Leatherhead FC 2 - 3 Badgers U9A (Epsom & Ewell League Premier Division)

Brockham went into this match needing points but missing a few players. Brockham Coach, Jason Rabbetts, was on a winter vacation and he had taken his son Joe with him! Step forward Jason’s understudy “King Kev” Timmons.

Brockham played the first 10 minutes with only 6 men, but you wouldn’t have known. Brockham passed the ball well and broke through the Leatherhead defence with ease creating numerous chances. Jos Hunt, up front for Brockham, had a number of chances, hitting the post and shooting just wide; eventually the ball went in for Hunt and Brockham took the lead. A penalty shout went up from the Brockham supporters but the referee wasn’t interested. Leatherhead got a break and managed to get one back on the stroke of half time.

The second half was exciting from the whistle with both teams having opportunities but it was Will Timmons who put Brockham ahead. The Leatherhead Keeper clashed with Will Timmons and the game was stopped for a few minutes whist the keeper received treatment. Leatherhead never game up and in the last minute of normal time Leatherhead found their equaliser. The referee signalled for 2 minutes of added time and both teams went out to clinch this game. Ed Russ in midfield passed forward to Jos Hunt who played a delightfully weighted chip over the Leatherhead defence where Callum Holder had only the keeper to beat. Holder, as cool as a cucumber, drilled the ball hard and low to the keepers right, 2-3. The King is dead long live King Kev!

Man of the Match: Ed Russ

Report by Rick Russ

Badgers U9 Barbarians 3 - 0 Heron Way (Horsham & District League)

The main objective of the pre-match talk was to emphasise to the team that after three splendid wins against less gifted teams, the Barbarians had learned during the previous match that to win against stronger opposition high standards of passing, movement and making space are essential.

This was the return fixture against Heron Way. The away game had been a close, 0-0 affair, however the Barbarians came away feeling that they had not done themselves justice. Today was the opportunity to put that right, but victory would only come with hard work and the application of key principles.

As usual, the Barbarians’ rock-sold defensive foundation was the platform which enabled those with attacking responsibilities to fulfil them with confidence. Heron Way possess the players to put their opposition under pressure, yet it was perhaps disheartening for them that Jethro Burton and in particular player-of-the-match William Glenn consistently broke them down by timing immaculately their interceptions and laying the ball off to a well-placed midfield colleague.

In midfield, the outstandingly consistent Lily Turner – who is surely the best female player in this division – and captain-fantastic Tom Ambrose time and again orchestrated Barbarian attacks by gaining possession of the ball and playing it simply and effectively. The reward came halfway through the first half when Ben Mackenzie took advantage of this constant supply by breaking through the centre of the Heron Way defence and slotting the ball home for his hugely deserved first goal of the season.

And the Barbarians were not about to rest on their laurels. Dominance continued, with play-anywhere Huw Morgan again making it difficult to know whether he is of more value to the team when performing heroics in goal or when tackling and dribbling with supreme skill in the outfield. A pity therefore that he narrowly missed claiming a goal after an irresistible run through the centre.

In the second half Ben Austin took his place in midfield having not been over-stretched in goal in the first half, and made a very effective contribution with his ceaseless running. Arun Watkins showed how his excellent close-control can be devastating when he extracts the ball from a tight space and feeds it to a team-mate in space.

Barbarians’ dominance was confirmed when Callum Holder received the ball just inside the Heron Way half. Lightning acceleration took him clear of two defenders and left the ball nestling in the back of the net. 2-0 to the Barbarians.

A similar effort came a few minutes later when Callum broke through the right side of the Heron Way defence and tucked the ball into the left hand corner to underline a much-deserved victory over the strongest opposition faced this season, and to claim his fourteenth goal in eight matches this season. Whilst this is a superb record, it is also clearly the product of the marvellous teamwork and ability of the squad as a whole, which remains unbeaten at this half-way point in the season.

Man of the Match: William Glenn

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

Report by Frank Holder

Upper Beeding 2 - 2 Badgers U16A (Horsham & District League)

Brockham Badgers  U16A put in a good team performance at Upper Beeding on Saturday and can count themselves unlucky not to have come away with all three points.

After the disappointing performance the week before against Cranleigh, Brockham got back on track from the off as they forced Upper Beeding on to the back foot with a high tempo start to the match,. Beeding were rocking and it was no surprise when lad of the match and captain Tom Bletso slotted the ball home from a corner to make it 1-0 on 10 minutes.

 Brockham continued to press but despite opportunities could not build on their lead, and against the run of play Beeding equalised from a corner after Brockham failed to clear twice giving Beeding a simple opportunity in the 6 yard box.

