Brockham Badgers U15A came through a real test of character by winning an enthralling game against local rivals Leatherhead 2-3, continuing a little run that sees them four games unbeaten. While Leatherhead took an early lead it was Brockham that set the tone for the game, epitomised by the performance of vice captain Sam Lloyd who pestered the Colts from start to finish with determined challenges, constant pressing, and good link up play in midfield.
It was game on from the start. Both teams were pressing play and it was clear the midfield battleground was where the game would be won. When the Badgers conceded following a parried shot and follow-up tap-in after five minutes no panic set in as they seemed to be playing with no fear and a passion to win for each other.
It was important to respond and boy they did just that. Jordan Martin received the ball wide on the left by-line and ten yards into the greens’ half with his back to goal. A quick turn inside onto his favoured right and without hesitating he punched a lofted shot toward the Leatherhead goal having spotted the keeper off his line. If the BBC were filming it would definitely have made goal of the month. It dropped into the Leatherhead goal and the audacious nature of the goal gave Brockham a shot in the arm and put the Colts into a ten minute period of shock.
For the next phase Brockham flew into fair but strong challenges, winning nearly every 50/50 ball, getting the ball into space and running at the Colts defence. Before too long the Badgers took the lead. A chip from right to left from Martin dropped over Oscar Cremmen’s shoulder onto his natural left and he instinctively buried it with power on the half volley from 15 yards. Stunner.
Shortly after, Joe Silver’s commitment on the left flank was rewarded as he made the score sheet with his head. Leatherhead had conceded a free kick 25 yards from the right of goal. Jack Coppin, who was having a belter of a game at left back, zipped the ball in, an aerial contest saw the ball flicked on, and Silver finished into the roof of the Leatherhead net at the far post.
Half time gave Brockham the opportunity to gather themselves for the war of attrition to follow. The Colts came out to play and commanded a good percentage of possession in the second half. Numerous probing balls were testing the Brockham defence from wide and central positions but the Justin Tarrant and Simon Vakeva-Baird pairing at the centre of the black and whites defence was soaking it up, and Oli Gout was matching Coppin’s performance at left back with an equally impressive match of his own at right back.
Leatherhead did score a deserved second but the relentless work rate of Lloyd, Luke Brightman, Lewis Wood, and latterly George Gomes in midfield was both frustrating the Colts and posing a threat on the counter for them to contend with at times also. Luc Jhugroo made a cameo appearance at centre forward, on for Cremmen, and his natural defensive instincts and energy levels pressed and harried the green’s back line until the final whistle blew.
Man of the Match: Sam Lloyd