Brocton v Heath Hayes – New Years Day -  Derby

Brocton were totally undone in this Derby match by a well organised and determined Heath Hayes side looking for the points from as early as the first minute.

Heath Hayes were straight out of the blocks and took the game to Brocton and were rewarded in the first minute by Alan Haycock’s 10 yard shot off the up right.  Brocton steadied and endeavoured to work the ball between players and looked good going forward, however, Heath Hayes were sharp on the break  and Shaun Eatley scored an exceptionally well struck goal from 25 yards in the 9th minute.  This gave Heath Hayes even more confidence and they showed pace on the wings and no nonsense in defence.  Andy Harrison had and excellent shot from the edge of the penalty area, which was goal bound other than for the  excellent diving save by keeper Stuart France.

Gary Fife converted for Brocton after 19 minutes following a header from Lee Scott which rebounded off the upright.  Heath Hayes still looked dangerous going forward and particularly their efforts chipping the ball over the Brocton defence for their advancing forwards. Chris Deakin had a good chance on 30 minutes but was foiled by Mike Shelper in the Brocton goal.

Both Scott and Steve Bennett had chances to bring Brocton level from efforts within the 5 yard area on 40 and 42 minutes but with Brocton pushing forward they left themselves exposed for Ben Haseley to fire home a low drive leaving Shelper helpless in the Brocton goal. This being within a minute of half time and was a killer blow for the Brocton efforts.

Brocton started the second half at a higher pace but Heath Hayes would not let them settle on the ball and two chances came to Gary Fife early in this half but on both occasions keeper France was excellent in his anticipation.

The game was now end to end and Brocton had chances again but for the no nonsense defending by Hayes, but neither Dyke or Fife could capitalise on the free kicks just outside the area.  Heath Hayes weathered the storm and put together come good moves themselves from which Chris Deakin scored in the 71^st minute with an excellent header to the right of Shelper.  Brocton were now being exploited at the back and it was no surprise that Heath Hayes added to their tally with Ben Haseley finishing off good work  again by Hayward on the left.

 The game was a closer affair than the score line reflects but Brocton can only blame themselves for missed chances and lapses in defence which allowed Heath Hayes to score at crucial times in the match.