RE: Old Coulsdon Colts U10A 2 - 4 Brockham Badgers U10A (Epsom & Ewell League Premier Division, Under 10s)

Bouyed by their pre-season tournament success Brockham were looking to come away with 3 points from their trip to Old Coulsdon Colts, a fixture that they lost last year. The Badgers started positively with some wonderful passing and movement. The first goal came from Owen Knowles out on the right, having won a strong tackle in midfield he saw an opportunity and scored a belter from 20 yards. Sam Church, a rock at right back pushed up to score Brockham’s second. Coulsdon pressed Brockham and were soon back in the game with a goal. George Wryde used his pace down the left to great effect and managed to re-establish Brockham’s 2 goal advantage before half time. Couldson continued to have chances one of which was goal bound had keeper Huw Morgan not managed to get his finger tips to it.

 

The second half started with pressure from Couldson causing Brockham to start to losing their shape. The Brockham defence held firm with positive performances from Will Timmons, Sam Church and Huw Morgan but with 10 minutes to go they cracked and Couldson looked to be back in the game. Coulsdon’s prospects were soon curtailed with a break and a cracking finish by Owen Knowles to make the final score 2-4. A great start to the season for Brockham.

 

 

Man of the match – Sam Church

 

 

 

Report by Rick Russ

Brockham Badgers U10 Barbarians 5-2 Leatherhead Youth Juniors U10 (Epsom & Ewell League Division 3), Saturday 10th September 2011

Bright start for Badgers

Brockham Badgers U10 Barbarians kicked off the new season with an impressive performance against Leatherhead. Supporters were eager to see how the Badgers would fair in the Epsom & Ewell league and the team certainly did not disappoint.

Badgers set out their stall from kick-off with high tempo, attacking football. Arun Watkins and Tom Ambrose provided a wall of steel in the middle of the park allowing Ben Mackenzie to maraud down the right wing and link with Callum Holder to create a number of early opportunities.

With the Badgers keeping possession in a manner that belied their age it, appeared just a matter of time before they took the lead. With ten minutes on the clock the Badgers did just that, a corner falling to Arun Watkins on the edge of the area which he rifled into the Leatherhead net. Three minutes later Callum Holder collected the ball barely inside the Leatherhead half, beat two Leatherhead defenders and fired into the bottom right corner to give the Badgers an early two-goal advantage.

To their credit, Leatherhead battled back and looked to catch the Badgers on the counter-attack. However assured defending from Baily Osbourne and William Glenn left Badgers’ goalkeeper Joshua Snow as a spectator for much of the half.

The second half provided the Badgers with the opportunity to demonstrate the strength of their squad, with Lilly Turner and Ben Austin effortlessly easing into the game. Not content with resting on a two-goal lead, the Badger quickly added a third and fourth goal inside the first five minutes. Callum Holder converted a misplaced Leatherhead goal kick and Lilly Turner netted from close range after another superb corner from Arun Watkins.

Leatherhead displayed strong character to enjoy their best spell of possession at a time when most other teams would have thrown in the towel. With tackles flying in across the midfield Badgers found themselves outnumbered in defence and there was little Badgers goalkeeper Joshua Snow could do to prevent Leatherhead from scoring. 4-1 Badgers.

Revitalised by their goal, Leatherhead took the game to the Badgers calling on Joshua Snow in goal to make some crucial saves and interventions. An alliance of stern defending from Ben Austin and Bailey Osbourne kept Leatherhead at bay. End-to-end football ensued but it was the Badgers who were most decisive with Callum Holder completing a hat-trick after a long range effort from Ben Mackenzie. Leatherhead pulled another goal back after an unfortunate own goal from the Badgers but it did not mar a fine team performance for the Badgers on their Epsom & Ewell league debut.

Man of the Match: Joshua Snow

Squad: Joshua Snow, Bailey Osbourne, William Glenn, Tom Ambrose, Arun Watkins, Ben Mackenzie, Callum Holder, Lilly Turner, Ben Austin.

