Badgers U15A 1 – 3 Sheen Lions Pride (Surrey Youth League Premier Elite)

There won't be too many easy points in the league this season, and from past encounters between these sides Brockham would have looked on this fixture as a good opportunity to grab three of them. It all looked promising when Badgers took an early lead in the 7^th minute, Harvey Mewis finding the top corner with a superb finish from 18 yards after a lovely exchange of passes with Mike Richardson. Unfortunately, Sheen won a corner in the next minute and equalised with the freest of headers on the six-yard line.

The visitors have always played neat passing football but have sometimes lacked steel, but on this evidence they have worked on this part of their game, and the three bookings they earned testified to their determination to break up play with an endless string of badly-timed tackles. So it was ironic that on one of the few occasions that Brockham were themselves guilty of such a challenge, and against the run of play after Badgers had taken the game to Sheen for most of the half, the trip was in the box and the Lions converted the penalty to take a 2-1 lead into the break.

Brockham continued to work some openings in the second period but their play broke down too often around the box, and after 56 minutes Sheen added a third with a move that seemed to meet little resistance from the Badgers defence. Despite a more battling display than last week, in particular from man of the match Harvey Mewis who fought for every ball, Brockham missed out too often in the 50-50s and scarcely won a high-ball challenge from a corner or free kick all match. There are tough games ahead and the boys know they will need to improve if they are to compete in the league this year.

Squad: Dennis Rapson, Will Mahoney, Liam Ratcliffe, Matt Higgins (c), Will Bletso, Oli Winter, Mike Richardson, Frankie Routleff, Josh Brown, Jack Wyllie, Harvey Mewis, Alex Nicholson, George Coffey, Harry Ramsey, Chris Brooks.

Report by Simon Winter

AFC Wimbledon 6 - 0 Badgers U14A (Surrey Youth League Premier Elite)

Brockham Badgers U14A’s relentless pursuit of a league win continues, but undiminished is their capacity for optimism. This was a sound performance against a superior team, with plenty of positives to draw on.

First of all, that’s the home and away games against the English champions out of the way.  Secondly, the Premier Elite division already looks like two leagues within a league, with the teams around Brockham dropping points as regularly.  Thirdly, and most importantly, the Badgers game is improving slowly but surely.

Superlatives don’t do this side justice.  Wimbledon were dominant from start to finish.  Their first goal came within the first few minutes with an easy tap in at the far post following a cross field ball.  The second was not long coming as the black and whites struggled to handle the Dons mobile and muscular midfield. 

Brockham dug deep however.  Trying to press with three up front whilst limit chances at the other end by playing Justin Tarrant as a sweeper, they contained any significant goalmouth threats for a large part of the first half.  It didn’t last unfortunately as a smart one two and a quick turn in the box saw a Wimbledon striker snatch their third which was roundly applauded by both sides support.

A change to 4-4-2 with Simon Vakeva-Baird pushed centrally to act as a target man gave some food for thought for future encounters with lesser opposition, but against this side it had minimal impact.  Vakeva-Baird was winning the ball more regularly for Brockham and his first touch on occasions received deserved praise from the opposition management, and Sam Lloyd’s marking job on the Wimbledon number 8 presented an enthralling spectacle of passion versus skill.

The combination of all the small percentages in craft, movement, patience, organisation, strength, and technique however added up to a chasm in scoring potential.  Wimbledon grabbed three more goals of equally impressive craft in the second half leaving Brockham to grasp at one further means for optimism – over the two legs, they’re still the only team in the league this season to score against the Dons!

Lad of the Match:  Justin Tarrant

Report by Jason Rabbetts

Roffey Robins 0 - 6 Badgers U9 Barbarians (Horsham and District League)

The heavy rain of the previous night gave way to perfect conditions on a large Roffey Robins pitch, which was perfectly suited to the hard-running, passing game of Brockham Badgers U9 Barbarians.

Having been pretty much dominant in all five of their previous games this season, the  Badgers were in no mood to let their standards drop. From the outset, superiority was established on the solid defensive foundations of Ben Austin and later Huw Morgan in goal, and Jethro Burton and William Glenn in defence. In midfield, captain Tom Ambrose and Lily Turner kept the opposition chasing the ball with their excellent positioning and distribution of the ball. Particularly pleasing was the fact that the team proved that the goals can come from several positions, and that they do not have to depend solely on one player to put the ball away.

