Oxshott Royals B 2-5 Brockham Badgers U10 Barbarians (Epsom & Ewell Youth Football League), Saturday 22nd October 2011

A comfortable victory for the Badgers saw them secure top spot in Epsom & Ewell Division Three for the first time this season. With several key players absent from the team the result was a testament to the quality of players the Badgers have at their disposal this campaign.

A blistering start saw Badgers score twice in the first minute of the game. Callum Holder received the ball from the kick off, skipped past four Oxshott players, and fired into the top corner of the net for a breath-taking goal. Fans debated if they would see a finer goal all season, however within seconds of the restart Luke Page regained possession and produced a carbon copy of Holder’s goal beating four players and the Oxshott keeper with a fine finish.  With Oxshott stunned by such a dramatic start Badgers looked to pile more misery with Page hitting the post on five minutes before finishing a wonderful passing move from inside the Badgers half, Lily Turner providing the defence splitting pass for Page to score .

Badgers flooded up field for more goals with Page hitting the post a second time from a long range effort. Oxshott survived the onslaught and a counter attack left Badgers outnumbered in defence for an easy tap to make the score 3 – 1 at half time.

Oxshott started the second half brightly, requiring two important interceptions from William Glenn in defence. Oxshott continued to push forward sensing an opportunity to get back in the game but this was short-lived thanks to a smart Badgers move resulting in Holder bagging his second goal of the game. Captain Bailey Osborne stifled the Oxshott attack and broke out of defence laying the ball off to Turner. With one touch Turner put Holder through on goal for the type of opportunity he relishes to put the Badgers 4 -1 up. Badgers continued to make a series of opportunities without adding to their score, Holder, Turner, and Page combining time and again to create chances for each other.

A smart save from goalkeeper Joshua Snow propelled Badgers in to attack once more; crisp passing between Ben Austin and Page on the edge of the Oxshott area set Page for a long range effort which flew in to the top corner of the Oxshott goal for him to complete his hat trick.

 Oxshott grabbed a consolation goal two minutes from time to end the game 5 -2. With Badgers on top of the league they have a two week break from action before facing Oxshott’s  A team in the cup.

Players of the Match – Luke Page, Lily Turner, William Glenn

Brockham Badgers – Joshua Snow, Bailey Osbourne, William Glenn, Ben Austin, Lily Turner, Luke Page, Callum Holder

 

 

Carhalton Athletic 2 - 0 Brockham Badgers U15A

Brockham Badgers U15A put in a much improved performance despite a 2-0 loss away to Carshalton.  For the first time this season the Badgers were able to field almost a full strength squad and this made the world of difference to their shape and organisation.  The back four of Oli Gout, Simon Vakeva-Baird (c), Justin Tarrant, and Luke Brightman looked very solid and they performed superbly.  Tarrant and Vakeva-Baird were decisive and organised at the centre, dropping off well, and building play with simple but effective interceptions and distribution.  Communication centred around this pair and it paid tremendous dividends in confidence and discipline.  Gout and Brightman were bright and strong, being both effective in defensive and offensive phases, Brightman in particular earning himself the man of the match award.

A new look midfield of Luc Jhugroo, George Gomes, and Oscar Cremmen occupied the central space much better and pressed play in the way the Badgers have earned their reputation from in more successful seasons gone by.  Luc Jhugroo put in a particularly impressive performance in front of the back four, breaking up play and frustrating the home boys.

Jordan Martin put in his usual 100% effort up front, being patient and never giving up on himself or his team, whilst both Joe Silver and Jack Coppin put in good shifts in wide positions. 

Unfortunately the Badgers conceded direct from a corner in the early minutes, and from a well taken far post header in the dying minutes of the game.  The first was avoidable – poor organisation in defending the set piece and a weak attempt at a clearance saw the ball bounce in front of an unsighted James Rabbetts who otherwise had a spectacular game – but the team can take heart from the fact they kept Carshalton at bay and relatively quiet for 75 minutes of the game between both goals.  In fact Vakeva-Baird could have had a brace had his headers from two set pieces been better directed.  This in itself was very positive progress however as the boys took it upon themselves to work out effective dead ball systems, using Vakeva-Baird and Tarrant as target men which to date has not seen their height advantage maximised.

If there’s anything Brockham are short of right now however, it is attacking options.  The defence is shaping up and midfield now has competition with the excellent Lewis Wood chomping at the bit, and the terrier like Sam Lloyd soon to return from injury.  An addition in defence and midfield would add to competition but the black and whites badly need a finisher and another wide player.  Service would then improve, strengths in current players could be used to best effect, and more competition in offensive areas would improve performances.  Any local Year 10 players, capable of playing at a very high level should contact Jason Rabbetts at jason.rabbetts@unionsolutions.co.uk.

All in all a good weekend.  Things are looking up.  Perhaps a corner has been turned.

Man of the match: Luke Brightman

Molesey 2-6 Brockham Badgers U10 Barbarians (Epsom & Ewell Youth Football League), Saturday 15th October 2011

Brockham Badgers U10 Barbarians 6- 2 Molesey Juniors

Badgers U10 Barbarians maintained their impressive start to the season with a convincing away win against Molesey Juniors to place them third in Epsom & Ewell Division Three, just a point behind the leaders.

