Over the last two seasons Brockham Badgers have shared the spoils with Albury Eagles. A heavy pre-season friendly defeat suggested that Albury have really pushed on and become a formidable outfit. Unfortunately, for The Badgers, this suggestion prove to be true.
The early going was nip-and-tuck. Both sides passed their way around the pitch. Jack Duncan was busy breaking up Albury's attacks and distributing the ball to Brockham's midfield. Oliver Yeates, Morgan Hamilton and Oliver Quigley played some quality football but Albury were always quick to surround the man on the ball, isolate him and then take possession for themselves. Again and again we would see three Albury players attacking the man in possession.
Despite this Oliver Yeates was able to make room for himself. He made a number of runs and played some quality balls through to the attack. Somehow though the ball just wouldn't quite sit up for Adam Bower to finish. There were some genuine threatening moments and on another day these chances might have well presented themselves.
Morgan Hamilton put in some fine challenges but was hurt by what appeared to be a moment of retaliation. Morgan needed some time on the sidelines to recover...
The game moved on. When The Badgers moved the ball around quickly they were able to build and sustain attacks but too often players were holding onto the ball too long and were sucked into cul-de-sacs and blind alleys.
Henry Lucas was on form with some great defensive work. He worked well with Jack Duncan and together they kept Brockham in the game. Albury are a real quality side though and switched the play from one wing to the other with real success. They were able to create the better chances and their shots were getting closer and closer.
George Lees made some excellent first-half saves but the quality of Albury's shooting saw them go in two goals to the good at half-time.
Half-Time: Albury Eagles A 2 – 0 Brockham Badgers A
At the beginning of the second half there was genuine optimism among the travelling supporters that Brockham really weren't out of the game. Simon and Mick shuffled the pack and Jack Duncan took the gloves whilst George Lees went up front.
Albury brought on a target man for the second half and it immediately paid dividends when a long ball over the top was poked home. It was an accomplished finish by the big striker.
Brockham found their rhythm soon after though and Oliver Yeates combined to play George Lees through. We all know George has a very powerful shot but this time he played a killer first-time pass to Ezra Charles who slotted home to pull one back.
Albury were much more direct and Brockham were soon pushed right back. The strikers became isolated and Brockham were unable to pick up their football.
Jack Duncan made a number of excellent saves. His positioning and handling were first class. By now Joe Allen had the measure of the target man and was spirited in the tackle.
To their credit Brockham maintained their football philosophy. Jack's quick throws set off the players in motion but Brockham were thwarted over and over by Albury's tenacious midfield. When they did get through Ezra Charles, George Lees and the two Olivers made some openings but they couldn't capitalise on them.
A long punt from the Albury keeper brought about the fourth, whilst the constant pressure on the keeper's throws eventually made the fifth goal.
It was the right result but a harsh score line. Brockham Badgers can take home a few lessons as well as some success from the game.
Full-Time: Albury Eagles A 5 – 1 Brockham Badgers A
Man of the Match: Jack Duncan. Great all-round team player (Bryan Robson on the pitch, Pat Jennings between the sticks)
Squad: George Lees, Henry Lucas, Jack Duncan, Joe Allen, Oliver Quigley, Morgan Hamilton, Oliver Yeates, Ezra Charles, Adam Bower
Match Report by Jason Charles
