Damage in the Box!: BRIGHOUSE TOWN (St Giles Road)

With nothing that appealed in the FA Trophy or Vase, I decided to head to West Yorkshire today and the town of Brighouse. I have been meaning to pay a visit here since last Christmas, when I phoned to ascertain whether a game would be on (it wasn't) and the official who answered the phone was ever so polite and courteous. I must visit soon I thought, unfortunately that day didn't arrive until today.

I wasn't disappointed with the welcome and had an excellent day out at St Giles Road. Sometimes in this hobby you come across a club that do their utmost to make you feel welcome. Brighouse is one such club, with the officials going the extra mile to help and have a chat.

The ground is pretty basic, with just a small seated stand, but as I was informed it is still a work in progress with plans for a covered terrace. This is, after all, their 2nd season at this level after stepping up from the West Riding League.

Brighouse and their visitors from Leeds, Yorkshire Amateur, have had a mixed start to the season with both teams still trying to find a consistent level of form. Going into today's game both teams were mid table, Brighouse on 13 points with Yorkshire Amateur on 10 points, having played a game less.

The game was thoroughly entertaining from the off with Yorkshire Amateur taking the lead inside 3 minutes when Ange Bleheri tapped in unmarked from four yards. Brighouse levelled after 6 minutes when Danny Toronczak headed home a Danny Ryan cross. The game continued at a fast pace with both teams creating and missing chances, but no further goals were added in the first half.

The second half continued where the first left off, with Amateur fastest out of the blocks and they should have taken the lead on a couple of occasions before letting Brighouse back into the game. It was Town who eventually took the lead on 69 minutes when Toronczak got his 2nd, though how much he knew about it i'm not sure. The Amateur 'keeper made a save from a header and parried the ball onto the knee of Toronczak, who was a couple of yards from goal. They all count, as they say!

The turning point of game came on 75 minutes when Amateur right back Craig Maynard was sent off for using "industrial language" towards the referee. The ref may have given him the benefit and used some discretion, but there was a referee's assessor about 10ft away who heard it loud and clear.

After this Brighouse were comfortably in control. Toronczak completed his hat-trick on 85 minutes, when he unselfishly set up Wayne Crosseley, who saw his shot saved but Toronczak was on hand to tap home. Another tap in in stoppage time from Lee Burgess completed the 4-1 scoreline, which on the balance of play was a little harsh on the visitors.

As a final gesture of hospitality, I was invited into the players "lounge" after the game for a post match spot of chili con carni, cup of tea and a chance to have a chat about the preceding 90 minutes.