1-1 at half time, Brockham were somehow behind within a minute of the restart, Brockham losing the ball in midfield  which led to Beeding catching the defence flat footed, a great strike from a Beeding striker giving Brockham keeper Connor Mitchell no chance.  The fact Mitchell hardly touched the ball for the rest of the second half is a testament to the domination Brockham now had, but it was to be a frustrating half for the Badgers.  Stephen Kehl did well to equalise for Badgers with 20 minutes to go, sliding the ball past the Upper Beeding keeper who had a great game, and it looked like it was a matter of time before Badgers scored the winner.

Beeding defended for their lives though, and made life very difficult for Brockham, and despite plenty of possession few chances were carved out for Badgers.  Indeed, a gutsy Beeding side gave Brockham a scare with 10 minutes to go, having an effort ruled out from a free kick for off side. The last 10 minutes saw Badgers press and press, a frenetic last period seeing Brockham dominate but create few real chances.

Squad: Connor Mitchell, Joe Parker, Henry Smith, Tom Bletso ©, Jack Hunt, Ollie Smith, Ollie Legg, Charlie Holmes, Will Bletso, Henry Hilll, Stephen Kehl, Mike Carty

Man of the Match: Tom Bletso


Report by Bryan Bletso

Badgers U16B 6 - 3 Chesworth Rovers (Horsham & District League)

Brockham Badgers U16Bs secured  a deserved win over a battling Chesworth Rovers on Saturday, Chesworth doing well to make life difficult for Badgers with two great first half strikes to go in only 3-2 down when Badgers probably deserved a lead of greater than a solitary goal at the interval.

 The star of the day was  a rampant Ollie Curtis at centre forward, Curtis grabbing 4 goals over the game as he proved too hot to handle for the opposition, but special mention also goes to David Atkinson who excelled in an unaccustomed right midfield position, scoring into the bargain.  Brockham's other goal came from Dan Hoad, but Badgers were deserved winners and go into the remainder of the campaign with confidence.


Report by Bryan Bletso

Badgers U12As 3 - 2 Storrington Vipers (Horsham & District B League)

Hard fought win keeps up Brockham title hopes


First Half
Brockham sprung into action straight from the kick off and took the
game to Storrington. The first real chance came in the 5th minute,
when Tiley slid a ball for Potts to gallop after, but the forward's
attempt was muffled by the visitor's defence. The first corner also
went to Brockham, just a minute later but led to nothing. Brockham
were on top of their opponents but were having to fight to maintain
their supremecy. Purcell, dominating his area of the pitch on the
left was playing some intelligent passes to propel his team forward.
In the 9th minute The Badgers were unlucky not to take the lead when
Potts knocked in a shot that clearly had the keeper beat but he could
only watch as the ball hit the woodwork and bounced away to safety.
Soon after, Brockham won another corner, which resulted in The Vipers
almost catching the home side out with a sprint out of defence and
into attack. They broke at speed again minutes later and this was a
wake up call for Brockham, who had to be careful of the sucker punch
and Wheeler in goal had to keeper on his toes.


On 18 minutes Brockham pressed again, down the left wing and Teague
and Tiley conspired to wriggle their way through the Storrington
defenders with some beautiful moves. Teague followed up with a well-
drilled shot that the keeper couldn't get to and ended up in the net.
1-0.


Two minutes after the restart a throw in on the right flank found
Teague, who looked ready to cross into the area, but his looping shot
left everybody flat footed as it sailed over the keeper's head and
make it goal number two. 2-0.


Warne began stamping his presence in midfield and Donegan continued
to harass, as Brockham turned up the pressure. However, Storrington
had shown bursts of energy earlier and on 25 minutes they produced
another counter attack at high speed. Their attackers were not picked
up early enough and they went on to net their opener. 2-1.


With 3 goals in 9 minutes, we now had a game on our hands. It took
all of 2 more minutes for Brockham to hit back, when a corner was
crossed into a crowded area and was met by the quick boots of
Heather. The striker didn't need a second chance and his side now led
3-1.


The last few minutes of the half were all getting a bit breathless
and The Vipers refused to roll over and die. In the final minute they
gained a last gasp corner, from which their forwards were quicker to
a scrossed ball and scored a vital second just before the interval. 3-2.
Half time 3-2.


