YOU CAN’T KEEP A GOOD BADGER DOWN!
A combination of bad weather and a sparse fixture list having prevented a ball being kicked in anger for more than two months, it was going to be interesting to see how rusty the Brockham Badgers U9 Barbarians were after their enforced break.
The corresponding home fixture having been a close encounter with the Barbarians overturning a 1-2 deficit with two late goals, there was always going to be a need for the team to be at their best. The opening ten minutes saw Horsham dominating play, assisted by a lack of cohesiveness amongst the Barbarians. A tendency to dwell on the ball in midfield and attack, along with some misplaced passes enabled the opposition to put considerable pressure on the visitors’ defence. Horsham gained their reward when the constant penetration of their strongest player led to a goal from close range.
Some questionable refereeing decisions, including the denial of a clear penalty for a foul on striker Callum Holder served only to stiffen the resolve of a team not unused to recovering from losing positions. The Barbarians have this season shown that they are not easily cowed, and following a reorganisation of the line-up at half-time, came out fighting. William Glenn, Tom Ambrose and Jethro Burton henceforth limited the Horsham attack to very few opportunities, and Lily Turner, Ben Austin and Ben Mackenzie became a much more creative and effective midfield force, stretching the play wide and providing forwards Arun Watkins and Callum Holder with a steady supply of good ball.
With ten minutes to go, Horsham gave way to the stronger will of the Brockham team. Good work down the right wing saw Arun Watkins force the ball to the far post where Callum Holder reacted quicker than his marker to slide the ball past the oncoming ‘keeper. 1-1 and the tide turned.
The Badgers sniffed a winner in the air, and constant attacking pressure saw a corner won on the left side. A Ben Mackenzie corner evaded the Horsham defence, reaching Callum Holder at the far side of the penalty area. A deft lob and the ball rested in the back of the net for Holder’s 20th goal in ten games. There were hearts in mouths late in the game when a mishit clearance was returned goal-wards at considerable pace requiring a good save from a nerveless Huw Morgan. Victory for a team which does not know how to quit, and which understands very well that doing the right things earns the reward more often than not.
Men of the Match: Tom Ambrose & Callum Holder.
Squad: Lily Turner (c), Tom Ambrose, Ben Austin, Jethro Burton, William Glenn, Callum Holder, Ben Mackenzie, Huw Morgan, Arun Watkins.
Report by Frank Holder
