Brockham Badgers U15A put in a much improved performance despite a 2-0 loss away to Carshalton. For the first time this season the Badgers were able to field almost a full strength squad and this made the world of difference to their shape and organisation. The back four of Oli Gout, Simon Vakeva-Baird (c), Justin Tarrant, and Luke Brightman looked very solid and they performed superbly. Tarrant and Vakeva-Baird were decisive and organised at the centre, dropping off well, and building play with simple but effective interceptions and distribution. Communication centred around this pair and it paid tremendous dividends in confidence and discipline. Gout and Brightman were bright and strong, being both effective in defensive and offensive phases, Brightman in particular earning himself the man of the match award.
A new look midfield of Luc Jhugroo, George Gomes, and Oscar Cremmen occupied the central space much better and pressed play in the way the Badgers have earned their reputation from in more successful seasons gone by. Luc Jhugroo put in a particularly impressive performance in front of the back four, breaking up play and frustrating the home boys.
Jordan Martin put in his usual 100% effort up front, being patient and never giving up on himself or his team, whilst both Joe Silver and Jack Coppin put in good shifts in wide positions.
Unfortunately the Badgers conceded direct from a corner in the early minutes, and from a well taken far post header in the dying minutes of the game. The first was avoidable – poor organisation in defending the set piece and a weak attempt at a clearance saw the ball bounce in front of an unsighted James Rabbetts who otherwise had a spectacular game – but the team can take heart from the fact they kept Carshalton at bay and relatively quiet for 75 minutes of the game between both goals. In fact Vakeva-Baird could have had a brace had his headers from two set pieces been better directed. This in itself was very positive progress however as the boys took it upon themselves to work out effective dead ball systems, using Vakeva-Baird and Tarrant as target men which to date has not seen their height advantage maximised.
If there’s anything Brockham are short of right now however, it is attacking options. The defence is shaping up and midfield now has competition with the excellent Lewis Wood chomping at the bit, and the terrier like Sam Lloyd soon to return from injury. An addition in defence and midfield would add to competition but the black and whites badly need a finisher and another wide player. Service would then improve, strengths in current players could be used to best effect, and more competition in offensive areas would improve performances. Any local Year 10 players, capable of playing at a very high level should contact Jason Rabbetts at jason.rabbetts@unionsolutions.co.uk.
All in all a good weekend. Things are looking up. Perhaps a corner has been turned.
Man of the match: Luke Brightman
