Tomorrow, we take a break from league action as we travel up to Kendal Town to take part in the FA Trophy Second Qualifying Round and it’s a game that Laurence Sorahindo, a goalscorer in Monday night’s defeat to Dunston UTS, is looking forward to.

“I’m really looking forward to the game on Saturday. It’s a nice little break away from the league and a chance to showcase what we’re about as a club, start a cup run and get the positive result we believe we deserve after the performances over the last few weeks. A cup run would mean a lot to the football club, there’s no pressure and it’s a chance to build confidence. It’s not been the best start to the season for us however we’ve performed well and I think things just haven’t fallen kindly for us. A cup run is possibly what we need. There’s no pressure of looking at the league table and we can go out with freedom and show why we’re at this club.”

It’s been a touch and go start for Laurence with his first start coming last Saturday against City of Liverpool and his first goal coming against Dunston and he’s hoping now that he can kickstart his season.

“It felt good to get my first competitive goal but I think the result has overshadowed that a little bit on a personal level. I thought we deserved more out of the game on Monday, but hopefully I can take the confidence boost from that game and kick on for the rest of the season and hopefully have more goals to celebrate. The competition I’ve had with Jagz and Eli has been good. We push each other in training and performances show that and we certainly haven’t made it easy for the Gaffa. It brings the best out of all of us which is only going to benefit the team in the long run. My aim for this season is to match my goal tally from Silsden last season. I’ve always believed that if I work hard and keep plugging away the goals will come. That’s showed off recently and hopefully I can carry that on for the rest of the season”

By David Foy 

It was yet another goal-fest at the Yorkshire Payments Stadium; a feat spectators are becoming accustom to in this part of West Yorkshire. 

The first action of the day saw Town ‘keeper George Clarke block a Dunston shot with his legs as their man was sent through on the left hand side of Clarke’s box. 

In the 2nd minute a free kick on the left right out by the corner flag was whipped high across the box, headed back into the mix Dunston ‘keeper Connell mis-handled leaving James Hurtley to lash the ball home. 1-0 to Brighouse. 

Connell however did not have long to wait to atone for his earlier error as his excellent kicking set Connor Bell away, out came George Clarke who upended Bell. Up stepped Terry Galbraith firing to his left and sending Clarke the opposite way. 

Five minutes later the league leaders went ahead. What appeared to be a lackluster free kick to the near post was not dealt with properly by the Brighouse defense before falling at the feet of Michael Hall leaving Clarke with no chance from close range. 

So far four shots on target warranting three goals in the opening eleven minutes. The Tynesiders strong defensive combined with the effectiveness and danger posed by Connell’s distribution demonstrating why they are early pacesetters. Brighouse remain determined however and tried to find their wide men in Eddie Church and Javelle Clarke. Whilst Eli Hey worked very hard down the middle the aforementioned UTS backline quelled most of his threat. 

Church had two shots of a similar type; cutting in on his right foot from the left side before hitting both into the sidenetting from outside the box. Chances into the box from any type of deadball situations were on the whole good from Brighouse usually orcastrated via Sam Reed. 

Unfortunately from an Orange Army point-of-view in the 39th minute Dunston opened up a two goal lead. Almost a carbon copy of the goal that had given them the lead, UTS appeared to scuff a corner into the near post from the left, it was not dealt with and Galbraith added his second of the game. 

The similarities did not end there for the West Yorkshire club; this mirrored Saturdays encounter versus the City of Liverpool as they also opened up a two goal lead on the stroke of half time. Were Brighouse, despite their determination in the final third about to be overrun by the table toppers into the second half? 

The first twenty minutes of the second half passed without much incident before the introduction of Laurence Sorhaindo for Jack Boyle injected some fresh life and more height into the attack. Alhassane Keita came on soon after for Eddie Church and the two substitutions from Vill Powell proved pivitol. 

