Having enjoyed a comfortable league win 7 – 2 over Roehampton earlier in the season a relatively easy game might have been expected. Roehampton had clearly turned up with a different perspective. Whilst Brockham might have had a couple of early chances it was the away team who were the first to find the target. A break from deep in defence saw Roehampton burst up the left hand side. The left wing took the ball close to the goal line before placing it past the keeper into the bottom right hand corner of the net. Brockham realised they had a game on their hands but were finding it difficult to get into the passing rhythm that they have enjoyed during their past few matches. The grass was longer than usual requiring passing to be firmer – the Badgers were struggling to adjust.
Joseph Issberner won a corner having put the Roehampton defence under pressure. A poor clearance allowed Brockham to lob the ball back into the danger area. Issberner brought it under control before Max Austin pounced and drove it past the keeper. Brockham continued to pressure but could not find the net. A poor clearance from another attack found it’s way to Justin Hurst. He shot at goal only for the keeper to fumble. Austin was waiting and didn’t need a second invitation to give the Badgers a 2 – 1 lead. The Roehampton keeper went on to make several good saves before Tom Phillips of Brockham received a quick corner outside of the box. He delivered an excellent cross which Issberner was only to pleased to hammer into the net with his left boot.
Brockham were finding their stride as Will Conroy tightened the defence. A ball from deep was launched towards the Roehampton goal. Austin and Nataniel King gave chase with Austin winning the race and placing the ball neatly over the keeper for a 4 – 1 lead and his hat trick. King wanted his goal and was quick to react to a defensive error by Roehampton following a speculative shot. He won the loose ball and poked it past the keeper. Man of the match Austin wasn’t done. Charging from the half way line he approached the Roehampton penalty area and launched a rocket over the keepers head for his fourth and to cap a well deserved 6 – 1 victory.
Their next game will be a real test, away against league leaders Carshalton Athletic. Whilst unbeaten to date the Badgers will need to be at their best to pick up 3 points there.
Squad: Callum Agent, Max Austin, William Conroy (c), Finn Campbell, Harry Fairley, Conor Gilmartin, Thomas Hemming, Joseph Issberner, Tom Phillips, Jack Wisbey, Justin Hurst, Alex Wells, Aidan Torpey, Alex Watts, Natanial King
Report by Chris Hurst