Match reporter: Matt Snow

 

Brockham Badgers U10 Barbarians 5-2 Leatherhead Youth Juniors U10 (Epsom & Ewell League Division 3), Saturday 10th September 2011

Six goals but honours even in Brockham Barbarians U10 first game of the season

It was the first game of the new season for Brockham Badgers U10 Barbarians as they welcomed Ewell Saxons B to a friendly match at the Big Field in Brockham.  The Barbarians set about their work from the first whistle with the free flowing football that they had demonstrated all last season promising a game full of goals.

The Ewell defence was under pressure almost immediately with repeated attacks from the Brockham team, each player keen to claim the first goal of the new season.  The deadlock did not take long to break as a curling cross was not cleared by the Saxons and Tom Ambrose seized his moment and belted home their first goal.  1-0 to the Barbarians.

The Saxons goalkeeper was having a hard day at the office with repeated Brockham attacks coming from Callum Holder, Jos Kowal and Ben MacKenzie (Capt.).

The game saw goal mouth action at either end with some sound defensive play from Brockham’s William Glenn and Bailey Osborne, whilst a fantastic save from Josh Snow at 18 minutes kept the Badgers in front.  The clock had almost clicked to half time when the Ewell attack burst forward and scored a late equaliser leaving the two teams with honours even at half time.

The half time team talk from Badgers Managers’ Holder and Watkins made a difference as Brockham burst into the second half.  Ben Austin (Capt.  For second half) and Arun Watkins entered the game and placed the Ewell defence back under pressure.  Seven minutes into the second half and the status quo was broken, a fantastic solo effort by Callum Holder saw him run with the ball the length of the pitch hugging the left wing with the reward of a well taken goal.  2-1 to the Barbarians.

The Badgers could see more goals in the game and within another minute Holder was again terrorising the Ewell defence resulting in another goal.  3-1 to the Barbarians.

Ewell were shaken by the onslaught but managed to regroup and players on both sides were tested with resolute defending by Brockham’s Ambrose and Glenn.

Midway through the second half another goal came as some luck fell to the Saxons and they pulled the score line back to 3-2.  Brockham were pushing for a fourth goal with Watkins and Holder both continuing to pressurise Ewell.  The game finished in the same way as the first half with the Saxons snatching a late goal to level the scores at 3-3 but Brockham feeling they deserved more.

Man of the Match:  William Glenn

Brockham: Josh Snow, Bailey Osbourne, William Glenn, Callum Holder, Tom Ambrose, Ben MaqcKenzie (Capt.), Jos Kowal, Arun Watkins, Ben Austin (Capt.).

 

 

U16 End of an Era Tour to Hampshire

Brockham Badgers U16s took part in their third annual tour to Hampshire at the weekend, this time the tour marking an end of an era as the squad will not be together next season as the Horsham and District league does not have an under 17 league.

Organised as usual to an exemplary level by tour organiser Alan Atkinson, the team played two games, both against teams in the top Southampton and district league.  Coach Nick Torpey managed the squad of 13 players, who came from both the A and B squads.

The first game on the Friday afternoon saw Brockham play Calden Common, at Fleming Leisure Park, Eastleigh.  A very even match saw Brockham’s use of subs the decisive factor on a warm afternoon, Calden only fielding a bare 11 players.  Stephen Kehl took advantage of a mix up between a defender and the keeper to roll the ball home, Henry Hill made it 2-0 with 10 minutes to go.  Calden did pull a goal back in injury time to put a fairer reflection on the scoreline

The next day, Brockham played Eastleigh FC Academy U16s, second in their league and already having won two cups this season.  The Academy feeds into Eastleigh’s first team, currently in the conference south and with designs to push into the full conference, and from the off at the University of Southampton playing fields Eastleigh showed their class.  Brockham chased and closed down well but inevitably, Eastleigh were able to break through, scoring severel times towards half time on an immaculate surface.

Coach Nick Torpey was pleased with the effort shown in a 90 minute game as Brockham never stopped, but some fine long range strikes and team moves saw Eastleigh ease to a comfortable win.

The squad were then invited by Eastleigh FC to watch the conference south game vs Ebsfleet as guests of the club to round off a great tour for the boys and parents alike.

Henry Smith was named as player of the tour.

