Brockham U12A Clinch Promotion
Brockham U12A confirmed their promotion to H&D A League with a convincing 4-1 win over Steyning at Lancing College.
In anticipation of the early start Coach Teague had recommended everyone have pasta for tea and an early night.
It may have worked for the boys but after a few pints of London Pride and a late night watching Comic Relief the only Steyning I was interested in was Steyning Bed!
Heads were cleared as the frosty morn gave way to clear blue skies during the long drive to Steyning – I have been on holiday nearer than that – and in the distance Lancing College Chapel glinted like Gondor in the brilliant sunshine. We walked in awe of the fabulous cricket pitches and tennis courts and half expected a Quidditch Team to fly past us in pursuit of the elusive Golden Snitch…
But, as Stewart Hall would say, onto the game…
Badgers suffered an pre-match setback as midfield dynamo Joe Teague was ruled out with a neck injury. Ollie Turner dropped back into midfield with Will Thomas coming in as striker.
Badgers settled their supporters’ nerves with a very early goal – Will Thomas running onto a George Warne though ball for a clinical finish into the far corner. Steyning worked hard to stop Brockham taking charge but after 20 minutes Kemal Dogansoy unpicked their defence with a lovely turn and pass for Will Thomas to latch onto for the same result. More chances came for the Badgers but it was Steyning who scored next – their free kick was deflected just wide for a corner, which Brockham had 5 chances to clear, before it fell to Daniel Boyle who found the back of the net from the edge of the box to make it 2-1 at the interval.
The second half wallowed in a period of kick and rush but Warne was beginning to boss the midfield - setting up Thomas one-on-one with the keeper who blocked bravely and did well again minutes later to deflect another Thomas shot onto the post with his legs. Warne went close with an overhead kick, headed wide from a corner then rattled the crossbar with a trademark thunderbolt before linking up again with Thomas who rifled home Brockham’s third for an impressive hattrick.
Harry Wickens, who had shown great touch and movement throughout, fought well to win a challenge in right midfield and put a lovely ball down the right wing for man-of the match Will Thomas, whose cross was swept home at the far post by Wilbur Tiley to make the final score 4-1.
Squad: Kemal Dogansoy, Daniel Killick, Dominic Lane, Sam Potts, Wilbur Tiley, Will Thomas, Ollie Turner, Jacob Purcell, Jacob Vaughan, George Warne, Oakley Wheeler, Harry Wickens
Report by Ian Thomas