The first goal came after only four minutes, Lily Turner passing from deep on the left to striker Arun Watkins on the left corner of the penalty box. Neat footwork took Arun passed two Robins defenders before he hit the back of the net.

Badgers did not have long to wait before their second. A penetrating ball from Jethro Burton on the halfway line found Lily Turner on the edge of penalty. She side-stepped to the left then fired high into the net for her second of the season.

After nine minutes, player-of-the-match Arun Watkins earned the reward for his constant movement and harrying of the Robins’ defence, claiming his second goal from four yards out.

3-0 Badgers halfway through the first and prospects did not improve for the Robins as Huw Morgan came on in goal and top-scorer Callum Holder joined as second striker. Dominance of possession continued, however the team had to wait until the second half to add to the scoreline.

Robins’ second-half kick-off was intercepted by live-wire Callum Holder, now pushed forward to the most advanced striking position. Callum stole the ball from his opposite number and laid it wide to Ben Mackenzie who returned it to an advanced central midfield position for collection by Tom Ambrose. The latter cheekily passed through the advancing defender’s legs to Callum who shot from just inside the area low into the left corner of the net. 4-0 and another rout on its way.

Still no joy given to the Robins by defenders Glenn, Burton and Austin, all three immaculate in defence, leaving Morgan in goal with little to do.

As busy as ever, however, was Lily Turner who, intercepting a Robins throw close to the halfway line, moved the ball on to Ben Austin whose quick ball to Callum Holder on the right corner of pen area was followed by a dribble past 3 Robins defenders and a shot high into net for his second.

The match won, it only remained for Callum Holder to complete his third hat-trick in as many games. Big-man-at-the-back Jethro Burton cleared up a Robins free-kick with a long clearance to Holder on the goal-line left of the of pen area. A few steps to the right and a chipped shot into the right hand corner. Six for the Badgers today, eighteen in six matches, and the team goes from strength to strength, showing that hard work plus ability is an unbeatable combination.

Man of the Match: Ben Mackenzie

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

Report by Frank Holder

Badgers U12A Blues 6 - 1 Storrington Vipers (Horsham and District League B)

Badgers impressive form rolls on and on


First Half
Right from the outset this game looked congested, with the ball being
tracked and followed around the field by packs of players from both
sides. There was little space for anyone to take control and settle
into disciplined play. Brockham were clearly the more dominant team
but were not allowed to dictate the pattern of play in the opening
period.


The visitors did begin to breakthrough and test the Vipers keeper,
who seemed a mite bit unassured of his own touch. Turner almost made
the most of a keeper error in the 5th minute but his shot went wide.
Both sides went into attacking mode and it looked like the first goal
could come from anywhere. On 20 minutes the deadlock was broken when
a fairly safe ball was dropped from the Vipers keeper's hands. Close
by lurched Turner, who seized the opportunity with speed, rounded the
goalie and banged in the first goal. 1-0.


The Badgers are never content to sit on a lead and stole forward
looking for more goals. Soon after the kick off Dogansoy and Watson
combined well on the left wing to worm their way through the homes
sides defence and cross for that man Turner again, to knock a ball
past a standing keeper and into the net. 2-0.
Brockham had found their wings and two minutes later they rushed once
more at Storrington. Turner whipped over a cross, that was met by
Watson, running into the area, to belt in number three from close
range. 3-0.
The half was drawing down when Brockham's persistant waves of attack
brought yet another goal, when Dogansoy fired through a packed
penalty area. The goalie could not stop the shot and the ball flicked
into the net. 4-0.


Second Half
A re-shaped Brockham were caught unaware in the first few minutes, as
Storrington ran at them with gusto. The hosts were rewarded for
their endeavor in the 3rd minute, when their attack picked up an
untidy clearance to fire back an impressive shot into the goal, that
left the Badgers defence flat footed. 4-1.


Storrington were fighting their way back and beginning to open up
some gaps in the normally tight Brockham defence. The Storrington
defence were also coping with Brockham's own surges forward.
The Badgers pushed on and on, and 14 minutes they won a corner. Potts
attempting a good long range shot that was saved.


