Learnings From Defeat
Brockham Badgers Under 9 Barbarian's suffered their worst ever defeat at the hands of the quick off the mark Broadbridge Heath, going down an incredible 5-1 on the Big Field.
There must have been something in the Brockham water over night as despite having a near full team; individually they were all second to the ball in the first 10 minutes. This period was decisive, on the first two occasions that Broadbridge Heath had a chance to shoot, the ball ended in the back of the badger's net. Tom Ambrose seemed at times to be over-run in midfield, although the Badger's did start to compete and give him much better support as the game wore on. Callum Holder did provide some hope, snatching a goal after a strong dribble into the Broadbridge Heath's penalty box and slamming the ball home. However, it wasn't long before another chance fell to Broadbridge Heath on the break, and ultimately a third goal that left the home team with a mountain to climb in the second half.
In the second half, the team fought much better and had an early chance after a sweeping passing move in which Arun Watkins passed to Lily Turner, who shot first time, only for the Broadbridge Heath stopper to make a great save. A series of corners followed for Badgers, with Jethro Burton providing excellent service, but the Badgers were unable to get the ball over the line. William Glenn and Ben Austin were providing a much better defensive line and with Ben McKenzie harassing the Broadbridge defenders it seemed only a matter of time before the Badgers scored... alas Broadbridge Heath achieved two more late breakaway goals with a pair of excellent clinical finishes.
It is true that one learns more from defeat than from winning, which for sure is true in this case. Of course the Badger's did miss regular keeper Huw Morgan, but they have learnt that they must kick off every game with a high tempo attitude or suffer a similar fate in future games. What we can be sure of is that on the evidence of their resolve during the game; this Badger's outfit is willing to fight and will be determined not to make losing a habit.
Men of the Match: Tom Ambrose and Jethro Burton.
Squad: Lily Turner (Capt.), Tom Ambrose, Ben Austin, Jethro Burton, William Glenn, Callum Holder, Ben Mackenzie, Huw Morgan, Arun Watkins.
Report by Bobby Watkins
