Shell shocked is probably the best way to describe the opening ten minutes of Brockham’s match with Netherne. It wasn’t the fact that the Badgers were 2-0 down within that time, it was the sheer size and strength of the opposition that had the spectators gawping and the players retreating from a rush of offensive tempo and power.
The Netherne side are a muscular outfit with at least ten of their squad matching Brockham’s tallest, whom until this season were seen as something of an exception. However, they can play. The black and whites gave themselves an uphill battle from the start by gifting the opposition a customary first minute goal. The ball was worked well through the left side of midfield, and despite all their training to the contrary, Brockham gave the attacker too much space with which he took aim and buried from 15 yards.
Netherne’s second however was fortunate to say the least. This time the ball was worked down the right from where a cross was put in from a tight angle. The flight of the ball was abnormally affected by the spin it received on leaving the player’s boot. It hung in the air forever and dropped out of reach of the Brockham keeper into the very far top corner of the goal leaving those on the touchline wondering whether it was intentional or fluke. To their credit Brockham mustered themselves and held the score line for the remainder of the first half.
With so much muscle and height to contest with it was pointless playing anything other than the ball on the ground. This is a strength of the Brockham team and so they came out for the second half with the intention of going for it, with a 3-5-2 formation.
It worked. Midfield were passing the ball around with good effect in possession, and worked well as a unit with the front men Alex Flint and Jordan Martin when trying to regain it. This gave time to bring some composure at the back which Simon Vakeva-Baird in particular was putting to good use in delivering balls for the powerful Jack Coppin who was looking more comfortable and dangerous on the left. For twenty minutes they dominated and within ten were rewarded with a goal.
A ball from midfield between the Netherne centre backs fed the pacey Martin. He was forced wide by his pursuing defender but did well to deliver a sharp cross to Flint in front of goal. The Netherne keeper got there moments before but the pressure of Flint’s approach forced him to fumble. With great vision and composure Flint dragged back the ball and cushioned it into the path of the on-rushing Coppin who placed it wonderfully under the recovering dive of the keeper. Game on.
For a further ten minutes Brockham were the better side, but gradually the opposition’s greater fitness and athleticism made its mark and the Badgers’ tiredness in pursuit of competing took its toll. In the final ten minutes Netherne bagged three more. The signs of improvement are there though. There were moments of real quality from the black and whites that can be built on. As their fitness improves they’ll close the gap again.
Lad of the Match: Justin Tarrant
Match Report by Jason Rabbetts
