LISTEN TO BROCTON MANAGER JOHN BERKS TALKING TO GARY HAZLEHURST

A gallant performance from Brocton was not enough to see them to victory at the Bescot Stadium as Rushall Olympic’s Northern Premier League class told in the end.

It was the 3^rd time in four years that the “Pics” had lifted this prestigious old trophy and they showed their determination to retain it by attacking Brocton from the off.

Brocton held them at bay with good use of the offside trap and some timely tackling by centre backs Andy Chandler and Matt Skinner. The Badgers main attacking threat was through Sam Bell on the right flank and several corners and free kicks were won but Dave Berks in-swinging crosses were generally dealt with comfortably by the Olympic defence although Matt Skinner did go close with a header from corner that was inches over the bar

Gary Fife had created a couple of early openings for shots but delayed a fraction too long with the first allowing Mitchell Tolley to race across to block and his second effort across the keeper was wide of the far post.

Mick Fox who gave an excellent display upfront for the Badgers produced a 17^th minute shot that keeper Chris Gemmell could not hold but gathered at the 2^nd attempt.

A free kick from Rushall’s Martyn Naylor fell to Luke Bottomer and he seemed certain to score as he drilled a shot goalwards but Andy Chandler appeared from nowhere to the block the effort at the expense of a corner. Brocton’s reprieve was short lived however as the flag kick was forced in from close range by Ahmed Obeng to give the Northern Premier League side the lead.

Brocton already playing without first choice full backs Richard Jones & Jamie Evans were dealt a further blow when Dave Harvey playing at right back had to limp off. Substitute was centre back Sam Fleming so his introduction forced a change of shape that resulted in Sam Bell being less of an attacking threat down the right flank.

In the 33^rd minute Adam Whitehouse saved well with his feet to deny Rushall’s Kyle Brady after he broke through the Badgers’ back line and 10 minutes later he saved well to keep out a Brady header after a free kick on Rushall’s right.

After Olympic sent on Gary Fitzpatrick to replace broken nose victim Nick Amos they won a corner and Kyle Brady was left unmarked on the far post to stab home and double Rushall’s lead on the stroke of half time.

Brocton tried to push forward more after the break and a good move saw Dan Lomas win the ball and play it through to Dave Berks but his effort from 25 yards was well wide. On 63 minutes Joe Pickering replaced the tiring Fox in the Brocton attack but the best chances were being created by Rushall on the break and on 67 minutes Whitehouse did well to hold a shot from Christian Dacres.

Two minutes later Dacres was stretchered off after appearing to twist his knee whilst trying to clear his lines in the aftermath of a Brocton corner and was replaced by Grant Beckett. Brocton boss John Berks then made his final change replacing Sam Hollingsworth with the experienced Andy Bourne and it was Bourne who sent fellow sub Joe Pickering off on a run that ended with a well struck shot but a yard wide of the post. That was a close as the Badgers got in the second half and keeper Chris Gemmell had little to do behind Rushall’s solid back line.

At the other end Kyle Brady struck a post on 79 minutes and two minutes from time Adam Whitehouse who had made a string of fine saves in the 2^nd half was unlucky 2 minutes from time when a speculative effort from Luke Bottomer took a deflection, looped over his head, and despite getting his finger tips to it, he was unable to prevent it entering the net to make the final score 3-0.

Brocton: Adam Whitehouse, David Harvey (Sam Fleming), Richard Greaves, Matt Skinner, Andy Chandler, Sam Hollingsworth (Andy Bourne), Sam Bell, Mick Fox (Joe Pickering), Gary Fife, Dave Berks, Dan Lomas

Unused substitutes: Alex Barnfather, Richie Miller

In partnership with the RSPCA, Lee will announce details of an animal currently under care that needs a new home.

This week’s pet is Annabelle

She is a beautiful tortie girl, aged about 3 years.  She is exceptionally friendly and loving and is happiest curled up on your lap.  Annabelle has limited vision, she doesn’t struggle with it but will need a patient, caring owner and she would be best kept as a house cat to keep her safe.

Annabelle is currently in foster care in Cannock, we would love to find her forever home where she can be cherished and given the attention she deserves.

If you think you can find a home for Annabelle, contact lee.middleton@staffordfm.com

We flicked the switch at 8am this morning (18th May) and already have had an AMAZING response from you all. Thanks to everyone!

Coming up in the next 28 days…..

