Brentwood Town are back on the road this Saturday, fresh from securing their first win since returning to the Isthmian Premier. The Blues claimed a dramatic 3–2 victory at home to St Albans City, adding to the point earned away at Aveley on the opening day to remain unbeaten after two games.
Potters Bar Town, meanwhile, have one point so far from their first two games – earned in a midweek draw at Hashtag United – following an opening day defeat to Burgess Hill Town.
The Blues
Town’s first home match of the season proved a stern test against recently relegated St Albans City. The visitors struck first after just seven minutes, but Louie Johnson quickly levelled with his first goal for the club in the 15th minute.
The Saints regained the lead eight minutes later from the penalty spot, holding it until the hour mark. Then came the impact substitution – just 35 seconds after coming on, Benas Vaivada met a pinpoint cross from Max Hudson with a clinical header to make it 2–2.
With time running out, Johnson was on hand again, latching onto a superb ball from captain Matt Cripps to fire home the winner and secure Brentwood’s first three points of the season.
It was a statement result against a strong, experienced opponent – a sign that the Blues are more than ready to compete at this level.
There’s further good news for Keith Rowland’s side – Jesse Olukolu is available for selection again after serving a three-match suspension, following the red card he received away at Wroxham at the back end of last season.
The Scholars
Potters Bar have been a familiar name in the Isthmian Premier for several seasons, but Saturday will mark the first meeting between the sides since 2017.
The Scholars finished mid-table last term and have bolstered their squad over the summer in pursuit of a push up the table.
New arrivals Ryan Docherty – a commanding centre-back from Biggleswade Town – and Nathaniel Orafu, an exciting forward from Cheshunt, have both impressed in the early weeks.
Orafu in particular has been brought in to provide the extra firepower Potters Bar were missing last season.
Brandon Adams is another key threat. The pacey striker has been the club’s top scorer for the last two campaigns and will be one to watch for the Brentwood defence.
Final Word
Brentwood will be aiming to build on last week’s thrilling win and keep their unbeaten run intact. Potters Bar represent their first test this season against an established Isthmian Premier side, and with both squads strengthened over the summer, this promises to be a competitive encounter.
Words by Matthew Trevelyan
