Hodges double helps Whaddon secure 17th win in a row with County Cup victory over Brockworth

Goals from Zack Hodges, Calum Denman and Tyler Mitchell saw Whaddon United extend their unbeaten run and book their place in the next round of the County Cup as they ran out 4-1 winners over Brockworth Albion on Saturday afternoon, writes Alfie Richmond.

Hodges opened the scoring before Harrison Eagle equalised for Brockworth shortly after, which saw the sides go into the break on level terms.

But a brilliant move from the hosts quickly saw them regain their advantage through Denman.

Jed Payton was sin-binned shortly after the goal, forcing Whaddon to play out a period of the game with ten men.

Hodges bagged a second — and his 13th goal of the season — before Payton returned to the pitch to help United score a fourth through Tyler Mitchell.

After receiving a bye from the first round, Brockworth were entering the GFA Amateur Cup against a flawless Whaddon side who had won each of their first 16 games, scoring a whopping 70 goals on their way.

United ran out 4-1 winners when the two sides met on the opening day of the season as they looked to continue their hot run of form and progress into the next round.

The hosts took the lead through Hodges despite a strong start from Brockworth.

Matthew Cairns’ shot from a tight angle was well saved by James Mitten on 13 minutes, before Hodges spun a swirling shot over the head of Corey Iddon five minutes later to take the lead.

Ashton Stevens almost had the ball in his own net after doing well to divert Denman’s cross moments later, denying the home side a second.

Jordan Mitchell almost doubled the lead on 23 minutes after beautifully plucking the ball out of the sky and beating his man — but failing to apply the final touch.

Brockworth fashioned a well-worked goal to level the scoring when Cairns set the ball back to Eagle who stroked home from close-range.

Ollie Horne forced a strong hand from Mittens moments later after Whaddon were cut open — though a pass might’ve been the better option.

A long throw-in from Payton caused issues for Brockworth on the stroke of half-time, but when the ball dropped to Jordan Mitchell, he couldn’t keep his effort down — and the sides went into the break one-a-piece.

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It didn’t take Whaddon long to regain their lead after the break — and they did so in brilliant fashion.

Denman exchanged passes with Tyler White before the ball made its way to Jordan Mitchell, teeing up Denman, who placed his strike into the far corner just five minutes into the second half.

Tyler Mitchell had the ball in the net for the hosts moments later after another sweeping move, but was adjudged to be offside.

Whaddon were forced to soak up the Brockworth pressure after Payton was sin-binned mid-way through the half.

They defended sternly, however, and secured a third with ten minutes remaining after a double pirouette from Jordan Mitchell saw him set up Hodges for his second of the game.

Tyler Mitchell got himself in on the act when he netted after the second time of asking, sealing the win for the home side and ensuring their place in the third round of the Amateur Cup.

The third round tie will be played on November 14th, a week before the sides meet for a third time this season on the 21st. Meanwhile, Brockworth go to Cheltenham Civil Service next Saturday before hosting Bredon the following weekend. Whaddon now don’t play until the end of the month when they’ll welcome Smiths Barometrics, before they await their opponents for their third round tie.

Whaddon United: Mitten; White, Arkell, Callinan, Barrowcliffe, Alderman ©, Holdaway, J.Mitchell, Hodges, Payton, Denman.

Subs: T.Mitchell (46’), Hendy (71’), Bedford (26’).

Subs: Jackson (62’), Hambling (87’), Hayward (87’), Mayo, Hylton.

C Martin Roofing Man of the Match – Jordan Mitchell (Whaddon United)