Picture Paul Gascoigne versus Scotland at Euro 96 and one would have almost a perfect like-for-like version from Keita in the 72nd minute. Though further out wide on the left than the bleach blonde haired ‘Gazza’ Keita flicked it over the head one then two defenders before firing low and under Connell. Two goals of individual brilliance in the space of a week for Brighouse following on from Josh Grant’s first time volley from 45 yards versus Runcorn Linnets; both Goal of The Season contenders. 

Brighouse had also been in this situation just over forty eight hours previously. 1-3 down and pulling the game back to 2-3. Would Brighouse crumble once more? 

Simple answer is no they would not tonight. Not even two minutes later, a smart shot on the swivel for Sorhaindo levelled matters. With Brighouse in the ascendency now and still quarter of an hour to play there was more than enough time for at least another goal in this encounter. 

It would however be the league leaders that delivered a suckerpunch. A cross came in from the right side all the way across the box and debutant Connor Bell received the gift at the back post to ensure all three points were going back up the A1 with the Tynesiders. 

Brighouse now break from league action to take on Kendal Town away in the FA Trophy whilst Dunston host Clitheroe in the same competition this Saturday 17th October. 

Brighouse Town: George Clarke, Darius Smith, James Hurtley (Booked), Kurt Harris (C), Jack Tinker, Sam Reed, Tom Haigh (Jacob Mattock – 77′), Javelle Clarke, Eddie Church (Booked) (Alhassane Keita – 64′), Jack Boyle (Laurence Sorhaindo – 63′), Eli Hey. 
Sub not used: Matt Smith. 
Goals: Janes Hurtley (2), Alhassane Keita (74) & Laurence Sorhaindo. 

By Georgia Cook

With coronavirus restrictions tightened in Liverpool the fixture between Brighouse Town and the City of Liverpool was revered and it was a home game for the West Yorkshire side. After a 3-3 draw against Runcorn Linnets Monday night, Brighouse were wanting to get the win today. It was cold and rainy at the Yorkshire Payments Stadium but with a good attendance the warm and friendly atmosphere was able to get the game underway.

 City of Liverpool got off to a good start when 30 seconds in Tony Gray had a shot outside of the box but it went wide over the bar. They had another chance a minute later Dominic Reid broke down the left wing and cut insider forcing Matt Smith to make a strong right-handed save clearing the ball away.

In the 4^th minute Josh Grant played a lovely ball to Church on the left and was able to drive it up the pitch but was dispossessed some good play by the home side. 7 minutes later Grant was caught up in the action once again when what looked to be a 50/50 challenge with Stephen Rigby ended with a free kick for Brighouse and a yellow card for Rigby causing an upraw from the away side. It was a very 50/50 game and the weather was starting to get warmer.

In the 16^th minute a beautiful ball in midfielder Josh Grant from a corner, Captain Kurt Harris was able to get a head on it 4 yards out and send the home side in front. An excellent ball in alongside an excellent bullet header. Brighouse were starting to look the more dominating side and playing some excellent football.

But the opposition were quick to respond when Eli Hey was called into defence after a corner, clearing the ball away. Some excellent defending from the striker.

Sorhaindo played a good ball to Kieta and it looked like it was going to go in but Kai Sharrock came to the rescue and cleared it off the line. A good clearance but it should have been a second goal for Brighouse Town. Just two minutes later it was down at the opposite end of the pitch and this time it was Jamie McDonald who swung and missed the chance firing it over the bar, making it looking harder to miss than score.

Fellow Brighouse Town media man Byron described the game as a ‘fiery affair’ as City of Liverpool were awarded a free kick but Smith was able to tip it over the bar after a powerful shot by left back Louis Corrigan in the 22^nd minute.

Four minutes later Tony Gray tackled Tom Haigh from behind on the edge of the box. Keita was stood over this and looked to be a good chance for Brighouse to double their lead, however he fired it way over the bar. A chance for Brighouse and probably not as nicely executed as he would of hoped for.

