Brockham Badgers Black U11 v Albury Eagles U11
The first instalment of this season's much anticipated 'El Classico' saw The Badgers and The Eagles go head-to-head with everything to play for in the championship.
Recent meetings have not favoured The Badgers and in the early going this pattern seemed to be repeating itself. Brockham's midfield and defence got in each other's way a number of times gifting chances to Albury. It was only due to George Lees in goal that The Eagles failed to score. George's acrobatics, assured handling and great positional sense kept his team in the game.
Morgan began to take control on the right of defence with some string challenges and accurate passes. His will and determination started to infuse the rest of the boys with belief. It was a great example to his teammates. Joe Allen got more and more assured at the back and his great timing and passing was a highlight of the first half.
Oliver Yeates started to make his runs and create chances. He sparked a revival as Brockham pinned Albury back for long periods and eventually won a penalty when Morgan was brought down in the box. Morgan smashed it home to give Brockham a slender lead at half time.
Henry made some good through balls and started to knit the side together. Brockham might have even got a second. When the half-time whistle went Brockham were clearly on top.
Half-time: Brockham Badgers Black 1 Albury Eagles 0
The second half started with wave after wave of Albury attacks. Again George Lees made us all proud. He made the right decision every time. Closed down quickly when one-on-one. Stood up tall. Made the strikers panic.
Zain settle down to the blocking and intercepting that he does so well. Joe continued to make the game look easy with some astute passes. He really did not make an error during the game at all.
But still Albury pushed on.
Toby and Ezra, often outmuscled, never gave up the chase. They were alive and tenacious throughout. Henry protected his back four and looked to release Lucas for his trademark runs.
But Albury won every goal kick The Badgers took and often there was no challenge. This meant the pressure never dissipated. Meanwhile the strong goal kicks from Albury never saw Brackham sit deeper so as to take the ball.
Lucas and Ezra combned well to carve out some chances on the break. But Brockham were tense and tired. Lucas almost scored on a couple of occasions though.
George couldn't keep them out forever and eventually the ball broke kindly for Albury and they got a deserved equaliser.
Late on Joe Allen almost got the winner with a controlled shot that the keeper just clawed out and Ezra couldn't quite get to the rebound.
'Chopper' Yeates got a yellow card for a foul later on. It wasn't malicious and Oliver took it for the team.
It was a tough game mentally and physically. Brockham need to hold on tight and be a team when their attacks don't always work out. Positions were abandoned and sometimes teamwork was undermined. But it's a very good result. With Milford and Albury to play away Brockham will need to learn from this game in order to mount the challenge the team deserves.
Final Score: Brockham Badgers Black 1 Albury Eagles 1
Team: George Lees, Morgan Hamilton, Lucas Woolley, Joe Allen, Zain Kahn, Oliver Yeates, Henry Lucas, Toby Evans, Ezra Charles
Man of Match: Joe Allen (just pips Morgan and George), a fantastic display of reading the game and delivering killer passes.