Badgers U12B 8- 1 Maidenbower United (Horsham and District League D)

What a difference a week makes.  From a bit of a thumping last week, Badgers came back with their performance of the season to rout Midenbower.  The goals came by way of a hat-trick from Freddie Bedford and contributions from Jamie Hunt, Tom Williams, Tom Quigley, James Makintyre George, and a calmly taken strike by Toby Triggs on the stroke of full time.  Coach Steve Smith was unable to decide on his man of the match: this was a sterling performance from the back four, bravely and confidently supported by keeper Matthew Allen, with Matthew Appleton oozing confidence in midfield. This result will surely be a great boost before next week’s second round cup game: onwards and upwards!

Report by Tom Race

Badgers U12A 5 - 1 Maidenbower (Horsham and District League B)

An immediate attack by Maidenbower is snuffed out by Baker, who's clearance finds Tiley on the right wing. A through ball from Tiley launches Turner on a great run, and who then shoots from the right across the keeper, into the left hand corner of the goal. 1-0.

On 5 minutes Tiley volleys just wide of the post. Maidenbower respond with a through goal-bound ball but the attack is cut short by Lane's timely tackle. Moments later the Badgers are on the offensive again; Turner passes to Teague, who skillfully lops the Maidenbower goalie, and it is in the net! But Brockham are denied the goal by a contentious offside decision.

Warne and Teague are providing re-assurarence in mid-field as the visitors became stuck in own half. Maidenbower eventually brake forward but are stopped in their tracks by Purcell's  interception and a great long ball clearance to Tiley on the left. The striker produces a good shot but Maidenbower keeper saves and the ball ricochets wide.

The tenacious defender, Baker puts a high ball through for Turner to chase but the home team's efforts are frustratingly brought to a halt again by another questionable offside decision. Moments later Donegan is unlucky not to get on the score sheet. He battles hard on the left side, gained possession and tries to lop the goalie but it narrowly goes over the bar.

On 17 minutes a Maidenbower fight back provides them with an opportunity up-front but  keeper Potts keeps a calm head as he collects and distributes the ball in one smooth movement. They come at Brockham again, with the Maidenbower center forward putting on the pressure, but great positioning by Lane allows him to make a great stopping tackle.

Brockham are passing the ball well now, with some good combination football. On 25 minutes Donegan seizes on a loose ball and makes a great long shot from just inside the half way line. Maidenbower's goalie fails to get hold of the ball and Turner, with  true goal-poaching instinct leaps onto the loose ball, takes it around the flailing goalie and into the net for number two. 2-0.

In the dying minutes Donegan gets the ball on the right, flickes it on to Tiley, whos shot is stopped by a great save. Maidenbower come back at the Badgers again but stalwart Killick, denies any advancement with cool, calm defending. The defender puts a long ball out towards the wing, where Turner again chases and crosses the ball to Tiley, waiting in the centre. Tiley shoots and again is unlucky as the ball goes narrowly wide for a goal kick.

The Maidenbower goalie clears the ball with a long kick over the half way line where Purcell, under pressure, skilfully controls the ball and puts it down the left wing to Teague, who has intelligently positioned himself. The forward runs onto the ball and puts in a superb cross which Turner has anticipated, runs onto and fires to the right for goal number 3.

Half time 3-0.

Second Half

Brockam start the half determined to defend their lead but still launch straight into attack with a cheetah quick Tiley pressing.

On 5 minutes Warne traps the ball and clears to Teague on the wing, who then puts a well weighted ball through for Turner to pursue. He shoots to the right and another goal. 4-0

Maidenbower produce a gutsy fight back, putting great pressure on Brockham and a rewarded with a corner. Warne puts behind the line for another corner and he again puts behind the line. The Badgers soak up the pressure, as the third corner in a row is saved.

The action swings to the other end. A good strong low corner is hit by Tiley to Turner at the near post. Turner sneaks in a shot which the goalie just keeps out with his feet. Another corner by the hosts results in a miss kick to clear and Tiley again pounces on it and shoots, but the goalie again prevents another goal. With Brockham's third corner, the ball comes out to Donegan who has cleverly waited on the edge of the goal area. He belts in a powerful shot to the right hand corner of the goal and the visitor's keeper makes a great save to keep the score as is.

Dogansoy works hard in midfield to curtail any Maidenbower threat as the away team step up a gear. On 20 minutes they find away through the Badger's defence but are repelled eventually by Lane. Brockham are starting to tire now and Maidenbower attack again but Lane stands his ground and remains dominant in defence. Maidenbower continue attacking and it's all hands on deck. Purcell ensures that no one gets past him with strong defending.

Time is dripping away now, with only minutes before the final whistle. With a never give up attitude Maidenbower split open the Brockham back line, as their number 9 at last gets a good shooting chance and the Badger's keeper can do nothing about such a great shot. 4-1.

