Brockham finally earned their first point of 2011, and what a hard-earned point it was. Just two weeks ago Badgers had capitulated in the away fixture, going down 5-1. This time there was a collective determination to do better, and build on the promise shown in last week's performance against Wycombe Wanderers.
The defence was strengthened by, the appearance of Tom Wells in goal, who looked comfortable and made a couple of very decent saves, and new left-back Connor Baker, who had a very composed debut and was eager to push forward. Will Bletso built on recent strong performances and was just about impassable at centre back, with one tackle after another timed to perfection. In central midfield Mike Richardson was a pugnacious driving force from start to finish, while Chris Brooks and Harry Ramsey frightened the Hampton defence with their pace on many occasions.
The visitors probably shaded possession over the 80 minutes, and spent more time in and around the box, but Brockham had the most regrets by the end for a series of break-away chances in the second period. Most fell to Brooks, who turned on the turbo-chargers several times to win balls he shouldn't have got near, but on the day couldn't quite find the target with the final shot. On another day he would have bagged a hat-trick and his day will come again.
This was an excellent team effort on a miserably cold, wet day, a rare clean sheet and at least Badgers have rediscovered some points-winning form to carry into next week's derby with Leatherhead.
Squad: Tom Wells, Liam Ratcliffe, Matt Higgins (c), Will Bletso, Connor Baker, Will Mahoney, Josh Brown, Oli Winter, Mike Richardson, Harvey Mewis, Jack Wyllie, Harry Ramsey, Chris Brooks, Alex Nicholson, George Coffey, Frankie Routleffe
Report by Bryan Bletso