Molesey enjoyed the majority of early possession without threating the Badgers goal. A series of quick fire counter attacks from the Badgers almost opened the scoring with fine work from Ben Austin on the right of midfield creating chances for Callum Holder and Lily Turner.

Molesey were unable to keep Badgers at bay for long as two goals in as many minutes put the Badgers firmly in control of the match, Lilly Turner creating for Callum Holder to open the scoring on ten minutes. A superb break- away goal starting from a great save from goalkeeper Joshua Snow ended with Badgers captain Bailey Osbourne netting his first goal of the season.   Just before half time another counter attack from the Badgers saw Holder on the score sheet again converting his own rebound after the Molesey keeper made a good save from his initial shot.

Early in the second half Badgers  found themselves outnumbered in defence allowing Molesey to get back in the game with a goal, stern tackling from Badgers defenders William Glenn and Ben Austin prevented Molesey from adding to their score.

Badgers required a driving force to put them back in the ascendency and this came from midfield general Arun Watkins who was instrumental in Badgers scoring three goals in quick succession. Watkins displayed his range of skills in a single move by winning the ball in midfield with a fine tackle; beating a man before sliding an inch perfect through ball to Ben MacKenzie who was denied by a fine save from the Molesey goalkeeper.  Seconds later another Watkins pass found Holder, on a hat trick, with only the keeper to beat which he expertly converted to restore Badgers three goal advantage. Holder added his fourth and Badgers fifth a minute later with another fine finish.

The strong team spirit which exists in this Badgers team was personified by Holder who set up an easy tap in for Turner when faced one on one with the Molesey keeper to give the Badgers a 6 – 1 lead. A late Molesey goal did not mar another fine Badgers performance which sets them in good stead for a series of away games in the coming weeks.

Men of the Match: Ben Austin & Callum Holder.

Squad: Joshua Snow, Ben Austin, William Glenn, Bailey Osbourne, Ben MacKenzie, Arun Watkins, Lily Turner, Callum Holder

 

RE: Leatherhead Youth U10A 3 - 0 Brockham Badgers U10A (Epsom & Ewell League Premier Division, Under 10s)

 

 

Brockham turned up at Leatherhead in confident mood following 3 consecutive league wins, perhaps that was to be to their detriment. Both teams passed the ball well and there was pressure at both ends but for the majority of the first half there were no clear cut chances on goal. Owen Knowles for Brockham took a nasty knock on the ankle, requiring his substitution and potentially ruling him out some upcoming internationals in Italy. Just before half time Brockham were caught with Leatherhead breaking 3 on 1 but were saved by the post.

 

A good build up by Leatherhead and a well executed finish gave Leatherhead the lead early in the second half. Brockham came back and pressured Leatherhead but never looked threatening enough to equalise. They were soon punished at the other end by a brace of Leatherhead goals that capped a disappointing performance for Brockham.

 

 

 

 

Report by Rick Russ

Brockham Badgers U11 - Old Walcountians Tournament

The Old Walcountians tournament was a welcome opportunity for the boys to cut their teeth on the 9 a-side rules and pitches.  The team went to the tournament full of hope for the new season and eager to play on the bigger pitches.

 

In a six team league format there would be no room for errors.  The games were six minutes each way meaning the first goal would be vital.

 

Brockham Badgers v Twickenham Sharks

 

The badgers had a long wait for their first game.  And for a very brief spell Twickenham passed the ball around nicely and had The Badgers pinned back.

 

A breakaway on the left started by Lucas Woolley and ending with him striking a superb shot was The Badger's first real threat.  It was the save of the day.  It was great to see Lucas back in black-and-white stripes.  His running, tackling and shooting were even better than the fans could remember.

 

This set the tone for the rest of the game as Brockham got closer and close to scoring but just couldn't quite get the goal.

 

Zain looked very composed at the back.  He intercepted well and his passing was spot on.  He looks ready to have a terrific season.

 

Henry Lucas was exemplary as ever, reading the angles like an Oxbridge Geometrist.  Henry seemed two moves ahead of the opposition and was able to set up a lot of attacks by cutting out the through balls.

 

Despite many chances Brockham couldn't find the net.  The team just ran out of time.

 

Full Time: Brockham Badgers 0 Twickenham Sharks 0

 

 

Brockham Badgers v Kingswood Falcons

 

Brockham started where they left off.  They applied all the pressure in the game but the new offside rule began to bite.

 

Debutant Lucas Collins had a great start to his Brockham career.  Reminiscent of Didier Deschamps, Lucas was the ultimate team player: covering any holes at the back; supporting the striker; making all the right decisions for the team.  You could feel the team growing in confidence and Lucas had a big part to play in it.

 

Morgan held the right back position really well.  The coaches' 4-3-1 seemed like an inspired formation and Morgan's strength and running was helping to make it work.  He gave everything down the right flank and had the opposition pinned back.

 

Adam Bower slotted in at left back and put in a very disciplined performance.  He kept his defensive duties and never stopped hassling the man he was marking.  Adam also brought his left foot into play with some excellent crosses.