Donegan is constantly running and makes tackle after tackle, to prevent Maidenbower from proceeding any further in their fight back.

The game concludes with an impressive run by Dogansoy, who crosses from the right. Maidenbower couldn't clear effectively and the ball fell to Turner. He makes no mistake with a volley that flew straight into the net and bring his tally to a fantastic five. 5-1.

Full time 5-1.

Man of the match: Ollie Turner

Squad: Joe Baker, Kemal Dogansoy, Jamie Donegan, Daniel Killick, Dominic Lane, Sam Potts, Jake Purcell, Joe Teague, Wilbur Tiley, Will Thomas, Ollie Turner, George Warne, Oakley Wheeler.

Report by David Purcell               

AFC Wimbledon U9A 8 - 0 Badgers U9A (Epsom and Ewell League Premier)

It was a bright sunny Saturday morning at Kings College Sports Ground and Brockham would have their hands full to contain an AFC Wimbledon team that had already scored 14 goals in their first 2 games.

Wimbledon applied pressure from the start and soon had a goal. Joe Rabbetts, in goal for Brockham, managed to keep the flood gates closed with some fine saves. Brockham struggled to get out of their own half and inevitably Wimbledon scored a well taken second goal. Brockham managed to win a corner but Wimbledon used pace to break and score again, 3-0. The pressure from Wimbledon was relentless and the fourth goal by Wimbledon was sublime. A Brockham error on the edge of the box gave away possession and again they were punished, 5-0 at half time.

Brockham Manager, Jason Rabbetts, brought on Ed Russ and Archie Routleff for the second half and moved Joe Rabbetts from goal to left wing. Brockham began to apply some pressure to Wimbledon, winning a corner which went wide. Wimbledon managed to break and shoot over the bar and Brockham got way down the left. Inevitably after 10 minutes of the second half Wimbledon score but Brockham did not give up, winning a corner delivered by Ed Russ into the penalty area and shot just wide. In the closing minutes Brockham conceded a further 2 goals. Brockham worked hard but were unable to deal with the passing accuracy and goal scoring capability of a well organised Wimbledon team.

Man of the match – Sam Church.

Report by Rick Russ

Roffey Robins Rockets 3 - 5 Badgers U11 Saturdays

This match featured 2nd in the table versus 4th under sunny, cool skies in Horsham. Roffey started strongly and pressured early on while the Badgers were dangerous on the counter attack, creating four golden chances before Max opened his account with a breakaway and chip over the keeper. The Badgers then began to control the game and doubled their score through Ryan's header off Matthew Ford's corner. James Brown's excellent pass cut open the Roffey defense for Max to run on to and coolly round the goalie for his second goal. Just on half time Roffey clawed one back against the run of play.


The second half was a see-saw affair with both teams enjoying good spells. The teams traded two more goals each, both of Brockham's through Max who finished the day with four! The Badgers played well from back to front with excellent performances turned in by keeper Matthew Parisi, defenders Jacob Evans and Matthew Ford and wingers Ryan Murrough and James Brown. But with four excellent goals, the man of the match award had to go to Max.


Squad: Max Austin, James Brown, Jacob Evans, Matthew Ford, Luke Morris (captain), Ryan Murrough, Joshua Packham, Matthew Parisi, Luke Pock, Harry Robertson, Alex White.


Report by Paul Morris

AFC Wimbledon 3 - 0 Badgers U15A (Surrey Youth League Premier Elite)

Brockham Badgers U15A faced last season's league, League Cup and Surrey Cup winners in only their second league game of the season, the match being a rematch of last season's Surrey Cup final between AFC Wimbledon and Brockham.

Overall, Badgers will feel hard done by the scoreline as Brockham carved out more and more chances as the game went on, but against the best side at this age group in the County, Brockham were left to admire the clinical finishing of Wimbledon in a 15 minute spell in the first half

Brockham started well, but went one down on 15 minutes as a Wimbledon striker evaded 3 or 4 weak challenges all too easily to slot the ball home. A few minutes later it was 2-0, a poor clearance being spectacularly smashed home from the edge of the box off a post giving keeper Dennis Rapson no chance.  As Badgers struggled to get a foothold in the game, Wimbledon took full advantage and made it 3-0 on 30 minutes

Gradually shell shocked Brockham began to compete on level terms and striker Chris Brooks was very unlucky not to reduce the arrears just before half time after carving out a chance for himself.

A stern half time team talk had the desired effect, and the second half was a very even affair. Will Mahoney stood out as he had three headed attempts on goal from set pieces, one striking the inside of the post but somehow stayed out of the goal. Wimbledon of course were still a threat, but Rapson was rarely troubled as the Badgers defence looked more assured. Despite a number of good chances, Brockham were unable to get on the scoresheet with AFC Wimbledon content to see out the game and secure the win.

