Broadwell survive late pressure to beat Chalford in County League

Broadwell Amateurs survived some late Chalford pressure to clinch a 2-1 victory in the Gloucestershire County League.

Goals from Ethan Wilkins and Jamie Belfitt had Broadwell two goals to the good, before Ben Minnican set up a nervous final few minutes, but good goalkeeping from Jack Watkins helped his side see the game out and secure victory.

The result sees Broadwell stretch their unbeaten in all competitions to three, whilst Chalford have suffered their first league defeat since their 4-1 defeat at Tredworth Tigers in December 2023.

Both sides were cagey in the opening 20 minutes or so, with James Keylock and Harry Williams looking lively for their sides and both defences dominated.

Broadwell centre half and Man of the Match, Harry Knight, had the first chance of the game – but he headed wide from a free kick into the box.

But the hosts took the lead five minutes later, as a poor free kick allowed Broadwell to counter and Harry Williams’ scuffed effort fell to Ethan Wilkins, who slotted past Billy Thomas.

The goal summed up Chalford’s first half, with Ben Powell and Nat Buckland’s side taking 40 minutes or so to really get going.

Chalford had their best spell in the final 5-10 minutes of the half, a spell that saw them move the ball better and Ben Minnican having an effort blocked and sending a free kick wide.

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Chalford started the second half well, with Luke Brunsdon moved out to the left wing and he got success on a number of occasions – including a ball across the box which fell for Jamie Lock – but once again, Broadwell’s defence stood firm.

Brunsdon then had a glorious chance for a leveller, but he headed over from about 8 yards.

And on the hour mark, Broadwell doubled their lead. It was an unfortunate moment for Chalford keeper, Billy Thomas, who dived down in his box to punch a cross away, only for it to hit the sliding in Jamie Belfitt and the ball trickled into the net.

Brunsdon nearly pulled Chalford back into it immediately, but after working his way into the box, saw his chance slid away by the recovering Harry Knight.

Rio Burson-Stephens fired over from a good position for the hosts, before Minnican put an effort wide at the back post – with many on the Chalford sideline knowing that could have been THE chance.

Chalford shuffled their pack and brought on former Co-Manager Ben Newman and moved Luke Benneyworth up front in a bid to get back into the contest.

And with four minutes of normal time remaining, Minnican bundled home after a cross from the left was initially palmed down by Watkins.

The visitors’ best chance for a leveller came when another cross from the left fizzed to the back post and Adam Foster couldn’t quite guide his header on target – in reality, it flew to the back post and had he scored, it would have been some goal.

Watkins caught three or four crosses and set pieces into his box in injury time to secure the three points for Broadwell.

Next up for the hosts is a trip to Filton Athletic next weekend, whilst Chalford face a tough test in table topping Sharpness away the same afternoon.

Broadwell Amateurs: Watkins, Smith, Locke, Knight, Creighton, Davies, Fishwick, Belfitt, Wilkins, Williams, Burson-Stephens

Subs: Powell, Jacques, Nelmes, Jones

Chalford: Thomas, Minnican, Outram, Benneyworth, Barstow, Foster, Lock, Roberts, Brunsdon, Keylock, Day

Subs: Bond, Powell, Newman, Freeman, Rankin

C Martin Roofing Man of the Match – Harry Knight (Broadwell Amateurs)