Badgers U16B 2 - 2 Greenway (Horsham & District League)

Badgers U16B came back strongly from 2-0 down in an exciting game at the Big Field on Saturday, Badgers bossing the second half but somehow failing to score a third goal that would have won the game

Inexplicably, Brockham produced a disinterested opening 20 minutes that saw Greenway race into a two goal lead, both soft goals conceded from corners.

Midway through the half, Brockham woke up and began to get more possession, Dan Hoad and Ollie Curtis a real handful for the opposition defence, and just before half time, badgers pulled a goal back through Hoad

The second half was one way traffic, the team showing grit and determination, lad of the match Ben Wright leading by example as the team really got stuck in. With 20 minutes to go, Badgers equalised when Hoad's shot was parried into the net by the keeper

There only looked like one winner, Brockham putting pressure on the Greenway goal, Curtis having several chances only to see the keeper save well. Late on a flowing move saw Curtis cross for Caldwell, but his diving header just skimmed over the Greenway bar.


Lad of the Match: Ben Wright

Squad: Jack Whetnell, Sam McFarland, Max Ruff, Dhilen Patel, James Stone , Elliott Austin, Josh Hook, Stefan Issberner, David Atkinson, Dex Bass, Ollie Curtis. Dan Hoad, Josh Caldwell, Ben Wright

Report by Bryan Bletso

Badgers U10A 7 - 0 Kirdford Juniors (South Surrey Youth League)

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

Barnes Eagles 2 - 8 Badgers U14A (Surrey County Cup R2)

Every time these two teams meet, they are never boring matches. Today’s game was no exception. The game began in stale mate, both teams battling hard in midfield, but both defences not allowing there keepers to touch the ball.

After five minutes, Badgers started to press the ball with confidence and started to apply good pressure, which paid off. Martin beat the off side trap and burst forward to open the score line. Barnes a little taken back by the goal, invited further more pressure which lead to a Badgers corner. A pin point cross from Martin found the head of Cremmen to make it two.

Badgers were in control and another attack starting from the right side with some good interplay between Gout, Wood and Lloyd, gave Lloyd a chance to bolt forward to see his shot hit to post, but his persistence nearly paid off, but unfortunately his shoot went slightly wide of the post.

Barnes then caught Badgers of guard and opened up the midfield and defence with some good one touch football and scored a well deserved goal. Barnes then pushed there team up the field and started to apply more pressure, but the sure hands of Badgers goal keeper, Justin Tarrant kept any chances at bay. Moving in to final ten minutes of the first half, Badgers began to win possession. Some good interplay between Coppin and Flint opened up for Flint to slot home a great goal.

Badgers continued to press the ball and control the game, again this paid off. Flint, who took a long ball down the wing from Vakeva-Baird and became provider, with a neat cross from the left corner allowing Cremmen to neatly slot home his second goal of the game.

Second half changes for both sides; Brightman on for Gout and a change of formation and move around of players for Barnes. This has had an immediate effect; Barnes took control of the game and started to dominate. Within minutes Barnes had numerous shots on goal, but were unable to beat Tarrant’s safe hands.

Then a mistake of the new look defence of Vakeva-Baird, Jhugroo and Tom Hampshire which had not put a foot wrong all game, allowed Barnes to pull another goal back. Badgers were taken back by this and allowed Barnes to take more control of the game. Although this gave Badgers some opportunity to catch Barnes on the break due to their high line. The midfield trio of Wood, Cremmen & Lloyd started to absorb the pressure and then with some quick passing and nice through ball, gave Martin the opportunity to get his second of the game.

Barnes still not deterred by score line continued to push forward in numbers and cause problems, but again got caught on the counter attack which allowed Martin to complete his hatrick. Badgers were now were on top and playing some great one-touch football. Silver replaced Flint and made an immediate effect with some darting runs, which gave Coppin the perfect opportunity to make it seven goals.

Barnes although down, showed they still were not going to take this game lying down,  and opened up a gap, but Jhugroo closed it down quickly forcing the shot to go over the cross bar. Moving into the last five minutes, the final change for Badgers; Gout came on for Martin and made an immediate impact, by scoring a goal and making if eight for the visitors. The final whistle was blown and it was well deserved win Badgers. Roll on the next round.

Man of the Match: Sam Lloyd

Report by J-P Jhugroo

Leatherhead FC 2 - 3 Badgers U9A (Epsom & Ewell League Premier Division)

Brockham went into this match needing points but missing a few players. Brockham Coach, Jason Rabbetts, was on a winter vacation and he had taken his son Joe with him! Step forward Jason’s understudy “King Kev” Timmons.

Brockham played the first 10 minutes with only 6 men, but you wouldn’t have known. Brockham passed the ball well and broke through the Leatherhead defence with ease creating numerous chances. Jos Hunt, up front for Brockham, had a number of chances, hitting the post and shooting just wide; eventually the ball went in for Hunt and Brockham took the lead. A penalty shout went up from the Brockham supporters but the referee wasn’t interested. Leatherhead got a break and managed to get one back on the stroke of half time.

