This week Brockham Badgers U9 Barbarians travelled to Heron Way, still undefeated but still looking for a first win of the season. Yet again defensive work and positional play were very sound, with first-half goalkeeper Ben Mackenzie bringing to that position the outstanding reading of the play that he had shown in the previous two matches. When Heron Way did manage to breach the usual sterling defensive work of Lily Turner, Tom Ambrose and Austin, one felt comfortable on each occasion that the goalkeeper would tidy up.
In midfield Jethro Burton and Huw Morgan on the flanks kept their Heron Way markers busy with their robust interceptions and link-play with Arun Watkins at striker. It is evident, however, that more work has to be done on the training ground to turn possession into goals.
The second half saw William Glenn join the defence and Arun Watkins take a turn in goal with no loss in the team’s effectiveness at the back. Callum Holder brought his mobility to the striking position and worked hard to try and create opportunities. It is clear, however, that whilst the team clearly has a very stable look in terms of containing the opposition, improvement has to be made in terms of providing clear chances to strike at goal. At this age the children are still developing their understanding of the effectiveness of movement into space and quick release of the ball, but this particular group has the ability to learn quickly.
And learn they must, if undeserved defeats are to be avoided. A lesson was learned in the final minutes as a shot from distance was fearlessly pushed around the post by goalkeeper Watkins, thus saving the team from what would have been a harsh result and earning himself the man-of-the match award for this and his earlier contributions, 0-0 then, and a hat-trick of draws which leaves the Barbarians undefeated this season.
Man of the Match: Arun Watkins
Squad: Tom Ambrose, Ben Austin, Jethro Burton, William Glenn, Callum Holder, Ben Mackenzie, Huw Morgan, Lily Turner, Arun Watkins.
Report by Frank Holder