In the 31^st minute, City of Liverpool got back into the game when some poor defending by Brighouse allowed a cross through the six-yard box to roll into the back of the net. A clean sheet would have been ideal for the home side but the search for one continues. They were quick on the ball again when McDonald got in space to fire a shot that went wide of the post going no where near the goal.

Eli Hey created another opportunity in the game when he was able to turn and get a cross in with minimal space but Sorhaindo was unable to get a head on it as the cross was a bit too heavy. A great ball in though. In the same minute Keita dragged his shot wide but could of taken it down the left to create a better chance.

Brighouse conceded a penalty just before half time when Harris barged Dominic Reid sending him flying and it was Matthew Bacon who pointed to the penalty spot. It was Nathan Burke to take and put it straight down the middle.

In the third minute of injury time a lovely turn and cross by Keita fell short of Eddie Church as he was unable to get his shot in the back of the net from 6 yards out.

Half time: Brighouse Town 1 City of Liverpool 2

As the second got underway it dropped quite cold and the lovely winter weather was upon us. But it was the away side who was quick to the ball when a good delivery into the box by Sharrock forced Smith to punch it away.

Just three minutes into the second half a call for offside by Brighouse but Rigby was already on his way and curled the ball from the right into the centre of the net. Making the score line 3-1 to the away side.

In the 55^th minute substitute Javelle Clarke skipped a ball to Haigh who fired it wide and over the post. 10 minutes later striker Laurence Sorhaindo crossed the ball into the box and youngster Javelle Clarke flicked it over the keeper to make the game 3-2.

Coming on as a substitute in the same minute he scored, Elliot Nevitt takes a touch from the flick on the free header and drives up the pitch and slots it home in the 69^th minute. Brighouse’s hope for a draw looking slim.

Brighouse’s’ Tom Haigh saw his second yellow card of the night after being booked earlier in the game for a bad tackle of Dominic Reid but this time his high tackle on Jamie McDonald made him see red.

Things got worse for Brighouse when a ball by Reid into Nevitt in the right side and caressed it into the bottom left extending the lead to 5-2 in the 78^th minute. Brighouse looked to be in a lot of trouble now.

Brighouse went searching trying to find just one more goal, but it was Harris’ shot that was blocked and a scramble in the box causing a call for handball which was waved away by the referee. However, the whole Brighouse team shouted for it but nothing was given.

City of Liverpool were on their way again after Nevitt was able to beat Beeden but the shot didn’t have enough on it and went straight into Matt Smith’s hands. McDonald managed to get the last chance of the game in the 92^nd minute when his shot was blocked by the outstretch of Smith’s leg.

Full time: Brighouse Town 2 City of Liverpool 5

2 and a half months since making his first appearance for the club against Sheffield FC and Jack Tinker has managed to be on the team sheet for every game so far this season. With a Man of the Match performance against Runcorn Town, Tinks has seemed to settle into the club really well after coming through the trial process to get his signature onto the Brighouse Town paper. After Monday night’s 3-3 draw against Runcorn Linnets, Tinks is looking at moving on from that game and focusing on Saturday’s match.

“I thought we deserved three points on Monday night especially after playing the majority of the game with ten men. The team worked hard and it was our best performance so far but a few mistakes including one from myself and other certain circumstances cost us. The mistake I made is one in which it’s not a tackle I usually make but the lad has done well and got the other side of me and I’ve caught him. My heart was in my stomach knowing that I’ve cost the lads three points so I want to put it right on Saturday and help the lads get the win. I know the lads will be raring to get back out on the pitch so we can fight for three points again! Monday certainly feels like a loss because of the work rate we put in but the mood in the changing room is still high and everyone is looking forward to Saturday.”

Having started all four competitive games so far, Jack has really enjoyed the step up from Shelley and is enjoying the competition from Sam Reed when it comes to battling for the LB shirt.

“Personally I’ve settled in really well and thoroughly enjoyed my time at the club so far. It’s a great bunch of lads and coaches who have made me feel very welcome. I have to repay their trust in me with solid performances week in week out and I’m working hard to do just that. The step up has been a real test for myself and one which I am taking game by game and just working hard for the team and trying to do my part. Sam’s a great young lad and it’s great to have such healthy competition in my spot and he showed Monday what he’s all about with his Man of the Match performance.”

