Brockham Badgers U16B’s got the season off to a great start with a deserved win at Storrington, a win that sees them top the division in the early days of the new campaign. Badgers had been expecting a tough game as Storrington had just been relegated from a higher division, but although Storrington saw a lot of possession, Badgers played effectively as a team to dominate the chances created.
Jack Whetnall stepped in as temporary keeper, and gave his back four confidence with an assured performance, Brockham defending well in the opening stages as Storrington took the game to the visitors. But with centre backs James Stone and Dhilen Patel not putting a foot wrong, and full backs and joint Scoop lads of the match Sam Macfarland and Will Sprange showing excellent determination, Brockham never looked like conceding. On the break Brockham looked dangerous from the off, Dan Hoad and Ollie Curtis giving the home defence problems from the off. After 25 minutes Brockham took the lead, Luke Prior’s cross come shot finding the top right hand corner. Curtis almost doubled the lead after a superb through ball from midfielder David Atkinson as Josh Caldwell and Stefan Issberner began to see more and more of the ball, but as the half ended it was Storrington that ended on the front foot with a series of corners.
Brockham came out very positively in the second period, and Elliott Austin scored 2 minutes into the half after Curtis played him in. Brockham could have made the game safe, but Storrington came back well and mid way through the half scored two quick goals to equalise. Badgers did not panic, and slowly carved out some chances, and 10 minutes from time Luke Prior scored to make it 3-2. With Storrington tiring, Brockham turned the screw, and Curtis scored two goals in the final 5 minutes to make the game secure.
Badgers can be rightly pleased with this win, as it was a determined team performance and that bodes well for the season ahead.
Squad: Jack Whetnall, Will Sprange, Sam Macfarland, Dhilen Patel, James Stone, Dex Bass, Stefan Issberner, Luke Prior (c), David Atkinson, Elliott Austin, Josh Caldwell, Dan Hoad, Ollie Curtis
Report by Bryan Bletso
