LEYLAND FOXES 3 BROOKFIELDS 3

THIS local derby usually sees both teams geared up and fighting for every ball but sadly today only one team had the bit between their teeth and the belief and determination to win.

Brookfields failed to raise their game and although capable of shutting out their opposition they played with too little commitment and aggression.

Brooks took the initial push back and immediately broke through Foxes defence and only a mix up between their roving mid fielder and their central attacker saved Foxes from conceding an early goal.

Instead they had the opportunity to clear and regroup themselves and their steady assured back two played with their normal composure to cut out Brook's attacks.

Foxes also made telling inroads and were getting the better of Brooks defence consistently.

Eventually, to Brook's horror, they scrambled in a goal.

Retaliation was required and Brooks forwards were up to the task quickly equalising through Lisa Walsh who managed to get the final touch in a goal mouth melee.

But again the ball travelled up field following a dubious free hit and when the opposing umpire failed to blow for a similar infringement Brooks made the cardinal error of waiting for the whistle and Foxes flicked in a beautiful goal.

Again Brooks retaliated. They were awarded a free hit close to the D. Patterson fired close inside Foxes' left post and the score was level and remained so until half-time.

Foxes rearranged at the break, but it was Brooks who got the lead. Patterson received a ball close in and managed to wrong foot the goalie by sliding the ball to the opposite corner than the original directed pass was heading.

Still Foxes fought and took up most of the play. In the final five minutes they were awarded five consecutive penalty corners and finally Brooks succumbed to finish another essential match with a draw and leave room for the chasing pack to deprive them of promotion.