Squad: Connor Mitchell, Henry Smith, Joe Parker, Jack Hunt, Tom Bletso, Will Bletso, Josh Caldwell, Ben Wright, James Stone, George Corfield, Henry Hill, Stephen Kehl, David Atkinson

Report by Bryan Bletso

Badgers U15A 1 - 3 Guildford Academicals (Surrey Youth League Premier Elite)

Brockham were looking for precious points from this penultimate match of the season against Surrey County Cup finalists Guildford to help stave off the threat of relegation, and were also hoping to avenge two earlier defeats in away games at Academicals in which they felt the scorelines did not reflect the closeness of the encounters. Unfortunately, the story was to repeat itself in what has become a familiar theme this season; Badgers brilliant in patches, dominating large portions of the game but ultimately wasteful and lacking confidence in front of goal, and more than charitable at the back.

Guildford took a half-time lead against the run of play, scoring minutes before the break after Brockham had dominated the last 20 minutes. Before the goal, striker Eb Isiakpona had a searing shot brilliantly tipped over by the visiting keeper, then Josh Brown had two good chances which he took well, but somehow the Guildford defence kept the first effort out and then the keeper made another fine save.

Badgers stepped up the pressure after the break, reducing the visitors to a series of long balls punted forward, with Harvey Mewis and Mike Richardson probing in the centre, and Harry Ramsey and Chris Brooks lively on the flanks. Strike partners George Coffey and Eb Isiakpona were holding the ball up well and keeping the Guildford defence on their toes. Before long, left back Conor Baker went on a dazzling run down the wing and beat his man, driving towards the box and delivering a cross which Harry Ramsey met well to hook the ball in from close range. Parity restored, and at last it seemed Brockham might get that valuable point or even three. Sadly, possession was surrendered too easily allowing Guildford to retake the lead with a well-taken goal, and a comedy of errors for the third goal ripped the fight out of the home side. 

This leaves Badgers needing points from their last match, a daunting away tie on 1^st May at league champion contenders Wycombe Wanderers, but they will go there and doubtless give it their all.

Squad: Tom Wells, Will Mahoney, Matt Higgins, Will Bletso, Connor Baker, Oli Winter, Mike Richardson, Josh Brown, Harvey Mewis, Harry Ramsey, George Coffey, Chris Brooks, Alex Nicholson, Eb Isiakpona, Frankie Routleffe.

Report by Simon Winter

Dorkinians U16 2 - 0 Badgers U16A (Horsham and District B League)

Dorkinians U16 made it honours shared for the season with a revenge win over Brockham to make it one win apiece in their head to head  league games  following Brockham's win in the other league fixture two weeks ago.

The game was played between the current top two teams in the division, Dorkinians going into the game 3 points ahead of Badgers, but Brockham having the chance to overhaul their local rivals and possibly land the title with a big win, depending on other results.

However, a big win for Brockham never looked likely on the day and the outcome was  a deserved win for Dorkinians who were sharper throughout, especially in midfield. Brockham will though be disappointed with how they played in what was their last league game for the club, as the performance was well below what they are capable of.

Goals either side of half time from set pieces were Brockham's undoing, while at the other end, Brockham were unable to take advantage of some good opportunities, particularly in the first half.

The win takes Dorkinians a step closer to the title, but that depends on other results going Dorkinians way.

Scoop Man of Match: Will Bletso

Squad: Connor Mitchell, Henry Smith, Joe Parker. Tom Bletso (c), Jack Hunt, Charlie Holmes, Mike Carty. Ollie Smith, Ollie Legg, Will Bletso, Stephen Kehl, Aaron Clark, Henry Hill


Report by Bryan Bletso

Old Coulsdon Colts 2 - 1 Badgers U9A (Epsom and Ewell Premier Division)

An excellent football spectacle from both teams went the way of Old Coulsdon Colts as they notched up a 2-1 win against Brockham Badgers U9A at the Big Field on Saturday.  There were two very different footballing philosophies on display but each created an enthralling match to watch.  Brockham played the ball out from the back and liked to spread play wide when in possession.  The Colts approach was more direct and central but equally as effective with some skilful young lads up front and in midfield.

An early attempt on goal in the opening minutes saw Old Coulsdon take the lead.  A long goal-kick sailed over the Brockham midfield and was allowed to bounce to the feet of the Colts forward line.  For most watching there was little danger and a lot still to do but the sprightly striker hit it first time with technique and purposeful direction, tucking it beautifully into the corner of the Brockham goal from 15 yards.

