Brazil started slowly in their 1st league match of the season,

unsurprisingly as the midfield combination was different for the 6th match

running. Lack of a consistent side has been Brazil's biggest problem so far

this season. Only 2 players, Dave Churchley and Les Goodliff have played in

all 6 of Brazil's matches and Goodliff will now miss the next 3 games, due

to work commitments.

The Bush dominated the early stages of the match but without making any

clear chances. As the Brazil midfield got more used to playing together, the

home side started to create some chances of their own. Peter Slack, making

his Brazil league debut on the right wing, provided some excellent final

balls. Churchley volleyed over and Goodliff headed straight at the keeper

either side of Ewan Paterson giving Brazil the advantage, with his 1st goal

for his new club.

The Bush came back strongly and quickly pulled level with a towering header

from a well directed free-kick. It didn't take long for The Bush to take the

lead either. Again the number 10 was unmarked at the back post and he headed

home convincingly. French goalkeeper Jerome Mignol pulled off a stunning

diving save as the half drew to a close. Brazil felt they were still in with

a strong chance of getting something from the match.

Throughout the 2nd half Brazil struggled to keep possession and couldn't

maintain any pressure on The Bush. The Bush, however, continued to push

forward seeking to extend their lead. Mignol made his name and earned his

man of the match award when he saved a penalty, after the referee had

ordered it to be retaken. Brazil should then have used that moment to push

on in search for an equaliser but, instead, they conceded another goal when

a long cross from the left wing back was finished off with a looping header

after Mignol had flapped unsuccessfully at the cross.

The introduction of Steve Robinson on the left wing gave Brazil a new spark

and they started to look dangerous again. Jon Hinks and Goodliff both went

close with long range efforts and Churchley had a header well saved from a

Robinson corner before Steve Toms rattled the cross bar with a 25 yard

volley that swerved and dipped and would have been a real contender for goal

of the season, had it gone in.

After a slightly quieter period, Brazil pressed forward again and it

appeared that Paterson was brought down by The Bush's keeper. The referee,

however, saw differently and signalled for the game to be restarted with a

goal kick.

The Bush sealed victory, and made the scoreline more flattering than they

deserved, with a delightfully executed chip over Mignol. Brazil will be

relishing the rematch when they'll hope to have a full strength squad to

pick from.