The away side began to pile on more pressure and on 20 minutes Teague
and Potts produced a run and cross that slid across the goal mouth.
Turner was first to the ball and from only 2 yards out he made no
mistake with his shot. 5-1.


There were some neat exchanges between the Brockham players and
Teague went close with a well aimed shot. Their defence was now
looking more confident but they were taken by surprise in the 25th
minute. Storrington propelled themselves to the edge of the Brockham
penalty area, where an unmarked forward struck a fantastic shot. The
ball flew past the keeper and rattled the bar, but fortunately for
Brockham bounced away to safety.


The action continued in the same vein for the last 5 minutes. Donegan
went close and with time ticking away Turner produced some truly
inspired footwork down the left wing to open up the Vipers defence
for one last time. There were only seconds on the clock as Purcell
and Teague kept the pressure on in the danger zone for Storrington.
When the ball landed at Potts feet, he determinedly netted the last
goal of the day. 6-1.


Man of the Match: Rufus Watson


Squad: Kemal Dogansoy, Jamie Donegan, Daniel Killick, Dominic Lane, Sam Potts, Jake Purcell, Joe Teague, Wilbur Tiley, Will Thomas, Ollie Turner, Jacob Vaughan, George Warne, Rufus Watson, Oakley Wheeler.


Report by Tony Watson

Horsley FC 2 - 1 Badgers U9A (Epsom & Ewell League Premier Division)

After a wet stormy night Brockham were hoping to pick up some points at Horsley FC. Brockham applied the early pressure but soon the chances were falling to Horsley, shooting and heading just wide. Inevitably the goal came to Horsley who took the lead 1-0. A good stop by Archie Routleff, in goal for Brockham, was well cleared by Owen Knowles. The play was going Horsley’s way and they had more chances before half time but they failed to take them.

Brockham Coach, Jason Rabbetts, must have said the right things at the interval as The Badgers come out bearing their teeth. Ed russ passed the ball out from midfield to Jo Rabbetts wide on the left, Jo whipped the ball across the Horsley goal for Sam Church to put away, 1-1. The second half was better for Brockham with some great play by George Wryde. It looked like the game was heading towards a draw but some poor defending by Brockham allowed Horsley to snatch the game 2-1.

Man of the Match: George Wryde

Report by Rick Russ.

Woking 4 - 0 Dorking FC U18s (Surrey FA U18 Midweek Cup)

Dorking's U18s came up against the powerful Woking academy U18 side on Wednesday night at Woking FC's Kingfield ground, a ground that not too long ago was hosting Conference football in what was a great experience for Dorking FC's youngsters.


Dorking conceded after 10 minutes, but then proceeded to have the better of the first half and only slack finishing prevented Dorking from going in at the interval level or even ahead.


Dorking suffered an injury to centre back and captain Chris Thurgood shortly after the restart and while coach Simon Coffey sought to reorganise things Woking showed their class by taking full advantage, scoring a second and third goal in quick succession with some clinical finishing.  Dorking steadied the ship, and once more pressed without being able to make any breakthrough, a late Woking goal giving the home side what looks like a decisive victory when in reality the match was far closer than the scoreline suggests, the difference being Woking's fitness (as befits a side that trains daily) and finishing


Squad: Gavin Morrison, Marcus Legg, Josh Clark, Lewis Armstrong, Chris Thurgood (c), James Baker, Darryl Jeeves, Stephen Batchelor, Daniel Read, Ryan Stewart, Nathan Crosby subs Chris Caley, Ryan Harvey,  Henry Warne


Report by Bryan Bletso

Chiddingfold FC 1 - 5 Badgers U10A (South Surrey Youth League)

This would be the Badgers first game in the South Surrey League and I was lucky enough to get a press-pass to travel to the game with the tactical mastermind that is Mick Lucas.  On arriving at Chiddingfold  there was definitely a feeling that the boys were going into the Lion's Den.  But Mick "The Motivator" Lucas began the mind games early on insisting that The Badgers do a full warm-up despite the team arriving a few minutes behind schedule.  It was a decision that would pay dividends.