Most of the remainder of the first half was end to end stuff but the defensive pairing of Sam Church and William Timmons was showing real promise for the black and whites.  It gave Matthew Chapman in goal the confidence to play out from the back and numerous attacks were built by the pair whilst they also broke down the Colts own marauding runs with impressive composure and guile.

The second half saw Edward Russ come on for Joss Hunt, pushing George Wryde out to the left and Joe Rabbetts switching to the striker’s position.  The impact was instant.  A jinking run using both feet from Wryde ended in a pin perfect left to right pass across the face of goal.  Rabbetts had timed his run perfectly and poked the ball in to level the game and notch his fifteenth competitive goal of the season.

Wryde, Rabbetts, Russ, Knowles, and Routleff all went close, and Chapman had to pull off some fine saves to keep Old Coulsdon out as well.  As the minutes ticked by it looked destined for stalemate but a moment of genius from the Coulsdon boys sealed it.  A ball in another innocuous position was met sweetly on the half-volley by the Colts left midfielder and everyone watched in awe as it arced over defence and keeper alike to bury itself in the top of the Badgers net.  If there was ever a goal to lose to in the last minute, that was it.

Lad of the Match:  Matthew Chapman

Report by Jason Rabbetts

Netherne Falcons 3 - 2 Badgers U14A (Surrey Youth League Premier Elite)

What a breathtaking match.  It had its share of incident and controversy, culminating disappointingly in a last second goal to break the Badgers hearts.

Brockham found themselves two goals down in the first half which, despite Netherne’s early dominance, flattered the hosts.  Their first was a long ball over the top which the lively and impressive No.10 rolled past James Rabbetts in goal, having beaten the off-side trap.  The second was worked to the left and struck low and hard beyond the diving Rabbetts from 10 yards.

Despite this Brockham were playing well and looked organised and composed enough to challenge a Netherne side who have found themselves in the Surrey FA County Cup Final for the second year in succession.  Challenge they did in the second half.  Flying out of the traps from the restart the black and whites pressed play impressively and forced the Falcons back into their half.  The pace of Jordan Martin, Joe Silver, and Jack Coppin in a new 4-3-3 setup was also worrying the Netherne defence enough for them to sit much deeper.

This gave the midfield trio of Sam Lloyd, Lewis Wood, and the impressive Simon Vakeva-Baird the space to find their passes.  Working the ball centrally, Vakeva Baird flighted a pass over the heads of the Netherne central defence and beyond their right back.  It fell invitingly for Martin who had made a darting run inside left but still had a lot to do.  Cool as a cucumber he lofted the ball on the bounce over the keeper to halve the deficit.

Ten minutes later Coppin delivered a similar deep and lofted ball into the same rampaging path of Martin.  The bounce this time was much higher and harder to control, particularly with the Netherne keeper charging down his throat, but once again Martin delivered the goods and levelled the game at 2-2.

An air of real togetherness and confidence now ran through the Brockham team and before long their third was in the net.  Another ball from central midfield was this time played through the middle early.  Silver was flagged off-side prematurely as the ball fell to Martin.  His follow on pass however brought Silver into play and despite his good finish, which Martin was claiming as he crossed the line with the ball, and despite the referee indicating a goal, a pause in play to consult his linesman concluded in the goal being disallowed for Silver’s earlier infringement.

Brockham stuck to the task though and looked to have seen the game out for a good point.  Deep into injury time though, their hearts were broken.  The Badgers conceded a corner, their manager asked to make a substitution.  The official waved it away explaining that as soon as the ball was cleared the game was over anyway.  The ball swung in and was cleared by a Brockham defender for another corner.  Everyone expected the whistle but another corner was allowed which was buried by the tall Netherne striker with his head.  The Badgers took the centre kick and full time was blown.  Heartbreaking, but a fabulous spectacle and a real demonstration of Brockham spirit.

Lad of the Match:  Simon Vakeva-Baird

Report by Jason Rabbetts

East Grinstead Meads 7 - 1 Badgers U16B (Horsham and District D League)

Brockham Badgers U16B Last Ever League Game

Badgers U16Bs rounded off their league season at East Grinstead in their last ever league game for the club.


