Brockham were looking for precious points from this penultimate match of the season against Surrey County Cup finalists Guildford to help stave off the threat of relegation, and were also hoping to avenge two earlier defeats in away games at Academicals in which they felt the scorelines did not reflect the closeness of the encounters. Unfortunately, the story was to repeat itself in what has become a familiar theme this season; Badgers brilliant in patches, dominating large portions of the game but ultimately wasteful and lacking confidence in front of goal, and more than charitable at the back.
Badgers stepped up the pressure after the break, reducing the visitors to a series of long balls punted forward, with Harvey Mewis and Mike Richardson probing in the centre, and Harry Ramsey and Chris Brooks lively on the flanks. Strike partners George Coffey and Eb Isiakpona were holding the ball up well and keeping the Guildford defence on their toes. Before long, left back Conor Baker went on a dazzling run down the wing and beat his man, driving towards the box and delivering a cross which Harry Ramsey met well to hook the ball in from close range. Parity restored, and at last it seemed Brockham might get that valuable point or even three. Sadly, possession was surrendered too easily allowing Guildford to retake the lead with a well-taken goal, and a comedy of errors for the third goal ripped the fight out of the home side.
This leaves Badgers needing points from their last match, a daunting away tie on 1st May at league champion contenders Wycombe Wanderers, but they will go there and doubtless give it their all.
Squad: Tom Wells, Will Mahoney, Matt Higgins, Will Bletso, Connor Baker, Oli Winter, Mike Richardson, Josh Brown, Harvey Mewis, Harry Ramsey, George Coffey, Chris Brooks, Alex Nicholson, Eb Isiakpona, Frankie Routleffe.
Report by Simon Winter