Could the Badgers bounce back from last week's defeat? Would the score-line undermine morale? How would the team manage with a number of star players missing? These were the questions we'd been worrying about all week...
Huge sigh of relief on the sides when last week's Man of the Match, Jack Duncan, was seen warming up. The team would have its Rolls Royce engine in gear after all! We're all big fans of Jack's: The Badger's Man-At-Arms.
The game was evenly contested early on but The Badgers slowly took a hold of the game. The inspirational Morgan Hamilton opened the scoring when one of his trademark driving runs saw him finish with style and guile. Morgan impressed yet again. He's been a revelation this season with a style reminiscent of Steven Gerrard.
Ezra Charles combined with Jack Duncan and Oliver Quigley to create a number of chances. Young Charles finally got his goal by a combination of sheer grit and determination, as he tussled with two defenders and the keeper in the area, eventually bundling the ball over the line through sheer force of will.
Only minutes later and Ezra took a touch to go past the defender and drilled in a left foot finish into the far corner. A real strikers goal that allowed The Badgers to throw off the shackles and truly express themselves.
Ezra and Morgan played a number of one-twos to slice through the opposition. If these two boys hadn't had their asbestos vests on they'd have quite literally caught fire! Ezra was pushing for his hat-trick and needed a little more composure in front of goal but he was getting closer ansd closer…
Oliver Quigley had his best game of the season. His running with the ball was exceptional. Twisting and turning in a full-circle as he evaded tackles and danced past challenges that at times was Strictly Come Dribbling. Brockham's very own Iniesta was remarkable and a joy to watch from the touchline.
Morgan soon added his second and third to realise his second hat-trick of the season. It capped off an outstanding all-round display. He would show great dedication for the team throughout this game.
Half-Time Brockham Badgers U10 A 5-0 Kirdford Juniors U10 A
George Lees had been steady in goal in the first-half and continued to support his team mates as an attacker in the second. His right foot drive into the top corner was denied by a sensational save from the Kirdford keeper. George made some great touches and lay-offs for team mates; he never stops running for the cause. George claimed more assists this week and is creating chances for those around him.
With Morgan selflessly taking a defensive role the chance for other players to play in midfield and shine was taken up. Will Pirt came on and worked hard for the team. This boy has a sharp turn and releases the ball intelligently. It was a fantastic first-team debut for Will. He almost got a goal too when a spirited run into the centre saw him deftly chip the keeper and clip the crossbar. Will was very unlucky.
Henry Lucas was assured at the back and wonderful in possession. He's been collecting centre-forwards for his collection all season and Saturday was no different. We just hope his pockets are big enough to see him through to May.
Ezra Charles was pushing for his hat-trick and cut in from the left to hit a shot that the Kirdford keeper beat around the post. It was a stunning save. Ezra could smell the next goal and wouldn't give up. Even so, he did manage to put a cross in for Adam "Full Power" Bower. It came at Adam at waist height but he almost managed to turn it in. This boy put in another solid team, performance.
Joe Allen, so reliable at the back, was setting up attacks, with his right foot posting recorded deliveries all over the pitch. He hit a long range effort in the first half that took the paint off the post. They used to say Liam Brady could open a can of beans with his left foot. Joe can open the tin with his right and butter the toast with it too. His through ball for Ezra to complete his hat-trick was as good as anything you'll see this season at any level.
Ezra's fourth and final goal was set up by his signature move. He collected the ball on the left wing. Reversed the full back to get to the by-line, cut in, skipped a challenge, faked a cross and slammed it home. Wonderful football.
Kirdford had played well and should take credit from the game. It was a brave and honourable display and hopefully they will take heart from their performance.
Full-Time: Brockham Badgers U10 A 7-0 Kirdford Juniors U10 A
Man of The Match: Ezra Charles touch, vision and finishing (McManaman and Fowler rolled into one) what else do you need!
Team: George Lees, Henry Lucas, Joe Allen, Jack Duncan, Morgan Hamilton, Adam Bower, Ezra Charles, Oliver Quigley, Will Pirt
Report by Jason Charles