Second Half
Storrington began the half full of hope and went looking for the
equalizer. First corner went to them on 2 minutes, followed by
another a minute later. Brockham cleared their lines but not without
looking a little uncomfortable. Both teams fought out the first
opening minutes and the away side looked somewhat the sharper at times.
On 8 minutes Turner produce some sharp play of his own and created a
goal scoring chance but his shot was stopped. Gradually, The Badgers
were coming to life more and were pushing harder, with Thomas
immersing himself in the midfield action. Heather had another attempt
blocked and then Teague set up the lively Potts to shoot once more,
but the attempt was saved. Warne also went close and the now livelier
Bockham won a succession of corners. The dependable Purcell, with
Lane and Vaughan were now in charge at the back of Brochkam's half of
the park.


On 18 minutes Watson and Potts threaded their way through a stodgy
Storrington defence but once again the final shot went unrewarded.
More Brockham corners followed and one of which gave Watson a chance
from some way out. His up and under kick almost caught out the other
team's goalie.


Time was ticking away but the action and pace continued unabated, and
with 2 minutes remaining Brockham thought that they had wrapped the
game up once and for all. A cross from the right wing had been met
cleanly by The Badgers strikers and the ball ended up in the net, but
the ref had blown for an infringement on the Storrington keeper. The
seconds were going down and down but Brockham pushed on and on. Baker
won the ball in midfield and hit a pin-point pass for Watson to chase
and shoot well, but the shot was smothered by the keeper. There was
still time for one last scare at the other end but Lane was equal to
The Vipers threat and the game ended in another victory for Brockham.
Full time 3-2.


Man of the match: Joe Teague


Squad: Joe Baker, Jamie Donegan, Jordan Heather, 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

Badgers U9 Barbarians 1-1 Copthorne Youth (Horsham & District League)

After a series of excellent wins in which they thoroughly dominated slightly less gifted teams, the Barbarians learned the valuable lesson that against stronger opposition they cannot afford to forget that passing, movement and making space are the weapons that win games.

Through the excellent efforts of Ben Austin in goal, William Glenn, and player of the match Jethro Burton, the Barbarians were again very secure in defence, As ever, Lily Turner, Tom Ambrose and Ben Mackenzie worked hard to gain possession in midfield, and thus with the team’s usual firm foundation of the greater share of possession it seemed that an improvement on September’s draw away at Copthorne would be forthcoming.

In more advanced positions, however, a tendency to over-play the ball and ignore opportunities to give the easy pass to a team-mate in a better position saw the team create fewer genuine scoring opportunities than usual. Work needs to be done to recognise that whilst the team has players who are very skilled on the ball, such skills are valuable in escaping the attentions of opponents in tight spaces but wasted unless the ball is passed on to better placed colleagues before possession is lost. This was particularly evident after 15 minutes when Copthorne were allowed to break up Badgers’ midfield possession and take the lead.

Nonetheless the usual hard-running of Ben Mackenzie and Callum Holder, along with the close control of Arun Watkins kept Copthorne occupied to the extent that they created little further goal threat. Taking the opportunity to display his considerable dribbling skills, Huw Morgan showed how he presents a selection dilemma, being strong outfield in addition to being the squad’s most talented goalkeeper.

With time running out, it seemed that Badger’s might incur there first defeat of the season. Nervous spectators continued to give their usual vocal encouragement, and the team continued to press for the equaliser. After some close calls, the deadline was finally broken when Arun Watkins played a hard low cross into the area from the right wing, leaving Callum Holder with the simple task of cracking the ball home from close range.

Whilst the equaliser was deserved, given their dominance of possession, the team will know that failure to meet their usual high standards of passing in this contest lead to the creation of fewer chances. To preserve this season’s unbeaten record they will need to take this lesson into their next match, which will be an equally hard encounter with Heron Way against whom Badgers drew early in the season.

Man of the Match: Jethro Burton

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

Report by Frank Holder

Albury Eagles 5 – 1 Badgers U10A (Tadworth Primary League)

Over the last two seasons Brockham Badgers have shared the spoils with Albury Eagles.  A heavy pre-season friendly defeat suggested that Albury have really pushed on and become a formidable outfit.  Unfortunately, for The Badgers, this suggestion prove to be true.

The early going was nip-and-tuck.  Both sides passed their way around the pitch.  Jack Duncan was busy breaking up Albury's attacks and distributing the ball to Brockham's midfield.  Oliver Yeates, Morgan Hamilton and Oliver Quigley played some quality football but Albury were always quick to surround the man on the ball, isolate him and then take possession for themselves.  Again and again we would see three Albury players attacking the man in possession.

Despite this Oliver Yeates was able to make room for himself.  He made a number of runs and played some quality balls through to the attack.  Somehow though the ball just wouldn't quite sit up for Adam Bower to finish.  There were some genuine threatening moments and on another day these chances might have well presented themselves.