“Looking ahead to Saturday, 3 points is vital just to boost confidence and morale. We know what we can do when we are at our best and winning Saturday would kick start our season. We have specific targets for this season and ones in which we believe we can achieve and hopefully if we start to collect points, the confidence within the squad will rise and we can really give it a go this season.”

By Georgia Cook

It was a dark and cold monday night at the Yorkshire Payments Stadium, with the visitors Runcorn Linnets making the hour’s drive to West Yorkshire. It was captain Kurt who lead the home side out whilst Peter Wylie lead out the opposition.

Eddie Church created the first eye catching moment of the game in the third minute when a ball into the box allowed Khan to create space to shoot but unfortunately he was unable to take a touch and it went out for a goal kick.
After an excellent ball by Grant to Sorhaindo, this allowed the striker to turn and shoot but it went over the bar and Brighouse missed out on an early chance to take the lead. Runcorn looked to have their first chance of the game when a ball was played through to Iwan Murray but he was caught offside. They had another chance just 4 minutes later in the 11th minute when Jacques Welsh was able to get round Grant to fire a shot that went over the bar.

In the 25th minute a miskick from the home team allowed the ball to land at Murray’s feet but the shot was blocked and went out for a throw in. This could have been a crucial counter attack for the away side but the Brighouse defence was quick to retaliate. Brighouse were awarded a free kick 25 yards out, however as both teams were getting ready to attack and defend, the linesman called the referee over. Shiraz Khan was then sent off for an off the ball incident and the reason is yet to be confirmed. Once they could take the free kick it was Sorhaindo who fired it over the bar. But four minutes later in the 38th minute, Eddie Church was able to take a shot due to the keeper committing himself early allowing the ball to roll past the defenders into the bottom left and put the
home side in front. A very good goal.

Just one minute later Josh Grant booted the ball and somehow landed it in the back of the net from the half way line! An astonishing goal by the midfielder and I don’t think by the looks of things he could believe it went in either. A superb strike! Runcorn’s Josh Brizell went down in the penalty area on the half way mark but referee Lewis Dawson waved the appeal away and continued play.

Half time: Brighouse Town 2 Runcorn Linnets 0

Runcorn came out looking to try and get back in the game and in the first minute Louis Hayes took a touch and once again fired it over the bar.
But it was Brighouse Town who were wanting to steal the three points and seal the deal in the 51st minute when Tinker’s superb thrown in to Sorhaindo allowed him to slip the ball to Church who cleverly took it round the defender and scored in the right side of the net. An excellent team goal.
The reaction on Jack Tinker’s face was one to remember. The passion shone through. Runcorn’s James Short was fouled and a penalty was awarded to the away side, Kurt Sherlock fired the ball past Matt Smith and got a goal back for them.

In the 70th minute referee Lewis Dawson sadly pulled his hamstring and had to go off the pitch. With there being no fourth official due to COVID 19, our very own media manager Sir Damian Wales had to go on and save the day. With the referee now Keiran Dawson and linesmen now Anthony Murphy and Damian Wales the game was able to continue. Brighouse were almost caught out when a scramble in the box forced keeper Matt Smith to softly punch the ball away allowing Iwan Murray to take a shot but put it wide. Matt Smith produced an excellent save in the 91st minute when a powerful shot looked to be going down the centre of the goal was blocked by his legs and his hands punching the ball away.
A minute later things got worse for Runcorn when manager Callum McIntyre was sent off after a clash with the linesman.

However in the 95th minute a free kick 25 yards out allowed Brizell to grab another goal for the away side and bring hope to the game. The ball went top left and it was a technically excellent goal. Some form of miracle happened for Runcorn when in the 97th minute with a minute to go, Iwan
Murray was caught in the penalty area and the penalty was given. Sherlock took this one too and managed to find the equaliser in the bottom right.
Brighouse Town played some excellent football tonight and that is something we shouldn’t take away; it is looking promising for the continuation of the season.

