Four shots, four goals. That was the bad news. Yet again, Brockham dominated possession but were unable to convert enough chances to take all three points. This was another good performance though. Having gone two behind, the Badgers battled back to take a well deserved point.
All the signs were good from the start. The black and whites were seeing the lion’s share of the ball and were looking menacing going forward. In the early part of the first half Jordan Martin and Jack Coppin went close with a brace of shots each, with two hitting the woodwork. The Epsom and Ewell number 4 was having a magnificent game in defence and the Colts keeper was making some smart saves. His counterpart on the other hand, James Rabbetts, was more of a spectator.
Then it all went wrong. A decent through ball, a cracking shot, and the boys in blue and white hoops had bagged one from one after thirty minutes. Disappointment turned to dismay when an opportunity to clear was dithered on. Too many touches and indecision let the Epsom striker nick the ball and Brockham were pinching themselves going into half time two goals down.
Some tactical changes at half time saw Oscar Cremmen take up the striker’s position and Justin Tarrant move into midfield. Martin and Coppin were to hit the Colts full backs with their pace whilst the stronger midfield presence was asked to impose itself on the space between the two teams’ defensive lines. Luck or tactical genius? Who cares – within 5 minutes Brockham were level. Coppin provided a peach of a cross for Martin to convert with his head at the far post for the first, whilst Coppin tapped in from short range for the leveller.
Equilibrium had returned and there seemed there would only be one winner as Brockham pushed forward and saw half or dozen or more good chances go begging in the following fifteen minutes. They were punished for their profligacy. Losing a little discipline and shape in midfield the Badgers allowed the Colts to switch play and run at an exposed defence. Another good through ball, an excellent finish, and the blues from Epsom were ahead again with their third shot on goal.
The Brockham boys were not to be defeated though. Immediately seizing the initiative they made their possession advantage count. Another good cross from Coppin was this time met by the head of Cremmen to make it 3-3, then moments later the Badgers took the lead with a surging run and finish from Martin. With only minutes to go it was time to lock up shop. Unfortunately the Epsom & Ewell lads found the key. Another dithering moment between two Brockham defenders in an otherwise safe position allowed the Colts striker through one on one with Rabbetts. Rabbetts was off his line quickly to narrow the angle, and the Colts centre forward still had much to do, but do he did, and sweetly too, instinctively lofting the ball over the advancing Rabbetts for a measured drop into the net.
In terms of shots and possession it should have been Brockham’s day, but in terms of discipline and shape the Colts could argue a draw and nobody would begrudge them. One loss in five games and plenty of possession feels like a foundation from which the Badgers can push on. Cremmen may even be the answer for the absent Flint.
Man of the Match: Luke Brightman