The early going was tight.  Chiddingfold  were a solid unit.  They used the guile of their number 14 and the aerial ability of their number 9 to pin The Badgers back.  But Jack Duncan was as determined as a Jack Russell yapping at a postman's heels.  He consistently put in the tackles and chased off the many early Chiddingfold attacks.  His spirited early running would give The Badgers a solid base on which to launch their own attacks.  And they were soon to come…

Oliver Yeates was inspired on the ball and saw a left foot smash tipped over by the keeper early on.  Shortly after he had a shot from a tight angle bounce back off the post.  Oliver was involved in every attacking move and seemed to be conducting those around him with a football brain beyond his years.

It was Henry Lucas who broke the deadlock.  One touch to bring the corner under control and then a second to drill the ball home.  It was a great strike by Henry who has become The Badgers' no claims insurance policy: he's always there if you need him and he gets more valuable every year!

The second followed soon after with Ezra Charles swivelling to dispatch a volley into the far corner after more great work from Oliver Yeates. 

Oliver was really hitting his stride now and was soon involved again.  He stepped to the left and then cut the ball back sharply leaving the Chiddingfold  defence, and most of the spectators, wondering where he'd gone.  Then, while his dad put through a missing persons call, Oliver set up birthday boy Morgan Hamilton for a fine finish.   

The game had been close in terms of possession but Brockham's creative play was scintillating.  Chiddingfold  were not out of it though.  They were a real threat at set pieces and their talismanic number 9 got his head to a corner to pull one back just before half-time.  And with Chiddingfold  pressing for a second Jack Duncan and Joe Allen were alive to everything happening around them.  Both boys started the half and ended the half with some crucial tackles.

Half Time: Chiddingfold  FC 1 Brockham Badgers 3

George Lees had dealt well with any shots that had come his way in the first-half.  He was put up front in the second-half and did the team proud.  Joe Allen went in goal after some fine defending in the first-half.  He kept it simple when he needed to but he also executed some fine chipped passes up to the forward players.  Joe's all-round game looked great and he didn't put a foot wrong between the sticks either.

Adam Bower was making some good runs with the ball and trying to find his team mates.  He had a good shot charged down by the resolute Chiddingfold  defence and he never gave up.  Adam's determination was infectious and he really inspired those around him to raise their game.  It was another excellent appearance for Adam.

Ezra Charles continued to combine with Morgan, Adam and Oliver.  At times he seemed to defy the laws of physics, changing direction so quickly it was as if he was turning himself inside-out like one of those reversible anoraks from the 1980s.  Twisting on a fifty-pence piece, Ezra found room where there was none and put many quality balls across the box.

The next goal would be the best of the game.  An early ball out from Joe at the back went through Oliver, George, Ezra, back to George, back to Ezra and then pinball-ed its way up the pitch as the boys put more one-twos together than Muhammad Ali.  Then Ezra finally played Morgan through who finished it in style.  It was a fantastic team goal reminiscent of Ronaldo and Rooney from a season or so ago, only these boys have a better first touch!

The game continued to ebb and flow.  Chiddingfold  never gave up and were always a threat.  There were some close attempts at goal but Henry Lucas seemed to have everything under control and elegantly delivered the ball wherever it needed to be.  And if you want to see a team defend from the front then George Lees chased down every ball and put pressure on his opponents which eventually forced the error for the final goal…

Birthday boy and midfield general Morgan Hamilton completed his hat-trick with a sliding shot that beat the keeper to his right.  I'm not sure of he took the match ball home with him but, put it this way, nobody could get it off him when he was on the pitch!

Full Time: Chiddingfold FC 1 Brockham Badgers 5

Man of the Match: Oliver Yeates, goal scorer turned provider - his best performance ever (like Chris Waddle but with a better haircut)

Squad: George Lees, Joe Allen, Henry Lucas, Jack Duncan, Morgan Hamilton, Oliver Yeates, Ezra Charles, Adam Bower

Report by Jason Charles

Badgers U9A 2 - 5 Epsom Eagles A (Epsom & Ewell League Premier Division)

Buoyed by last weeks’ win against Elm Grove Colts, the Brockham support were hoping for another good result. Brockham set off at pace and immediately put Epsom under pressure with Ed Russ getting the ball to Matt Chapman who hit the ball first time giving the keeper no chance, 1 – 0. Epsom fought back and soon began to put Brockham under pressure. Epsom passed the ball well and equalised. The flood gates then opened and within 15 minutes Brockham found themselves behind 1 – 4. A handball decision went against Epsom and Will Timmons stepped up to take the penalty and get Brockham back in the game. Timmons, the calmest boy on the pitch, hit the ball to the keeper’s right, keeping it low and placing it in the corner, 2 -4. If only he’d been available at Italia ’90!

