Comrades  2  Braishfield  5

After four successive defeats, Braishfield returned to form with an excellent 5-2 away victory against Comrades in the first-round group stage of the Southampton Senior League Cup.  

Comrades made a strong start and took the lead with a well taken goal. Once they settled, Braishfield (beaten finalists in the past two seasons) responded well, and after some play, they drew level through Andy Clark and soon took the lead through Jacob Phrachai. Further pressure saw a crucial third goal scored before the interval when Jamie Nash latched onto a loose ball to round the keeper.

The second half saw Braishfield continue to look dangerous, especially Phrachai, who hit the bar with an audacious outside of the boot effort from 25 yards before chipping narrowly over on the angle. Against the run of play, Comrades pulled a goal back and suddenly were back in the game. Goalkeeper Adam Meylan-Stephenson came to the rescue with some good saves, whilst returnee Paul Tanner had a fine game in defence. With the game stretched, Braishfield regained their two-goal advantage when the home keeper raced from the goal but missed his clearance to leave Phrachai with the simple task of rolling into the empty net. There were further chances at both ends before man-of-the match Phrachai made a good run to unselfishly set up substitute Dan Hansford to wrap up the scoring from close range.

Elsewhere in the same competition, Michelmersh & Timsbury hosted Dynamo Dockside for the second successive week. The previous meeting ended all square at 1-1 and this re-match was just as close, but a goal in each side saw the visitors secure a 2-0 victory.

The group stages continue tomorrow, Braishfield host St Francis whilst M&T face a tough test when they travel to Lyndhurst. Kick-offs are 2pm.