Thurlow Nunn Premier Brantham Athletic 5 Godmanchester Rovers 2 Brantham came from two goals down to win the battle of the in-form sides, making it seven league wins in a row for the Blue Imps, writes Dave Meeson.
The visitors came into the game with a similarly impressive recent record of six wins on the bounce but rather shot themselves in the foot after the break with some woeful defending as the hosts took full advantage.
Godmanchester opened the scoring on eight minutes through Mike Hyem, who drilled home a low angled drive from the edge of the penalty area after a fine flowing move.
Rovers’ three-pronged strike force caused problems throughout the first half as the visitors generally remained on top.
That said the lead was extended in bizarre circumstances through an inadvertent assist by referee Ollie Morris-Sanders who got in the way of keeper Callum Robinson’s clearance, with the ball being diverted to Simon Unwin who sent Jack Chandler clear of a static defence for number two.
Brantham pulled a goal back just after the half hour when Adam Bloss blasted the ball into the roof of the net after Ben Newson’s initial effort was only partially cleared.
The home side upped the tempo after the break and midfielder Bloss equalized on 53 minutes with his second of the afternoon as a Craig Hughes free kick found him unmarked to power home a fine header.
Things were beginning to unravel for Goddy and midway through the half Sam Coe’s weak back pass was intercepted by Sam Newson who squared for his brother Ben to give Brantham the lead.
It was soon 4-2 with Michael Brothers volleying home an Ed Nobbs cross at the back post. Top scorer Sam Newson then nearly got his name on the scoresheet only to be denied by Phil Peachy’s superb one-handed stop.
Any home of the visitors getting back into the game went when Coe appeared to pull a hamstring and with all subs used Goddy were left to play the final 12 minutes with 10 men.
The scoring was completed two minutes from the end of normal time when Hughes sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot after Jos Glynne bundled over Brothers in the area.
This result sees Brantham remain in fourth place but just a point off second place Coggeshall.
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