Squad: Dennis Rapson, Liam Ratcliffe, Will Mahoney, Matt Higgins (c), Will Bletso, Jack Wylie , Josh Brown, Mike Richardson, Harvey Mewis, George Coffey, Harry Ramsey, Alex Nicholson, Frankie Routlef, Chris Brooks.


Report by Bryan Bletso

Twin Oaks 2 - 2 Badgers U16A (Horsham and District League B)

Brockham U16As went into their first league game of the season on the back of a good 5-0 win last weekend, but for some reason never got into their stride in this match against Twin Oaks.

A sluggish first half saw the home side take the lead midway through the half after possession was lost in midfield, and apart from a 5 minute spell in the first half, Brockham were second best in almost all departments.

The second half saw an improvement, and 10 minutes into the second period Ollie Smith scored to level the scores after a goal mouth scramble.  Badgers were getting on top, but again a sloppy loss of possession in midfield saw a Twin Oaks striker poke the ball beyond Brockham keeper Connor Mitchell to make it 2-1.  Brockham were quickly back on level terms though when an inch perfect pass from Mike Carty played in Stephen Kehl, whose accurate shot from 20 yards sped past the advancing goalie and into the net.

The last 15 minutes saw some frantic action with both sides going close, Scoop lad of the match Henry Smith doing well in this period, Brockham having the upper hand but failing to score what would have been the winner, a draw the deserved result on the day.

Squad: Connor Mitchell, Henry Smith, Joe Parker, Tom Bletso (c), Jack Hunt, Will Bletso, Ollie Legg, Ollie Smith, Charlie Holmes, Stephen Kehl, Henry Hill, Liam Doyle, Mike Carty

Meanwhile the U16Bs continued their good start to the season with a competitive 2-2 draw in the league versus Storrington Vipers, goals from Dan Hoad and Elliott Austin

Report by Bryan Bletso

Heron Way 0-0 Badgers U9 Barbarians (Horsham & District Youth Football League)

This week Brockham Badgers U9 Barbarians travelled to Heron Way, still undefeated but still looking for a first win of the season. Yet again defensive work and positional play were very sound, with first-half goalkeeper Ben Mackenzie bringing to that position the outstanding reading of the play that he had shown in the previous two matches. When Heron Way did manage to breach the usual sterling defensive work of Lily Turner, Tom Ambrose and Austin, one felt comfortable on each occasion that the goalkeeper would tidy up.

In midfield Jethro Burton and Huw Morgan on the flanks kept their Heron Way markers busy with their robust interceptions and link-play with Arun Watkins at striker. It is evident, however, that more work has to be done on the training ground to turn possession into goals.

The second half saw William Glenn join the defence and Arun Watkins take a turn in goal with no loss in the team’s effectiveness at the back. Callum Holder brought his mobility to the striking position and worked hard to try and create opportunities. It is clear, however, that whilst the team clearly has a very stable look in terms of containing the opposition, improvement has to be made in terms of providing clear chances to strike at goal. At this age the children are still developing their understanding of the effectiveness of movement into space and quick release of the ball, but this particular group has the ability to learn quickly.

And learn they must, if undeserved defeats are to be avoided. A lesson was learned in the final minutes as a shot from distance was fearlessly pushed around the post by goalkeeper Watkins, thus saving the team from what would have been a harsh result and earning himself the man-of-the match award for this and his earlier contributions, 0-0 then, and a hat-trick of draws which leaves the Barbarians undefeated this season.

Man of the Match: Arun Watkins

Squad: Tom Ambrose, Ben Austin, Jethro Burton, William Glenn, Callum Holder, Ben Mackenzie, Huw Morgan, Lily Turner, Arun Watkins.

Report by Frank Holder

Abbey Rangers 2 - 6 Badgers U11 Sunday (Surrey Youth Leaque Cup)

Brockham’s Cup campaign started away,  on an uphill slope and into a fierce wind.   Whilst the first half was a close run battle, the second, down the slope and with the wind, might have seen them score 10 or more!  They started the match in a positive manner, pressuring Abbey with sharp passing. Jack Wisbey was pushing forwards from the Badgers half to help open the Abbey defence. Max Austin was very lively up front.  Driving up the right hand side, he delivered an excellent cross which just evaded the outstretched legs of two Brockham strikers.  Joseph Issberner gathered and turned, but was unable to steer the ball past the keeper.  The Badgers continued to press with Aidan Torpey threading a tight ball through to Nataniel King.   An Abbey defender managed to get a boot to it, however, unfortunately for him the ball deflected past his own goalkeeper for Brockham to take a 1 – 0 lead.  The next through ball, delivered by Issberner, found King, however he was prevented from shooting by a solid tackle.