For many of the lads the game represented the end of a 10 year stint with Brockham Badgers.


Their last season with Brockham has been a successful one, the season seeing the team win 4 and draw 4 of their league matches, with Ollie Curtis completing the season as the leagues second highest goalscorer, just 1 goal from winning the league golden boot.


The lads have shown good dedication this season, despite exam and other distractions, with midweek training being well attended, and competion for match day places keen between the 17 man squad.


With agreement from East Grinstead, already D league champions going into this game and without a defeat all season, Brockham included all 17 of their squad for their last game rather than the regulation 14 allowed by the league, East Grinstead doing the same.


For 30 minutes Brockham were on top playing good passing football, Curtis giving Badgers the lead on the half hour mark, good work from Dan Hoad putting Curtis through, his clinical shot making it 1-0.


However the good work was undone with a lapse in defensive concentration which saw the league champions score goals either side of half time as they used the long ball to good effect on a small pitch they knew well.


Brockham kept going second half, rotating the squad to see all players get equal game time, the result always being secondary as Badgers played out their final game time with flair to end their stint with the club.


Squad:  Jack Whetnall, Will Sprange, Sam MacFarland, Dhilen Patel, James Stone, Stefan Issberner, Dex Bass, Josh Hook, David Atkinson, Dan Hoad, Josh Caldwell, Ben Wright, Luke Prior, Ollie Curtis, Elliott Austin, Max Ruff, Johnny Bryer


Report by Bryan Bletso

Dorking Saints U9A 2 - 5 Badgers U9 Barbarians (Horsham & District League)

Barbarians Back to Winning Ways!

After a couple of tough matches, Saturday’s match at Dorking Saints was an opportunity for the Brockham Badgers U9 Barbarians to show that they still had the confidence in their ability to take the game to the opposition. They did not disappoint.

Defensively the Barbarians had the security to play an ambitious game given the return after absence of Jethro Burton and no. 1 ‘keeper Huw Morgan to join the ever-dependable William Glenn. Indeed it was after only two minutes that a Morgan drop-kick down Callum Holder who glided past two opponents and shot into the far corner from just outside the area. The early lead settled the Barbarians into a comfortable rhythm and they played some beautiful football, spreading the play wide and resisting the temptation to hold on to the ball rather than playing to a better placed teammate.

The Barbarians dominated play, and were rewarded eight minutes before half-time. Jethro Burton played a ball up to Arun Watkins – outstanding in midfield – the latter pushing the ball wide to Ben Austin. Austin eased past his marker and from 15 yards out unleashed a pile-driver which left the Saints’ ‘keeper no chance. Goal of the season for Austin and 2-0 at half-time to the Saints.

Little for the coaches to say in the break, other than “more of the same”. However, shortly after the restart the energy of the Dorking team merited the equaliser they procured from short-range. This served as a reminder to the Barbarians that matches can be lost as well as won, and they quickly restored the two goal margin when Austin passed for the bursting run of Tom Ambrose, who steered home his second of the season. 3-1 Barbarians.

More free-flowing football then ensued. The sterling Morgan, Burton and Glenn swept up at the back, and in midfield the usual lung-busting runs of Lily Turner and Ben Mackenzie, and lightning pace of Holder kept the Saints facing their own goal. With five minutes to go, and ball out of defence from Glenn initiated a Turner-Watkins combination which set up Holder for a smart crack home from seven yards. To their credit the 4-1 deficit did not cow the Saints, and they were duly rewarded moments later by a free-kick equaliser.

Time still for Callum Holder to round things off by sealing another hat-trick; the force of a shot from five yards taking the ball through the hands and legs of the Saints ‘keeper and into the net for an amazing twenty-seventh goal in fifteen matches.

A well-deserved 5-2 victory for the Barbarians, the product of quick-passing, boundless energy and superb teamwork.

Player of the Match: Arun Watkins.

Squad: Lily Turner (c), Tom Ambrose, Ben Austin, Jethro Burton, William Glenn, Callum Holder, Ben Mackenzie, Huw Morgan, Arun Watkins.

Report by Frank Holder