Morgan Hamilton put in some fine challenges but was hurt by what appeared to be a moment of retaliation.  Morgan needed some time on the sidelines to recover...

The game moved on.  When The Badgers moved the ball around quickly they were able to build and sustain attacks but too often players were holding onto the ball too long and were sucked into cul-de-sacs and blind alleys.

Henry Lucas was on form with some great defensive work.  He worked well with Jack Duncan and together they kept Brockham in the game.   Albury are a real quality side though and switched the play from one wing to the other with real success.  They were able to create the better chances and their shots were getting closer and closer.

George Lees made some excellent first-half saves but the quality of Albury's shooting saw them go in two goals to the good at half-time.

Half-Time: Albury Eagles A 2 – 0 Brockham Badgers A

At the beginning of the second half there was genuine optimism among the travelling supporters that Brockham really weren't out of the game.  Simon and Mick shuffled the pack and Jack Duncan took the gloves whilst George Lees went up front.

Albury brought on a target man for the second half and it immediately paid dividends when a long ball over the top was poked home.  It was an accomplished finish by the big striker.

Brockham found their rhythm soon after though and Oliver Yeates combined to play George Lees through.  We all know George has a very powerful shot but this time he played a killer first-time pass to Ezra Charles who slotted home to pull one back.

Albury were much more direct and Brockham were soon pushed right back.  The strikers became isolated and Brockham were unable to pick up their football.

Jack Duncan made a number of excellent saves.  His positioning and handling were first class.  By now Joe Allen had the measure of the target man and was spirited in the tackle.

To their credit Brockham maintained their football philosophy.  Jack's quick throws set off the players in motion but Brockham were thwarted over and over by Albury's tenacious midfield.  When they did get through Ezra Charles, George Lees and the two Olivers made some openings but they couldn't capitalise on them.

A long punt from the Albury keeper brought about the fourth, whilst the constant pressure on the keeper's throws eventually made the fifth goal.

It was the right result but a harsh score line.  Brockham Badgers can take home a few lessons as well as some success from the game.

Full-Time: Albury Eagles A 5 – 1 Brockham Badgers A

Man of the Match:  Jack Duncan. Great all-round team player (Bryan Robson on the pitch, Pat Jennings between the sticks)

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

Match Report by Jason Charles

Brockham Badgers U12A 2 - 3 Saint Hill Blues (Frank Giess Memorial Cup)

Badgers stutter to a halt in the cup.


First Half
This was a cup match with plenty of competition from two accomplished
and high scoring teams. The first ten minutes consisted of a battle
for authority with very little room in the tight formations of play.
Brockham looked to be getting the better of things and produced the
first moment of danger when Tiley chased a ball up front, but his
attempt was saved.


The play began to open up and on 10 minutes Tiley again gave chase to
another through ball, but to no avail. The action immediately
switched to the other end where a St Hill corner was cleared by
Warne. Two minutes later the visitors won a free kick on the edge of
the area. One of their strikers calmly placed the ball, then
thundered in a hard and accurate shot that stunned the Badgers
defence and flew into the net. 0-1.


The players hardly had time to catch their breath when on 5 minutes
Brockham also won an edge-of-area free kick. Teague took his time,
whilst the wall positioned itself. The striker belted in a peach of a
shot that looped the St Hills defence and keeper to hit the net and
draw the teams level. 1-1.


The Blues picked themselves up and came back at Brockham, putting the
pressure on but their offensive was being held in place by a resolute
Badgers defence. They did go close when a shot whipped in from the
wing went narrowly wide, and after a series of corners Brockham
keeper Wheeler pulled off an important save with 8 minutes left to
play for.


Every advantage was having to be fought for but there was also some
lovely touch and run football being played. The energetic pace
continued and with only 2 minutes of the half remaining Brockham's
Warne stole the ball from a midfield opponent and surged forward. His
determined run took him past defenders and his shot was only going to
have one outcome, as he banged it into the net. 2-1.


Second Half
Both teams have formidable attacks and the second half kicked off in
the same attacking mode as the first. There were 4 corners in the
first 4 minutes. In the 2nd minute a Teague-Turner duet cleaved the
Blues defence and created a chance for the hosts, but Tiley's well
hit shot was parried to safety by the away side's keeper.


Purcell, Lane and Killick were keeping a strong strike-force in check
and managed to propel the Badgers forward out of danger but St Hillls
were still pushing hard.


On 8 minutes Wheeler produced another fine save to keep his side in
it and straight away Brockham replied in kind, as Tiley had another
shot thwarted by the keeper. Six minutes after that Teague's
confident shot was also saved well. This was a purple patch for goal
keepers.


