It wasn’t a great day at the office for Brockham Badgers U10s at the Big Field this weekend. The Barbarians went down 4-0 to Ashtead Colts whilst the Assassins missed out on securing 3rd spot in the Premier Division of the Epsom & Ewell League when they were beaten 4-2 by Old Coulsdon Colts.
It was not for a lack of effort though. Conan Torpey struck gold on five minutes to score for the third game in succession and give the U10As the lead following a long throw from Ed Russ. The lead was short lived however when the excellent Harrison Watts was adjudged to have brought down the Colts forward in the penalty area, which he duly converted to level the game.
Brockham continued to push forward and take the lion’s share of possession but were stunned when Coulsdon caught them on the counter and struck a sharp shot from outside the area. Coulsdon bagged a third quickly afterwards, winning the ball in midfield they drove forward and switched the ball quickly left to right for a well worked goal.
Somehow Brockham still looked good for the points though and their good work was rewarded when again Russ provided the assist for Torpey to reduce the deficit.
How Brockham didn’t draw level in the second half is anyone’s guess. Russ and Joe Rabbetts went close from long range, and when the two combined with fifteen minutes to goal only quantum physics can explain how Rabbetts’ header saw the ball drop on the line and then spin of its own accord around the outside of the post. Will Timmons made two good drives into space from defence and could have scored with either had luck been wearing black and white on the day.
The Badgers had read the direct and long-ball goal kicks from Coulsdon all morning, but on the last occasion they failed to deal with it. Confusion between Timmons and the otherwise excellent Huw Morgan in goal, allowed the ball to bounce over them and the Colts striker to sneak in and bag their fourth. Fair play to the Colts, but it’s a funny old game!
Man of the Match: Harrison Watts
