They say there are no easy matches in any top division and they don’t come much tougher than this. Brockham Badgers U14As started their first season in the Surrey Youth League Premier Elite with an opening fixture against current National Cup Winners and League Champions AFC Wimbledon. It would be fair to say it was a classic “welcome” with AFC running out 5-1 winners but coach Jason Rabbetts having lots to be pleased with in Brockham’s spirited performance.
Things got off to a bad start with the Badgers conceding two early goals. The first, an instinctive shot on the turn from the Wimbledon No.10, the second more debatable following a goal mouth charge from a corner that had a suspicion of hand ball.
AFC however, to their credit, were worth it – throughout the game they played some excellent football in quick tempo pass and move passages of pressure. Their No.8 Jake Gill stood out, controlling the game from midfield, and well supported by the Gallagher cousins, all three of which are Dorking school boys who perhaps don’t get the local recognition their precocious talent deserves due to their South London team places.
Brockham rallied well though. They kept their heads up and maintained the Wimbledon advantage at 2-0 for more than 50 minutes. Sam Lloyd and Lewis Wood hounded the Wimbledon midfield whilst Justin Tarrant patrolled the backline and James Rabbetts has an outstanding game in goal.
With only 15 minutes remaining however their steadfast efforts took toll on their concentration but not without reward. Following a neat move through the middle of the park, and a decisive finish, AFC made it 3-0. The Badgers pushed on though and some good attacking football saw Wimbledon concede a corner. Jordan Martin whipped in a peach of a cross and Captain Cremmen glanced a leaping header into the AFC net.
Shortly afterwards it could have been 3-2. Joe Silver’s pace and strength gave him the advantage against the Wimbledon right back, and he delivered a pin perfect cross only for Martin’s first time strike go wide. Eventually fitness told and Wimbledon put two more goals inside the Badgers net within the last ten minutes.
The Brockham boys can take a lot from this. They competed well against one of the best non-academy sides in England. Hopefully a few points will come their way in what will be a very interesting season for a village side punching its weight at the highest level.
Lad of the Match: James Rabbetts
Report by Jason Rabbetts
Pictures by Clive Silver
Pictures by Clive Silver