Despite the persistence of St Hills the game seemed to be going well
for Brockham, until they were stunned by a double whammy midway
through the half. In the 21st minute The Blues won a corner and the
cross was cleared only as far as a visitor's forward. He delivered a
shot that curved over everyone and into the goal. 2-2.


There was more pain to follow, when seconds later St Hills launched
themselves down the wing, catching Brockham out. Another shot was
crossed over the Badger's back line and again fell behind the keeper,
and into the net. 2-3.


Brockham fought on and produced some opportunities but it was
difficult against a well-drilled side like St Hills. 5 minutes after
the last goal, Thomas ran onto a forward ball but his shot was saved.
With only 3 minutes left we saw a Brockham push result in a goal-line
clearance by St Hills and Teague made a last ditch attempt in the
final minute but Brockham eventually succumbed to their first defeat
of the season.


Full time 2-3.


Man of the match: George Warne


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


Report by Tony Watson

Guildford Academicals 4 - 2 Badgers U15A (aet) (Surrey County Cup Round 2)

Runners-up in last season's County Cup, Brockham Badgers U15A were 5 minutes away from advancing to Round 3 of this season's competition when a speculative long-range strike from a Guildford Academicals player took the game into extra time, whereupon the home side made the most of their late escape by adding two further goals to run out 4-2 winners.

The first half had been so encouraging for Brockham as they played some of their best football of the season. Following their 4-1 defeat to the same opposition on the same ground just a week ago, manager Simon Coffey decided to take the game to Guildford in fielding a bold 3-5-2 formation. For much of the first period the two teams vied for possession with neither gaining the upper hand, but on 33 minutes Badgers made the breakthrough when Alex Nicholson did well to work the ball to his strike partner Chris Brooks, who took it on and dinked it nicely over the keeper. Just a minute later, Harvey Mewis worked an opening and smashed a shot against the bar, but just before the break Nicholson once again set up Brooks who showed his blistering pace to burst into the box and finish well for 2-0.

A great end to the half but a poor start to the second as Guildford were gifted a goal back just 5 minutes in, and at this point went with three up front in search of the equaliser. Soon after, the influential Mewis limped out of the action having made a telling contribution in an unaccustomed central midfield role. Nevertheless, the lively Nicholson had the ball in the net but was adjudged offside, and a series of chances to put the game out of reach came and went for Brockham as they showed their habitual poor finishing following some great passing moves.

More frustration followed in extra time as Guildford scored a third just 1 minute in, then Liam Ratcliffe went on a determined run into the box and put in a great shot – but the home side were saved once more by the crossbar. A second disallowed goal followed for Brockham, and Academicals added a fourth to kill the game off.

So it's 'concentrating on the league' time for Brockham but they can be proud of possibly their best display of the season. Special mentions for Will Mahoney who as usual was a rock at the back, Harvey Mewis and George Coffey who both added skill and graft to the midfield, and Chris Brooks who once again chased tirelessly for 80 minutes and scored 2 great goals.

Squad: Dennis Rapson, Will Mahoney, Liam Ratcliffe, Matt Higgins, 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

Horsley U9A 5 - 3 Badgers U9 Assassins

A close and exciting first league encounter only two weeks ago between these teams set the scene for a coincidental cup draw that had the spectators drawing ooohs, exhaling aaahs, and roundly applauding both sets of players.

Brockham got off the mark quickly with a goal from Joss Hunt within the first minute.  A dangerous ball into the Horsley box was not cleared and what appeared an easy collect for the keeper was fumbled and Hunt was there to poach.  Brockham were two up within ten minutes when Joe Rabbetts found the net for the black and whites.  William Timmons had come deep to receive and played a wonderful raking pass into the feet of Rabbetts.  Under pressure from a Horsley defender he deftly dragged the ball back with his right, swivelled and buried it with his left.

Brockham looked as if they would take the two goal advantage into half time but shortly before the break Horsley pulled one back.  The Badgers were optimistic still and came out with the same level of effort and belief for the second half.  Horsley however had other ideas and with the bit between their teeth scored a scrappy equaliser very quickly.  This was followed by two further well worked finishes and an unfortunate fifth that was palmed into the path of their striker.

Brockham were not finished though.  Lad of the match George Wryde picked the ball up in defence and drove at the heart of Horlsey’s midfield.  Like a man on a mission he ploughed his way through and drilled a rocket of a shot into the keeper from the half way line.  The keeper failed to control the power of the shot and the crafty Sam Church was on hand to finish from a few yards.

Lad of the Match:  George Wryde

Match Report by Jason Rabbetts