By Georgia Cook

Down at the Yorkshire Payments stadium was the final pre-season game before the 2020/21 campaign begins, with Handsworth making the journey to West Yorkshire it was a breezy day in the north. Handsworth manager Russ Eagle was unable to make the game today after being discharged from hospital, but we wish him well and hopefully a speedy recovery. It was Captain Kurt who lead the home side out and the game was underway. 

Brighouse got off to a flying start pushing high up the pitch, the defensive line was solid and the attack was faultless. With a free kick being given just three minutes in after a foul on Brighouse’s Javelle Clarke, it was Joe Jagger who was able to take a touch and hit the side post but unfortunately called offside. Handsworth started to get into the game after a good drive from Jordan down the right but Harris was able to intercept and put the ball out for a thrown in an excellent tackle by the captain.

In the 7^th minute a beautiful cross by Church allowed Jagger to make a swift pass to Boyle who fired it over the bar keeping the score line at 0-0. Soon after it was Haigh who got caught up in a midfield rumble when a 50/50 tackle was deemed to be enough for a free kick against the oranges. 

Handsworth had their first proper chance of the game as a ball by Nix into Weston managed to get passed Brighouse’s defence but Weston put the ball out of play a chance for the away side wasted. They had another opportunity to take the lead when Jordan played some excellent football before new signing Jack Tinker blocking the attack. 

Brighouse lead the attack once again when Javelle Clarke crossed the ball to Boyle who made a swift church to Town’s number 11 Eddie Church who fired it over the crossbar and deep into the woods. Eddie had another shot just moments on but this time it went straight into Townsends hands. 

The Town were awarded a corner and it was Grant who fired it and hit the crossbar with it then going out for a goal kick in the 27^th minute. Just a minute later a ball by centre back Joe Wilkinson allowed Jack Boyle to take a touch and score the first goal of the day placing it in the bottom left a great goal for Brighouse. The team as a whole were looking very promising for the new season and gave the spectators hope for a top finish from the oranges in the upcoming season.Brighouse were dominating the first half.

Just five minutes later it was a good ball in by Haigh that allowed striker Joe Jagger to grab a goal for himself after taking a touch and placing it bottom right. The score was now 2-0.

Half time was looming with Brighouse still with a one goal lead it was Javelle Clarke who was fouled just outside the box. Goal scorer Boyle was to take and he hit the side post. Javelle went looking for the rebound and the second shot Townsend was able to punch away giving Handsworth a lifeline. Handsworth quickly responded with a shot by Nix but it went straight into keeper George Clarke’s hands. Then the half time whistle blew Brighouse Town 2 Handsworth FC 0.

Both teams returned to the pitch after half time and both teams got off to a great start, Handsworth looked like a new side much more attacking and showing a desire to give the oranges a good run for their money.

Just 4 minutes in to the second half it was youngster Javelle Clarke who made a long, precise cross which went to the feet of Church but he was caught offside. 

were quick to respond when Church crossed a ball in but it was Surhaindo who headed it over the bar. 

In the 60^th minute Handsworth lead an attack against the orange army when Mohammed chipped the keeper and Betts headed the ball another attempt wasted. 

Shiraz Khan gave the away side a run for their money down the line showing some skilful play before rolling the ball behind for Hurtley to pick up and cross into the box. Church taking a shot and it being blocked twice and it was Kieta who took the third shot before Church fired it over the bar. Brighouse were looking for that second goal. 

In the 65^th minute a corner for Handsworth allowed the travelling side to make the score line even when a ball to Greaves allowed him to take a touch and get a goal back. The score line was now 2-1.

Kieta soon after managed to chip keeper Townsend and Sawyer took a touch but it was blocked. Mattock made a good run just moments later and was unlucky to not get anything from the attack for Brighouse. After being slightly slow, they started to pick up the pace again. 

Handsworth had the final chance of the game when Greaves had a shot 30 yards out and it dipped just over the bar but it was a close equaliser for the travelling side. The game finished 2-1 to Brighouse Town.

The season is looking bright for the Town and we can’t wait to see them play at Runcorn on Saturday.