warne.

Bramford then enjoyed a spell of real pressure, creating and missing chance after chance, with Wanderers missing numerous chances on breakaways themselves.

The home side pulled 1 back near the end, but it was too little, too late and the visitors held out for victory. For me, man of the match was a tough call with Adrian Roper and Jimmy Nunn both well worthy of the award, but everyone in the team did their bit and battled for 90 minutes.

Their reward is a home tie against SIL 2 side Coddenham on 12 th November , with the Portman Road final a mouthwatering 4 wins away.

Bramford Utd 1 Ipswich Wanderers Reserves 2