Tonight, we host Runcorn Linnets in a match under the lights at the Yorkshire Payments Stadium for the first time in the league this calendar year and it’s a night that manager Vill Powell is looking forward to.

“After over a week wit no games, as a team we are looking forward to playing tonight’s game. It’s what we prepare for and what we are here for so tonight is a welcome return to games although it will be a tough one. We’re looking to try and get our first points on the board as this is very important to get our season started but with it being a home game, there is added desire to get something from tonight’s game. In terms of tonight’s team, we have a few players missing. T’nique Fishley has picked up an injury so will be unavailable for tonight’s game and Joe Wilkinson is unable to make it due to work commitments so we are a defender short but we have players to fill in the spots required so we are well equipped with our flexible squad. I’d like to send a message to all of our supporters. We appreciate all the support you give the club as it makes a massive difference and you are the lifeblood of our football club so the stronger support you give us, the bigger the boost you’ll give the lads on the pitch so be loud and proud tonight and we’ll give you an entertaining game.”

The game kicks off at 7:45pm tonight with turnstiles opening at 6:30pm. Ticket admission is £9 for Adults and £5 for concessions. The bar will be open but just like our food hut, this will be takeaway service only and we can’t have anyone sat in the clubhouse tonight. Please ensure you scan our track and trace QR code as you enter the Yorkshire Payments Stadium and wear a face mask when entering the clubhouse.

If you are unable to make it to tonight’s game, we will have full live commentary with Dave Foy and Cameron McAlpin from 7:30pm on Brighouse Town Radio on Mixlr. Come on Orange Army! #OneTownOneTeam

Two games in and the start of the season hasn’t been a bright one for the HD6 side as two defeats against Clitheroe and Marske United leave Vill Powell’s side hanging around the bottom of the table with the latter result coming last weekend but it’s something that returning forward Eli Hey is looking to put behind him as we prepare for the visit of Runcorn Linnets on Monday night.

“I think we need to take last week’s defeat on the chin as it wasn’t good enough from the whole team from start to finish and it’s now up to us to put it right on Monday night under the lights at The Yorkshire Payments Stadium. It’ll be another tough game like every game is in the league as they will be very organised and a hard working side but we know that if we match the work rate and play like we know we can then we can get a good result out of the game. The mood in the camp is fine, we know we’ve not had a good start to the season but it’s still very early days and we’re confident we can get us to where we need to be. It seems like a long wait till Monday with us not having a game on Saturday so it’ll give us a few extra day’s rest so that we are ready for the game against Runcorn on Monday.”

Eli returned to the club in the summer after spending time in our Academy set-up before leaving to develop himself in the senior game which is something he adapted to very well. After scoring 32 goals for Pontefract Collieries in the 2018/19 season, an injury saw him have 6 months on the sideline and after playing for Eccleshill and Colne before signing for Brighouse, Eli believes he is getting back to the fitness which saw him have a free scoring season for the Colls.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time back at the club. We’ve got a good group of lads and it’s a very good changing room to be in. I obviously have been wanting to play more than I have been but it’s up to me to take my chance when I get it. I’m not back to my best performance wise but I’m sure that will come with games but the fitness side I feel like I’m back to my best and for the first time I feel I can get back to where I was and even better! One thing that will help me for sure is having the fans back in the ground as they give you a lift when they are cheering you on so it will give me that extra 5% to spur on and perform well as we know they’ve paid good money to watch us perform. The first few friendlies where we didn’t have fans felt like training matches so it’s a massive boost to see them back and we hope to see a lot of them down on Monday night!”

The game kicks off at 7:45pm with admission priced at £9 for Adults and £5 for concessions. If you can’t make it to the game, jump on Mixlr and listen to Brighouse Town Radio from 7:30pm with Dave Foy and Cameron McAlpin.