BLACKBROOK 3-2 APPLETON AFC

A new season, a new team, a new division.

The newly formed Blackbrook team got their season off to a fantastic start with a hard-fought 3-2 win against old rivals and division 4 league champions Appleton.

Brook were slow to start, unsurprisingly given their lack of friendlies over the summer due to holidays, and were put under a lot of pressure from a confident Appleton side.

With Appleton dominating possession early on Brook were relying on the counter attack and the pace of Williams, Owens and Senior.

After a few narrow escapes with some dogged defending in the box the pressure told as Appleton took the lead on 18 minutes.

Blackbrook began to settle down into the game and created a few decent half chances but went into the break 1-0 down.

The second half, going downhill, was a different story. Brook started to dominate and played some lovely football. Appleton were increasingly having to rely on the counter attack.

The Blackbrook pressure told and Josh grabbed the equaliser, cutting in the from left, Williams ran across the box before unleashing a shot the nestled into the bottom left leaving the keeper stranded. 1-1.

Brook didn't stop there, with confidence levels increasing and Appleton feeling the pressure a cynical foul led to a free kick 25 yards out towards the left hand touch line. Joe marked his return from holiday by whipping it in and beating everyone to find the net, 2-1.

Blackbrook weren't finished there, another stunning solo effort from Josh, again cutting in from the left before unleashing a rocket that beat the keeper at his near post gave Blackbrook a 3-1 lead.

Appleton continued to press and managed to pull one back with 5 minutes to go following a quick corner but Blackbrook saw the game out comfortably for 3 points.

A great performance from all and a brilliant start to life in division 2. MOTM goes to the whole team.