Huw Morgan, in goal,  kept Brockham in the game for most of the second half with Epsom putting Brockham under the cosh. Epsom’s pressure paid off and they extended their lead to 2 – 5, a victory that they deserved.

Man of the Match: Huw Morgan

Report by Rick Russ

Leatherhead Youth 4 - 0 Badgers U14A (Surrey Youth League Premier Elite)

Despite two key players missing and only twelve travelling, Brockham were hoping to nick a result against Leatherhead Youth.  Unfortunately their optimism was dealt a blow, yet again, within the first five minutes.  Losing possession, the Badgers were lethargic in recovery and were punished with a simple through ball and a well taken finish.

Brockham had setup with five in midfield to stifle the Tanners 4-4-2 formation but the Badgers’ limited squad options were not making the extra man count.  Luke Brightman, who had been risked despite his knees continuing to trouble him, was trying hard but struggling to compete.  A further ten minute period of pressure from the Tanners forced a change for Brockham.

His replacement, Lewis Wood, was another walking wounded having not started due to being sick on arrival.  However, the black and whites now matched the Leatherhead boy’s 4-4-2 formation and the extra space in midfield and greater options up front started to pay dividends as Wood forgot his illness and increasingly exerted his influence.

Why it seems this season that the black and whites need to go behind before they decide to wake up to the game is a puzzle, but so it seemed.  They now battled for the ball and organised their shape better throughout the balance of the first half, and went into half-time on the ascendency and edging the game despite being a goal down.

Leatherhead was having none of it though.  They came out for the second half fighting, and while Brockham should have built on their confidence from the first half they instead faded a little.  It is small margins that make the difference at this level – mind, body, and soul need to be committed, but despite their clear capability the boys on occasions look as if they don’t believe they deserve to be on the pitch with elite teams.

As confidence flat-lined and tiredness crept in the concentration dropped in midfield.  Despite a well organised Brockham back line, a Tanners’ cross from the right dropped between the Brockham defence and midfield.  There was no-one in black and white there.  Leatherhead’s runners in the middle were alert and got ahead of the Badgers midfield.  They ran at the now outnumbered Brockham defence and threaded a ball through the middle which was despatched one on one with the keeper.

Brockham decided to risk Brightman again, taking the imposing but tiring Justin Tarrant off.  The plan being to rest him for ten minutes and then bring Brightman back off, having done a short term job for the team.  No soon as Tarrant was off, James Rabbetts in the Badgers goal went down with a twisted knee – he was out. Looking for options, the Brockham manager rued his decision to go with a small squad this season, and had no choice but to throw Tarrant into goal and risk Brightman for the rest of the game.

Patched up and on the back foot they put up a spirited fight, but two further goals put paid to any chance of a recovery.  The better team on the day won, but Brockham on a good day with a full squad will be a different prospect.

Lad of the Match:  Lewis Wood

Report by Jason Rabbetts

Carshalton Athletic 4 - 3 Badgers U11 Sunday (Surrey Youth League Premier)

The young Brockham team travelled to Carshalton knowing they would be in for a tough game.  They certainly got what they expected, however they were unfortunate to come away empty handed.  They were quickest out of the blocks, dominating the first half and clearly surprising Carshalton, with Nataniel King and Callum Agent scoring two excellent goals.

Brockham continued to attack at the beginning of the second half, however, poor defence of two set pieces allowed Carshalton to level the score.  The Brockham defence were indecisive and failed to press the forwards, allowing Carshalton to pounce and easily find the net on both occasions.  Brockham didn't give up and earned the lead again as an on target shot by man of the match Thomas Hemming took a deflection off a defender to pass the keeper.

Another set piece saw Carshalton draw level before they snatched an unlikely winner in the closing moments.

Man of the Match: Thomas Hemming

Squad: Callum Agent, Max Austin, William Conroy, Finn Campbell, Harry Fairley, Callum Glenn, Thomas Hemming, Max Hill, Justin Hurst, Joseph Issberner, Natanial King, Tom Phillips, Aiden Torpey, Alex Watts, Alex Wells, Jack Wisbey

Report by Christopher Hurst