This week Beavers FC had the honour of playing at the 1st team training ground of league club Brentford FC.
The match was able to be played at this particular ground thanks to Chris Penney, Brentfords groundsman who was able to offer us a well maintained flat pitch for the game to take place on. He also gave a tour of the facilities which was very appreciated.
Yet another hot sunny day saw an evenly contested opening period. Hampton were to strike first when a ball was threaded through to Chris P who confidently strode forward going out wide to the edge of the box and with the angle narrowing hit the ball perfectly to the 'keepers right to notch his first and deserved goal for the Beavers. Chris believes that new Brentford manager Terry Butcher may have been on a spying mission and he is currently holding his breath waiting for a call...
As the game progressed Brentford started their push on the Hampton goal with the left winger being particularly difficult to handle. A run by him was closed down by Jamie H who managed to block his first attempt at a cross but the ball rebounded to the Brentford man who was able, second time, to supply the ball to a team mate who scored from 12 yds out.

Half Time: Brentford 1 Beavers 1

Some half time changes were made and soon after a ball was contested by a Brentford man and Macey. From where the linesman was standing it looked as though the Hampton man got the last touch and on the half way line gave Brentford the throw. Rightly or wrongly it may or may not have been a Brentford throw but the linesman is only a volunteer doing a job that no one else wanted. With the throw not really being in a dangerous position Hampton seamed to stop playing as they weren't happy with the decision. Brentford took the initiative with a quick throw, unchallenged, passed it and a goal unmarked is scored with a lob from outsde the area.
What Beavers FC is about is playing to the whistle and accepting officials decisions and giving 100% in the persuit of a win. At any time any player is welcome to take over as linesman if he feels he can do a better job.
The half continued with Hampton getting several free kicks in good positions but were unable to capitalise on them. Finally Jamie N got the Beavers break through with a run down the right and with his usual cool finish levelled the scores.
A draw looked on the cards when in the 85th minute Brentford were allowed to run straight down the middle and score their third.
With time fast running out, Hampton were able to get a ball into the Brentford box. Jamie N rose for a header and was ferociously hit in the head from behind, knocking him senseless for about a minute in what looked like a stonewall penalty, nothing was given. The game ended with Brentford defending late Hampton pressure.
Our opponents were again found to be a decent lot which we have found throughout this campaign, which fits in well with IFA League values.

Full Time: Hey Jude FC Brentford 3 Beavers FC 2 (Goals: Chris P, Jamie N)

POM: Chris P

Line Up: Adam, Macey, Elliott, Michael P, Jamie H, Paul D, Lee Dev, Paul H, Jamie M, Jamie N, Chris P. Subs (all used): Jesus, Danny, Curt, Mick, Dave B