The strong winds returned to The Balk on Sunday afternoon as the Predators entertained Brooklyn, but fortunately so too did the home side's ability to play football on the floor which countered the conditions. 

Unlike the previous couple of weeks where Pocklington faced similar levelling conditions, this week they looked the classier outfit and from the start built with patience. Working through midfield,  rather than relying on channel balls from the back (which invariable get held up into the strong headwind or run away with a tailwind)  Town looked in control from the start. 

In the first half the conditions appeared to suit the away side as they had the wind at their backs, but the Predators kept Brooklyn's attacks at a distance and keeper Sam Flinton's excellent positioning throughout meant that he made light work of multiple  long range efforts. Town were occasionally troubled by Brooklyn's long clearances, but Harry Crusher was on hand to tidy throughout the 1st half and Matthew Terry combative in a right-back role.  

The Predator's looked dangerous down the right-hand side with Connor Wade working hard and whipping in dangerous crosses which gave Joe Milner a couple of opportunities in the opening exchanges.  Shortly before half time, as the temperature rose and the cultural level fell on Brooklyn's tackles, one misjudged effort felled Milner in the box and Crusher had the opportunity to take the lead for the reds. In trademark style he stepped forward confidently and slotted the ball neatly home and Town found themselves positioned well going into the break 1-0 up.

The Predators were not unduly troubled at any stage in the second half. Liam Neal controlled from a central role, flitting between centre back and a holding midfield role and Elliott Russell impressed in the second half keeping the ball moving and keeping it simple. Town probed and looked dangerous down the flanks: Wade running the right-hand side and Fraser Hansen and Sez Altin interchanging well on the left with Hansen's unselfish runs pulling defenders wide.  

Indeed this slick movement from the midfield and front line led to the Predator's second when Wade's blocked effort sat up and Milner's quality volley finish doubled the home side's advantage. There was still time for Neal's half-volley to shave the outside of the post and Eric Hogan's free kick to blaze just over before the final whistle. A good solid performance.