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Football - West Yorkshire League: But they have to fight
Brighouse Old Boys remain eight points clear at the top of the second division after a 4-2 win at a Great Preston team who had been determined to avenge their 7-1 thrashing earlier in the season.
The home side went in front after 10 minutes when a long diagonal ball deceived keeper Jason Kirby allowing a Preston striker a simple tap-in.
The Old Boys sprung into action with midfielders Reece Bray and Michael Barlow becoming more dominant and wide men Rob Kenny and James Fletcher creating havoc down the flanks.
On the 20 minute mark, Fletcher's in-swinging corner gave the centre back the chance to level with with a superb diving header.
Brighouse then went ahead when Barlow won the ball and beat two men before firing in an unstoppable left footed shot from 20 yards into the bottom corner.
Old Boys twin strike-force Adie Kelly and Glen Lee then got their act together, but a combination of poor finishing and some excellent saves from the Preston keeper restricted the score to 2-1 at half time.
Great Preston levelled after the break then had their best period of the match, but the Old Boys' back four of Steven Tuite, Andy Pearson, Burton and Luke Johnson, along with Kirby held firm.
With half an hour remaining Shaun Kirby was introduced into the attack and his fresh legs seemed to kick-start the Old Boys.
They were back in front after Fletcher's cross found Kenny who had volleyed home.
Great Preston continued to look for the equaliser, but with time running out a strong run and cross from the right by Kenny found Shaun Kirby who slotted the ball in to seal the points for Brighouse.
Brighouse Old Boy Reserves beat a youthful Howden Clough Reserves 4-2 in Alliance Two.
Brighouse re-united their previously successful strike pairing of Adam Bedford and Paul Taylor and the change worked from the start.
Neil Fitzjohn, Andy Taylor, Alex Bembridge and Martin Newham dominated midfield and Bedford linked the play.
Brighouse were unlucky with a ball from a corner which was kicked off the line but opened the scoring when Dan Reddy fired home from the spot after right back Danny Lund had been fouled.
Brighouse doubled their lead just before the break when neat build up play from Bembridge on the right was put away by Andy Taylor.
Brighouse seemed to lose concentration and allowed Howden back into the game when a disputed penalty and an error in the defence let the opposition draw level.
All the first half's good work appeared to have been undone, but Brighouse did not give up and came back stronger, forcing Howden onto the back foot.
Chances went begging with Adam Williams - a replacement for Paul Taylor who was subbed due to a head injury - hitting the bar, and Andy Taylor and Marko O'Boyle having chances saved by the keeper.
Brighouse regained the lead in somewhat controversial circumstances, a clear penalty when Alex Bembridge was pushed over and the culprit booked for the foul.
The defender carried on complaining and was eventually sent off for swearing at the referee.
Reddy ignored the histrionics and crashed the ball into the top right hand corner of the net.
Taking control of the game, Brighouse's keeper Gareth Betts had little else to do, and his accurate long kicks were causing havoc in the opposition defence.
It was from one of these that Adam Bedford raced clear, rounded the keeper and placed the ball into the goal.
For Brighouse, a welcome return to winning ways keeping them in the chase for the league title.
The defender carried on complaining and was eventually sent off for swearing at the referee.
Reddy ignored the histrionics and crashed the ball into the top right hand corner of the net.
Taking control of the game, Brighouse's keeper Gareth Betts had little else to do, and his accurate long kicks were causing havoc in the opposition defence.
It was from one of these that Adam Bedford raced clear, rounded the keeper and placed the ball into the goal.
For Brighouse, a welcome return to winning ways keeping them in the chase for the league title.
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Weather for Halifax
Thursday 09 February 2012
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