Manchester 62 surprises with victory over Bruno Magpies

Manchester 62 2-1 Bruno Magpies

Manchester 62 pulled off an unexpected 2-1 victory over Bruno Magpies, delivering a strong performance at the Victoria Stadium. Captaining the side was former Lincoln Red Imps and Glacis United defender, Gibraltar international Joseph Chipolina. Notably, all Manchester 62 players donned headgear as part of a new concussion prevention initiative. This innovative approach is part of a £20 million investment into research on concussion, highlighting the club’s commitment to player safety.
The match also saw Manchester 62 fielding a newly arrived goalkeeper, Youfeigane, while Bruno Magpies, who finished third in the league last season and competed in European competitions, started with players like De Haro and Borge in the lineup. Manager Nathan Rooney placed his trust in these young, homegrown talents, both of whom were involved in key moments during the first half.

First Half

Manchester 62 began the match strongly, but it wasn’t long before Bruno Magpies took control of possession, demonstrating why they are favorites to secure another European spot. Despite the quality on the pitch, the stands were sparsely populated, with fewer than a hundred spectators—a disappointing turnout for a match featuring two clubs with such history and promise.
The early exchanges were evenly contested, with both teams swapping control of possession. However, it was Manchester 62 who struck first. After winning the game’s first corner, they executed a short routine that saw the ball floated into the middle and flicked towards goal. The shot hit the post, but Flalhi Idrissi was on hand to pounce on the rebound and score in just the 7th minute. This early setback rattled Bruno Magpies, who then dominated possession but struggled to find the final touch.
New signing Borge tried to orchestrate play for Bruno, but Manchester 62 remained dangerous on the counter-attack, forcing Bruno to build their attacks from deep. Although Bruno committed up to five players forward at times, Manchester 62’s disciplined offside trap kept them in check. As the match progressed, it was Manchester who created the better chances, particularly through Perry, who committed several fouls to disrupt Bruno’s rhythm.
By the 20-minute mark, Bruno Magpies had yet to test Manchester’s goalkeeper Youfeigane, though their buildup play was improving. Manchester 62 had a chance to extend their lead from a free kick near the corner, but Bruno’s defense cleared the danger. Bruno’s first real shot came in the 19th minute from Bayode, but it sailed harmlessly over the bar. Manchester’s defense, though solid, was still vulnerable, but Bruno was unable to capitalize.
Bruno Magpies began to find their groove as the first half wore on, increasing the pressure on Manchester 62’s defense. Despite dominating possession, they lacked the crucial final pass to unlock the Reds’ defense. The first time Manchester’s keeper Youfeigane was called into action was in the 34th minute, making a good save from a low shot after Bruno intercepted the ball at midfield. Manchester responded immediately with a counter-attack, but the resulting header from Trotman was flicked over the crossbar.
Manchester 62 found space on the left flank, where Chipolina operated, allowing Bruno’s through balls to pose a threat. However, it was Manchester who struck again in the 37th minute. A quick break saw the ball driven low by Jara Collado past the outstretched Bruno keeper Coleing and into the net for a second goal. Despite Bruno’s dominance in possession, Manchester made the most of their opportunities, heading into halftime with a 2-0 lead.
Last season’s 14-goal striker, Gillespie, watched from the stands, sidelined by injury, leaving Manchester without one of their key offensive threats.

Second Half

Bruno Magpies started the second half with intent, immediately launching an attack that, although offside, served as a clear warning to Manchester 62. However, with a two-goal cushion, Manchester focused on protecting their lead, allowing Bruno to push forward and expose themselves defensively.
Chipolina’s experience shone through, particularly when he halted a Bruno counter-attack with a strong but fair challenge that left Bayode floored. The first ten minutes of the second half were fast-paced, with Bruno showing greater urgency, but Manchester remained a threat on the counter.
Bruno’s keeper Coleing was forced to play as a sweeper, coming far out of his penalty area to clear the ball after his defense was caught out. Despite their pressure, Bruno still struggled to test Youfeigane. By contrast, Manchester had a near-miss in the first 15 minutes, with a cross narrowly missing a finishing touch.
Bruno finally broke through in the 61st minute with a well-struck shot by Storer into the top corner, halving Manchester’s lead and reigniting their hopes. Bruno piled on the pressure, coming close several times, but Manchester’s defense, led by Chipolina, held firm. A shot from Hernandez in the 67th minute grazed the post, further showcasing their threat.
As the match wore on, Bruno’s confidence seemed to wane, and Manchester began to settle defensively, closing down spaces and slowing the tempo. Coleing was once again forced to clear near the halfway line, but the resulting Manchester shot went wide.
In the final minutes, tensions rose as Manchester 62’s Benitez Fajardo, already on a yellow card, received a stern warning from the referee. His coach quickly substituted him with Villa to avoid a potential red card. Bruno continued to search for an equalizer, with Stevens coming close with a curling effort that narrowly missed the target.
In the dying moments, Manchester’s coach urged his players to maintain possession and play out the clock. Despite Bruno’s urgency and six minutes of added time, Manchester’s defense held strong. Coleing even ventured forward for a corner in the 96th minute, but Youfeigane produced a fantastic save to tip the ball over the bar.
Bruno’s last-gasp efforts were in vain as Manchester 62 walked away with all three points. This victory raises questions about whether Manchester 62 might now emerge as a fourth contender for the top spots in the league.