The second half was exciting from the whistle with both teams having opportunities but it was Will Timmons who put Brockham ahead. The Leatherhead Keeper clashed with Will Timmons and the game was stopped for a few minutes whist the keeper received treatment. Leatherhead never game up and in the last minute of normal time Leatherhead found their equaliser. The referee signalled for 2 minutes of added time and both teams went out to clinch this game. Ed Russ in midfield passed forward to Jos Hunt who played a delightfully weighted chip over the Leatherhead defence where Callum Holder had only the keeper to beat. Holder, as cool as a cucumber, drilled the ball hard and low to the keepers right, 2-3. The King is dead long live King Kev!

Man of the Match: Ed Russ

Report by Rick Russ

Badgers U9 Barbarians 3 - 0 Heron Way (Horsham & District League)

The main objective of the pre-match talk was to emphasise to the team that after three splendid wins against less gifted teams, the Barbarians had learned during the previous match that to win against stronger opposition high standards of passing, movement and making space are essential.

This was the return fixture against Heron Way. The away game had been a close, 0-0 affair, however the Barbarians came away feeling that they had not done themselves justice. Today was the opportunity to put that right, but victory would only come with hard work and the application of key principles.

As usual, the Barbarians’ rock-sold defensive foundation was the platform which enabled those with attacking responsibilities to fulfil them with confidence. Heron Way possess the players to put their opposition under pressure, yet it was perhaps disheartening for them that Jethro Burton and in particular player-of-the-match William Glenn consistently broke them down by timing immaculately their interceptions and laying the ball off to a well-placed midfield colleague.

In midfield, the outstandingly consistent Lily Turner – who is surely the best female player in this division – and captain-fantastic Tom Ambrose time and again orchestrated Barbarian attacks by gaining possession of the ball and playing it simply and effectively. The reward came halfway through the first half when Ben Mackenzie took advantage of this constant supply by breaking through the centre of the Heron Way defence and slotting the ball home for his hugely deserved first goal of the season.

And the Barbarians were not about to rest on their laurels. Dominance continued, with play-anywhere Huw Morgan again making it difficult to know whether he is of more value to the team when performing heroics in goal or when tackling and dribbling with supreme skill in the outfield. A pity therefore that he narrowly missed claiming a goal after an irresistible run through the centre.

In the second half Ben Austin took his place in midfield having not been over-stretched in goal in the first half, and made a very effective contribution with his ceaseless running. Arun Watkins showed how his excellent close-control can be devastating when he extracts the ball from a tight space and feeds it to a team-mate in space.

Barbarians’ dominance was confirmed when Callum Holder received the ball just inside the Heron Way half. Lightning acceleration took him clear of two defenders and left the ball nestling in the back of the net. 2-0 to the Barbarians.

A similar effort came a few minutes later when Callum broke through the right side of the Heron Way defence and tucked the ball into the left hand corner to underline a much-deserved victory over the strongest opposition faced this season, and to claim his fourteenth goal in eight matches this season. Whilst this is a superb record, it is also clearly the product of the marvellous teamwork and ability of the squad as a whole, which remains unbeaten at this half-way point in the season.

Man of the Match: William Glenn

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

Report by Frank Holder

Upper Beeding 2 - 2 Badgers U16A (Horsham & District League)

Brockham Badgers  U16A put in a good team performance at Upper Beeding on Saturday and can count themselves unlucky not to have come away with all three points.

After the disappointing performance the week before against Cranleigh, Brockham got back on track from the off as they forced Upper Beeding on to the back foot with a high tempo start to the match,. Beeding were rocking and it was no surprise when lad of the match and captain Tom Bletso slotted the ball home from a corner to make it 1-0 on 10 minutes.

 Brockham continued to press but despite opportunities could not build on their lead, and against the run of play Beeding equalised from a corner after Brockham failed to clear twice giving Beeding a simple opportunity in the 6 yard box.

1-1 at half time, Brockham were somehow behind within a minute of the restart, Brockham losing the ball in midfield  which led to Beeding catching the defence flat footed, a great strike from a Beeding striker giving Brockham keeper Connor Mitchell no chance.  The fact Mitchell hardly touched the ball for the rest of the second half is a testament to the domination Brockham now had, but it was to be a frustrating half for the Badgers.  Stephen Kehl did well to equalise for Badgers with 20 minutes to go, sliding the ball past the Upper Beeding keeper who had a great game, and it looked like it was a matter of time before Badgers scored the winner.

Beeding defended for their lives though, and made life very difficult for Brockham, and despite plenty of possession few chances were carved out for Badgers.  Indeed, a gutsy Beeding side gave Brockham a scare with 10 minutes to go, having an effort ruled out from a free kick for off side. The last 10 minutes saw Badgers press and press, a frenetic last period seeing Brockham dominate but create few real chances.