Abbey then moved into attack mode.  They found the Badgers indecisive in midfield and quickly took advantage.  Pushing up the left hand side a slightly miscued shot spun clean over the Brockham keeper and into the net.  Brockham resumed their all out attack with Issberner chasing another ball from Torpey, only to shoot too close to the keeper, who gathered well.  Austin was next to chase a through ball and was promptly bought down by the Abbey keeper.  Brockham were not able to convert the spot kick.  They continued with waves of attack.  King was next to receive a smart pass from Austin, but again strong defending denied him.   Issberner thought he had put the Badgers back in the lead having rounded the keeper and slotted the ball home.  The linesman flag said no! 

Abbey decided to rub salt into the wound by promptly breaking out of their area.  Winning a throw in they were nearly at the Badgers goal line before a shot was launched from a very fine angle to score an excellent goal and take a 2 – 1 lead.  Austin broke again drawing the Abbey keeper well out of his box.  He shot at goal and the keeper was lucky not to be dismissed as he gathered the ball several yards outside of the area.  Issberner and Austin continued to cause trouble for the Abbey defence, but it was Torpey who charged into the Abbey half before launching a long range shot into the roof of the net.  After another few Abbey attacks Austin threaded through to Issberner again.  His shot was parried by the keeper who was able to retrieve the ball as it spun towards his line.    Justin Hurst was next to join the scoring action.  He won the ball just outside the Abbey area.  Moving to his right past two defenders he lobbed the ball over the Abbey defence and keeper to take a 3 – 2 lead into half time.

The second half saw one attack after the other by Badgers. With Alex Watts and William Conroy (captain) controling the defensive lines, Austin (man of the match) and  Finn Campbell peppered the goal, but were either slightly wayward or well saved by the Abbey keeper.  Hurst floated a corner in for Conor Gilmartin to power narrowly over the bar.   Torpey then took a free kick with the rebound finding itself back at his feet.  He guided it through to Hurst who took it close to the goal line before firing into the back of the net from a narrow angle 4 -2.  Abbey then pressed up the right hand side but the solid defence fo Harry Fairley and Michael Goff wasn’t going to be penetrated.  Finn Campbell was next to score to give Brockham a 5 – 2 lead.  He neatly passed the ball into the corner of the net having chased another well placed through ball.  For their final goal Hurst passed a couple of defenders before turning back and delivering a pinpoint pass off the outside of his boot.  Matthew Ford was waiting to drive the ball cleanly into the net to give the Badgers an extremely well deserved win and take them into the next round of the competition.

Man of the Match: Max Austin

Squad: Max Austin, William Conroy, Finn Campbell, Harry Fairley, Matthew Ford, Conor Gilmartin, Callum Glenn, Micheal Goff, Justin Hurst, Joseph Issberner, Natanial King, Aidan Torpey, Alex Watts, Alex Wells, Jack Wisbey

Report by Chris Hurst

Badgers U14A 1 - 10 Sheen Lions (Surrey Youth League Premier Elite)

A sub-standard performance from most of the team meant Brockham were on the wrong end of a thumping.  It was a shocking performance in a game from which they should have been looking for points.  Whether it was over-confidence from last weekend’s impressive effort or simply one of those days, who knows?

Positives were in short supply and Sheen certainly took advantage.  The Lions were first to every ball and helping each other out with good communication and movement off the ball.  Within one minute Sheen started the punishment.  Their excellent former Reading academy striker shrugged off the Badgers defence and finished sharply into the side netting, and it was only a matter of minutes before he made it two.

Brockham’s midfield were getting caught in no man’s land, either too far advanced when losing the ball or too deep and flat when winning it back.  As a result the black and whites were on the back foot and soaking up too much pressure.  This lead to corner after corner from which Brockham shipped their next two goals.

Lacking any discipline in their shape the Badgers continued to miss opportunities to challenge loose balls in midfield or to find a player to receive and play.  For the remainder of the first half it was one way traffic and Sheen’s No.21 helped himself to another two goals, taking the half-time score to 6-0 and his personal tally to four.

Brockham performed marginally better in the second half and the introduction of the lively Luke Brightman certainly lifted the game of some of the players around him.  But it was indiscipline and concentration that let the stripes down again.  Two more corners resulted in unchallenged goals, one that went straight in, a ninth goal conceded as the Lions No.23 notched his personal sixth after out muscling his marker, and Sheen made it double figures after an easy clearance from a cross was ducked and the ball dropped to a gleeful lad in blue.

Luke Brightman scored for Brockham after a solo effort got what he alone deserved, Martin could have scored had he not been generous to pass when the shot was on, and two other good chances could have turned out differently.

Brockham know they can play better, and they know that they can create chances against anyone, but they also now know they can’t afford not to give 100% at this level.  Let’s hope it’s a lesson learned.

Lad of the Match:  George Gomes

Report by Jason Rabbetts