Disappointment as Braves fall to defeat against Civil

The Braves came into the game on the back of 4 consecutive victories but were unable to capitalise on this momentum at Christie Gillies Park.

Neither team really took the initiative in what was an even start to the match. A string of early yellow cards for John Guthrie and Marc Kelly illustrated the highly contested midfield battle which would continue throughout the afternoon.

There was a hesitancy in the Braves front line which made chances a rarity all afternoon. Zac Butterworth and Marc Kelly, who have been so reliable in front of goal this season, both hesitated on breakaways to keep the match level.

The hosts were able to take the lead on the hour mark. After a strike from the edge of the box rattled Bernie White’s crossbar, the Braves defenders were unable to clear their lines and Matthew Shaw finished from close range.

Civil Service Strollers quickly doubled their lead just five minutes later. After a well worked move, the hosts found space to whip a cross into the far post where Innes Lawson cleverly placed his header into the far post past an outstretched White.

The second half carried on where the first left off with very little between the two sides who were level on points going into the fixture.

Despite the best efforts of Butterworth and Cammy Breadner on the wings, the Braves were unable to find a way past a formidable Strollers back five.

It was the hosts who saw the better chances in an otherwise quiet second half. Bernie White was on hand to save a close range strike from Conrad Balatoni whilst Lawson fired over from the edge of the box with ten minutes to go.

The Braves were unable to mount any late pressure and left Christie Gillies Park with no points. Ricky Waddell’s side will aim to bounce back next Saturday when the Braves face Auchinleck Talbot in the quarter final of the South Challenge Cup at Alliance Park.