An excellent football spectacle from both teams went the way of Old Coulsdon Colts as they notched up a 2-1 win against Brockham Badgers U9A at the Big Field on Saturday. There were two very different footballing philosophies on display but each created an enthralling match to watch. Brockham played the ball out from the back and liked to spread play wide when in possession. The Colts approach was more direct and central but equally as effective with some skilful young lads up front and in midfield.
An early attempt on goal in the opening minutes saw Old Coulsdon take the lead. A long goal-kick sailed over the Brockham midfield and was allowed to bounce to the feet of the Colts forward line. For most watching there was little danger and a lot still to do but the sprightly striker hit it first time with technique and purposeful direction, tucking it beautifully into the corner of the Brockham goal from 15 yards.
Most of the remainder of the first half was end to end stuff but the defensive pairing of Sam Church and William Timmons was showing real promise for the black and whites. It gave Matthew Chapman in goal the confidence to play out from the back and numerous attacks were built by the pair whilst they also broke down the Colts own marauding runs with impressive composure and guile.
The second half saw Edward Russ come on for Joss Hunt, pushing George Wryde out to the left and Joe Rabbetts switching to the striker’s position. The impact was instant. A jinking run using both feet from Wryde ended in a pin perfect left to right pass across the face of goal. Rabbetts had timed his run perfectly and poked the ball in to level the game and notch his fifteenth competitive goal of the season.
Wryde, Rabbetts, Russ, Knowles, and Routleff all went close, and Chapman had to pull off some fine saves to keep Old Coulsdon out as well. As the minutes ticked by it looked destined for stalemate but a moment of genius from the Coulsdon boys sealed it. A ball in another innocuous position was met sweetly on the half-volley by the Colts left midfielder and everyone watched in awe as it arced over defence and keeper alike to bury itself in the top of the Badgers net. If there was ever a goal to lose to in the last minute, that was it.
Lad of the Match: Matthew Chapman
Report by Jason Rabbetts