Squad: Connor Mitchell, Joe Parker, Henry Smith, Tom Bletso ©, Jack Hunt, Ollie Smith, Ollie Legg, Charlie Holmes, Will Bletso, Henry Hilll, Stephen Kehl, Mike Carty

Man of the Match: Tom Bletso


Report by Bryan Bletso

Badgers U16B 6 - 3 Chesworth Rovers (Horsham & District League)

Brockham Badgers U16Bs secured  a deserved win over a battling Chesworth Rovers on Saturday, Chesworth doing well to make life difficult for Badgers with two great first half strikes to go in only 3-2 down when Badgers probably deserved a lead of greater than a solitary goal at the interval.

 The star of the day was  a rampant Ollie Curtis at centre forward, Curtis grabbing 4 goals over the game as he proved too hot to handle for the opposition, but special mention also goes to David Atkinson who excelled in an unaccustomed right midfield position, scoring into the bargain.  Brockham's other goal came from Dan Hoad, but Badgers were deserved winners and go into the remainder of the campaign with confidence.


Report by Bryan Bletso

Badgers U12As 3 - 2 Storrington Vipers (Horsham & District B League)

Hard fought win keeps up Brockham title hopes


First Half
Brockham sprung into action straight from the kick off and took the
game to Storrington. The first real chance came in the 5th minute,
when Tiley slid a ball for Potts to gallop after, but the forward's
attempt was muffled by the visitor's defence. The first corner also
went to Brockham, just a minute later but led to nothing. Brockham
were on top of their opponents but were having to fight to maintain
their supremecy. Purcell, dominating his area of the pitch on the
left was playing some intelligent passes to propel his team forward.
In the 9th minute The Badgers were unlucky not to take the lead when
Potts knocked in a shot that clearly had the keeper beat but he could
only watch as the ball hit the woodwork and bounced away to safety.
Soon after, Brockham won another corner, which resulted in The Vipers
almost catching the home side out with a sprint out of defence and
into attack. They broke at speed again minutes later and this was a
wake up call for Brockham, who had to be careful of the sucker punch
and Wheeler in goal had to keeper on his toes.


On 18 minutes Brockham pressed again, down the left wing and Teague
and Tiley conspired to wriggle their way through the Storrington
defenders with some beautiful moves. Teague followed up with a well-
drilled shot that the keeper couldn't get to and ended up in the net.
1-0.


Two minutes after the restart a throw in on the right flank found
Teague, who looked ready to cross into the area, but his looping shot
left everybody flat footed as it sailed over the keeper's head and
make it goal number two. 2-0.


Warne began stamping his presence in midfield and Donegan continued
to harass, as Brockham turned up the pressure. However, Storrington
had shown bursts of energy earlier and on 25 minutes they produced
another counter attack at high speed. Their attackers were not picked
up early enough and they went on to net their opener. 2-1.


With 3 goals in 9 minutes, we now had a game on our hands. It took
all of 2 more minutes for Brockham to hit back, when a corner was
crossed into a crowded area and was met by the quick boots of
Heather. The striker didn't need a second chance and his side now led
3-1.


The last few minutes of the half were all getting a bit breathless
and The Vipers refused to roll over and die. In the final minute they
gained a last gasp corner, from which their forwards were quicker to
a scrossed ball and scored a vital second just before the interval. 3-2.
Half time 3-2.


Second Half
Storrington began the half full of hope and went looking for the
equalizer. First corner went to them on 2 minutes, followed by
another a minute later. Brockham cleared their lines but not without
looking a little uncomfortable. Both teams fought out the first
opening minutes and the away side looked somewhat the sharper at times.
On 8 minutes Turner produce some sharp play of his own and created a
goal scoring chance but his shot was stopped. Gradually, The Badgers
were coming to life more and were pushing harder, with Thomas
immersing himself in the midfield action. Heather had another attempt
blocked and then Teague set up the lively Potts to shoot once more,
but the attempt was saved. Warne also went close and the now livelier
Bockham won a succession of corners. The dependable Purcell, with
Lane and Vaughan were now in charge at the back of Brochkam's half of
the park.


On 18 minutes Watson and Potts threaded their way through a stodgy
Storrington defence but once again the final shot went unrewarded.
More Brockham corners followed and one of which gave Watson a chance
from some way out. His up and under kick almost caught out the other
team's goalie.


Time was ticking away but the action and pace continued unabated, and
with 2 minutes remaining Brockham thought that they had wrapped the
game up once and for all. A cross from the right wing had been met
cleanly by The Badgers strikers and the ball ended up in the net, but
the ref had blown for an infringement on the Storrington keeper. The
seconds were going down and down but Brockham pushed on and on. Baker
won the ball in midfield and hit a pin-point pass for Watson to chase
and shoot well, but the shot was smothered by the keeper. There was
still time for one last scare at the other end but Lane was equal to
The Vipers threat and the game ended in another victory for Brockham.
Full time 3-2.


Man of the match: Joe Teague


Squad: Joe Baker, Jamie Donegan, Jordan Heather, Dominic Lane, Sam
Potts, Jake Purcell, Joe Teague, Wilbur Tiley, Will Thomas, Ollie
Turner, Jacob Vaughan, George Warne, Rufus Watson, Oakley Wheeler.


Report by Tony Watson