What a breathtaking match. It had its share of incident and controversy, culminating disappointingly in a last second goal to break the Badgers hearts.
Brockham found themselves two goals down in the first half which, despite Netherne’s early dominance, flattered the hosts. Their first was a long ball over the top which the lively and impressive No.10 rolled past James Rabbetts in goal, having beaten the off-side trap. The second was worked to the left and struck low and hard beyond the diving Rabbetts from 10 yards.
Despite this Brockham were playing well and looked organised and composed enough to challenge a Netherne side who have found themselves in the Surrey FA County Cup Final for the second year in succession. Challenge they did in the second half. Flying out of the traps from the restart the black and whites pressed play impressively and forced the Falcons back into their half. The pace of Jordan Martin, Joe Silver, and Jack Coppin in a new 4-3-3 setup was also worrying the Netherne defence enough for them to sit much deeper.
This gave the midfield trio of Sam Lloyd, Lewis Wood, and the impressive Simon Vakeva-Baird the space to find their passes. Working the ball centrally, Vakeva Baird flighted a pass over the heads of the Netherne central defence and beyond their right back. It fell invitingly for Martin who had made a darting run inside left but still had a lot to do. Cool as a cucumber he lofted the ball on the bounce over the keeper to halve the deficit.
Ten minutes later Coppin delivered a similar deep and lofted ball into the same rampaging path of Martin. The bounce this time was much higher and harder to control, particularly with the Netherne keeper charging down his throat, but once again Martin delivered the goods and levelled the game at 2-2.
An air of real togetherness and confidence now ran through the Brockham team and before long their third was in the net. Another ball from central midfield was this time played through the middle early. Silver was flagged off-side prematurely as the ball fell to Martin. His follow on pass however brought Silver into play and despite his good finish, which Martin was claiming as he crossed the line with the ball, and despite the referee indicating a goal, a pause in play to consult his linesman concluded in the goal being disallowed for Silver’s earlier infringement.
Brockham stuck to the task though and looked to have seen the game out for a good point. Deep into injury time though, their hearts were broken. The Badgers conceded a corner, their manager asked to make a substitution. The official waved it away explaining that as soon as the ball was cleared the game was over anyway. The ball swung in and was cleared by a Brockham defender for another corner. Everyone expected the whistle but another corner was allowed which was buried by the tall Netherne striker with his head. The Badgers took the centre kick and full time was blown. Heartbreaking, but a fabulous spectacle and a real demonstration of Brockham spirit.
Lad of the Match: Simon Vakeva-Baird
Report by Jason Rabbetts