Outside broadcast highlights will include a special day reporting from the Olympic Torch Relay as it comes to Stafford, we’ll be covering summer activities around the town, joining in the Jubilee Celebrations and, it goes without saying, producing quality radio for your county town.

Not to mention some superb chances to win top prizes, including our huge STICK, LISTEN and WIN campaign in association with AA Silencers.

Keep listening!

LISTEN AGAIN TO THE BOOK CLUB

On the book club this week we had a pair of tickets to the Summer Audience for Book lovers to give away with thanks to the team at www.loveahappyending.com 

We also Spoke to Linn Halton who is one of the organisers and also one of the founding members of the love a happy ending website to find out more about the event.

The Short List for this years Branford Boase awards was announced this week so we took a brief look at the novels making it though. You can see the full list for yourself here http://www.branfordboaseaward.org.uk/BBA/BBAshortlist.html

Our resident ‘Bookworm’ Kim Nash picked us an excellent new Book of The Week. Summer Daydreams by Carole Matthews, and as we always do we had a look at this weeks new releases with thanks to everyone at Waterstones in Stafford.

The Red House by Mark Haddon 

Jubilee Lines by Carol Ann Duffy 

Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris 

The Singing Mermaid by Julia Donaldson 

We’re going to be out and about in Stafford this summer, if you spot us, come and grab your Stafford FM & AA Silencers car stickers, then all you have to do is STICK, LISTEN & WIN !

We’ve got FREE Fuel to give away, MOT’s & Services and much much more !

You can get yours now from our website, just simply fill out your details and we’ll get one to you !

Make sure you’re listening to the Breakfast Show every Friday morning at 8.15 from Friday 11th May, and you could be winning ! Even if you don’t win, you can take advantage of the 10% discount with every Stafford FM car sticker at AA Silencers.

STICK, LISTEN & WIN. It’s Stafford FM’s BIG Stick Up, with AA Silencers – Business that’s been here for years !

email studio@staffordfm.com  with the subject BIG STICK UP!  and fill out your name, and preferred contact details for your chance to win.

Listen again to Jay and The Lab Rats on The Friday Night Experiment from 27th April.

All your favourite topics are covered including Chicken News, Top Traders and weird food combinations.

LISTEN AGAIN TO THE FRIDAY NIGHT EXPERIMENT

Don’t forget, it’s completely pointless!!

Our Book of the week on the Book Club this week is the fantastic White Wedding by Milly Johnson, we had the pleasure of talking to Milly about the book on this weeks show (Can you guess where the title came from?)

We also speak to our resident ‘Bookworm’ Kim Nash who has had a rather busy week and Amanda Danells-Smith tells us all about her favourite book.

Plus we have teamed up with the people behind the loveahappyending.com website to give you the chance to win a truly great prize!

The Summer Audience takes place in Tetbury, Gloucestershire on the 16th June. 30 of the UKs best up and coming authors will be on hand, running work shops, talking about their work and helping people who want to get onto the literary trail.

We have a ticket for this brilliant event to give away. Just email your details to studio@staffordfm.com and put SUMMER AUDIENCE in the subject box to be in the draw on next weeks show.

You can find more information about the event here http://loveahappyending.com/summer-audience-programme-lahe-loveahappyend/ 

Get Entering and good luck!

In partnership with the RSPCA, Lee will announce details of an animal currently under care that needs a new home.

This week’s pet is Isabelle

Isabelle is a lovely tortoiseshell girl aged 3 years. She came into our care via an Inspector because she had been abandoned by her previous owner.

She is very loving and playful and desperate to find her forever home.  We would love to see her out of her pen and enjoying the home comforts she deserves but hasn’t been given the opportunity to experience yet.

If you think you can find a home for Isabelle email LEE MIDDLETON and he’ll put you in touch with the RSPCA

LISTEN AGAIN TO THE LOCKER ROOM

On this week’s show Ian and Gary discuss the end to Stafford Rangers’ season, the never-ending saga that is the Evo Stik League play-offs and relegation issues.

Also, Brocton, Stafford Town, Premier League and Rugby’s Heineken Cup.

The course aims to teach the over 50′s and unemployed basic computer training, for FREE.

The course includes subjects like, using a keyboard and mouse, email and internet safety.

Ammie and Dan from the course along with student Julie joined Lee Middleton to tell him more about it.

LISTEN AGAIN TO SDVS TALKING TO LEE MIDDLETON

Find out more from the SDVS WEBSITE or the UK ONLINE WEBSITE