If the first quarter was anything to go by, we were in for a typical cup tie, as both teams participated in frantic end to end attacks. Each term earned a number of corners, but nobody could find the net. Brockham’s Callum Agent came closest latching onto a poor headed clearance, but he drove the ball just wide of goal. To add to the frenzied atmosphere the coaches were finding it hard to be heard as aircraft took off overhead, including a huge Airbus 380 en route to Singapore. Brockham’s Nataniel King was the first to truly trouble the Isleworthians defence with his impressive pace, however he wasn’t able to get the better of their captain at centre back, who remained impassable. It wasn’t until late in the first half that another surge down the left hand side by King, having picked up a throw in, culminated in a cross to Max Austin who seized the rare opportunity to squeeze the ball between the keeper and post for the Badgers to take a 1 – 0 lead into the break.
The second half saw continued end to end activity with the Isleworthians particularly quick on the break. The Badgers defence stood up extremely well, with some great saves by Alex Wells at short range and resolute clearances by Alex Watts. Aidan Torpey was typically busy in defence and encountering quite a battle in mid field, but still managed to bring the ball forwards. On one charge he pushed the ball out to the right. Max Hill did well to bring the ball under control and slip it to Finn Campbell who guided it into the net for a 2 – 0 lead. Conor Gilmartin and Campbell pestered the Isleworthians defence up the right hand side but were unable to break though again.
Brockham had beaten an undefeated side and showed great character to keep a clean sheet on a narrow pitch. Gilmartin was named man of the match for his constant pressuring and excellent covering in defence.
Man of the Match: Conor Gilmartin
Squad: Callum Agent, Max Austin, Finn Campbell, William Conroy, Conor Gilmartin, Thomas Hemming, Jack Wisbey, Justin Hurst, Alex Wells, Aidan Torpey, Natanial King, Max Hill, Alex Watts, Tom Phillips
Report by Christopher Hurst
