It was the first home fixture of the new year and Brockham Badgers were hunting their first win of 2011.
Albury Saxons started brightly and definitely had the better of the first few minutes. Brockham slowly began to get their fluid passing running smoothly and Morgan Hamilton had to take credit for the way in which he drove the team forwards. Morgan's strength and commitment to the cause saw him rain shots down on the Albury goal. The keeper was on fine form though and put in one of the best performances seen all season. Poor Morgan must have been wondering what he had to do to score.
Oliver Quigley was spinning and turning defenders as he made runs from midfield. Some great touches in the box that set up numerous chances for The Badgers but that ball wouldn't go in! Oliver Q was denied by tight defending, Adam Bower smashed one into the side netting and Morgan's shotgun blasts gave the goal the kind of peppering last seen on a Gordon Ramsey mackerel fillet.
The pressure was really piling on now. Toby Evans continues to impress with great positioning, neat passing and an impressive engine. He's a really accomplished team player. Toby was in the right place on a number of occasions to intercept and set up team mates. But…
Still the opening goal wouldn't come. A little bit of composure and team work was needed but the boys enthusiasm bubbled over and individuals were too often electing to shoot when a pass was on for a clear cut chance.
Ezra Charles eventually broke the deadlock. From out wide he wriggled his way through the slalom gate defenders and smuggled the ball home from the tightest of angles. It was no more than Brockham deserved and it was always going to take something special to beat Albury's wonder keeper.
Half-Time: Brockham Badgers 1 Albury Saxons 0
The second half saw master craftsman Oliver Yeats hand the gloves over and start to weave his magic on the pitch. Brockham continued from where they left off and were soon dancing to Oliver's high-tempo passing and incisive running. Albury held firm though. They showed fantastic organisation and defended with real gusto. The second goal was always coming though and it was worth waiting for.
Another attack was cleared by Albury but the ball sat up for Jack Duncan who has a hammer of a right foot. Jack drilled the ball home giving the keeper absolutely no chance at all. Jack's technique was perfect; possibly the strike of the season so far.
All seemed good. The Badgers had their two goal cushion. The stage was set for the wonderful passing game we've come to expect. But Albury had different ideas. Whilst The Badgers went underground the Saxons were rising up and got a goal they thoroughly deserved to make it 2-1.
Now Adam Bower, Oliver Yeats and Ezra went into overdrive. With Joe Allen acting as the fortress, Henry Lucas found the gaps and threaded the ball through to midfield to set up the attacks. Adam chased every lost cause and pressured every opponent on the ball. But chance after chance flashed by the goal. Then as everyone stepped forward to meet a corner, Oliver Yeats stepped back. Ezra spotted him and played it out. Oliver made no mistake with the finish and the two goal cushion was back.
The goal continued to elude Adam until some fine off the ball running saw him drift into range at the back post. Adam slammed it home with style which was nothing more than his performance deserved.
Full-Time: Brockham Badgers 4 Albury Saxons 1
Man of The Match: Adam Bower for a great all-round performance (Ian Rush meets Ian Wright)
Squad: Henry Lucas, Joe Allen, Jack Duncan, Oliver Quigley, Toby Evans, Morgan Hamilton, Oliver Yeates, Ezra Charles and Adam Bower
Report by Jason Charles
