Brockham Badgers U15As played their first game since 21st November due to the prolonged adverse weather, and were pleased to get back to league action, albeit courtesy of a delayed kick off as both teams sought to get the game played despite a heavy overnight frost.
Illness had struck in the Badgers camp and manager Simon Coffey was forced to name a bare 11 with no subs, calling up keeper Tom Wells into the squad and full back Ross Bangs into the team, both of whom did well against a strong Sandgate side boasting a full complement of subs and arriving at the Big Field in third spot in the league.
Brockham started well, and were a match for Sandgate in an evenly contested first half. Sandgate had more possession, but Wells' goal was rarely directly threatened as centre back pairing Matt Higgins and Will Bletso had one of their best games of the season to keep a dangerous Sandgate attack at bay. Brockham were creating a few chances of their own, with Chris Brooks always seeking to make the most of his pace in attack with George Coffey.
Sandgate scored early in the second half, and were in the ascendency, midfielders Mike Richardson and Ollie Winter battling to turn the tide in midfield as Will Mahony, the Brockham defence and Tom Wells worked hard to keep Brockham in the game. Brockham's main escape was by way of their wide players Harry Ramsey and Harvey Mewis, but with Ramsey playing through an injury picked up with half an hour to go, Brockham's chances were further reduced.
Two late goals slightly flattered the visitors as Brockham's 11 players tired, but Brooks almost pulled back a consolation with an inventive run late on. Sandgate were worthy winners, but Badgers will expect more when back to full strength and when back in the rhythm of the season.
Squad: Tom Wells, Ross Bangs, Will Mahoney, Matt Higgins (c), Will Bletso, Ollie Winter, Mike Richardson, Harry Ramsey, Chris Brooks, George Coffey, Harvey Mewis.
Report by Bryan Bletso