 

The Badgers were unlucky with an offside decision or two but once again they ran out of time despite dominating.

 

Full Time: Brockham Badgers 0 Kingswood Falcons 0

 

 

Brockham Badgers v AFC Old Walcountians

 

Brockham needed a bit of luck after controlling their first two games but now they'd be up against the hosts.

 

Josh Oram, another new signing, showed some great vision and awareness with his passing.  Josh looked like a polished performer who looks likely to score lots of assists in the coming season.  He started this game in fine form.

 

Alfie Carson was committed and full of running for his team mates.  Strong and decisive  in the challenge, Alfie looks like he'll be giving a lot of strikers sleepless nights this season.

 

The goal we needed eventually came.  Adam Bower and Lucas Woolley were all over the opposition and when the ball finally broke for George Lees he made a tricky finish look easy.  George had run his heart out and was using his strength really well.  His keeping had been without a fault and his outfield play was skilful and effective. 

 

Badgers might have had more but were happy to get their win.

 

Full-Time: Brockham Badgers 1 AFC Old Walcountians 0

 

 

Brockham Badgers V Oxshott Royals Colts

 

Oxshott needed a draw to win the tournament.  They were the favourites going into the tournament and were always considered to be the team to beat.

 

While Oxshott started well it was only a matter of time before Jack Duncan, The Badger's Iron Man, ran them down.  Jack was superb.  Once he got a grip on the game he wouldn't let it go.  Jack made sure that The badgers slowly took over.

 

Ezra Charles had been a whisker away with headers and shots in the previous games and was determined to score.  With chances coming and going Ezra kept to the task.  Nice close control saw him link with Lucas and Lucas again and again.  Eventually it was great work by Lucas Woolley who crossed the ball for Ezra to come in at the back post and slot home.

 

It all looked to be going Borckham's way until the team were caught out looking for the second goal.  Oxshott found themselves through on goal with Toby Evans with no chance of catching their striker…

 

But somehow he did catch him.  Toby had a fine game and a great tournament.  He saved the day with tackles.  He played intelligently throughout.  Always in the right place.  A constant nuisance to the opposition's man on the ball.  And always looking to pass and hold his position.  And when the final whistle sounded the boys had a lot to thank him for.

 

Full-Time:  Brockham Badgers 1 Oxshott Royals Colts 0

 

 

A little bit of maths later and Brockham were proclaimed the winners.  It was a deserved victory for the players, who came together as a team, and the coaches, who got their tactics right every time.

 

First week of September and silverware already I the cabinet!  Get in!

 

Match Report: Jason Charles

Squad: George Lees, Morgan Hamilton, Lucas Woolley, Jack Duncan, Henry Lucas, Zain Khan, Toby Evans, Josh Oram, Ezra Charles, Lucas Collins, Alfie Carson and Adam Bower

 

RE: Brockham Badgers U10A 2 - 1 Worcester Park Colts U10A (Epsom & Ewell League Premier Division, Under 10s)

 

Worcester Park turned up in a very positive frame of mind and passed the ball around a Brockham side that appeared to be half asleep. For the first 15 minutes Brockham had to defend in numbers to stave off the relentless pressure from Worcester Park, until Will Timmons at left back for Brockham struck gold. Timmons, half way in his own half, controlled the ball, looked up and seeing the keeper off his line lifted the ball over the keepers head to put Brockham in front, against the run of play. Critical saves by Brockham Keeper, Huw Morgan, kept Brockham’s lead intact at the half way point.

 

Brockham came out in the second half and started to look like the better team. Conan Torpey hit the post for Brockham and Huw Morgan continued to work his magic for the home side. Harrison Watts scored his first goal for The Badgers will a well taken finish to make it 2-0, but the game was not won. Worcester Park never stopped pushing forward and were rewarded with goal 10 minutes before full time. A tough game for Brockham but they managed to grind out a result, something they failed to do last season and with 9 points from their first 3 games they couldn’t have wished for a better start to the season.

 

 

 

Man of the match – Huw Morgan

 

 

 

Report by Rick Russ

Brockham Badgers Barbarians 4 - 0 Molesey Juniors U10 (Epsom and Ewell League, Division 3)

Snow helps keep a clean sheet on the Big Field

It was a hot sunny morning when Brockham Badgers Barbarians U10 team welcomed Molesey Juniors to The Big Field for their Epsom and Ewell League encounter.
Molesey won the toss and kicked off but Brockham were soon in control with Arun Watkins and Bailey Osborne both pushing forward the attack.
After twelve minutes of pressure, Brockham's effort paid dividends. Ben MacKenzie pushed forward and made a stunning long range shot, the Molesey keeper parried the save but only managed to clear the ball to Brockham's Watkins who coolly converted. 1 – 0 to Brockham Barbarians.
Brockham's defensive line-up of William Glen and Tom Ambrose were making light work of repelling the Molesey attack, however a goal mouth scuffle saw Josh Snow bravely dive onto the ball to keep a clean sheet for Brockham as they approached half-time.
The half-time team talk from Brockham's coaching team of Holder and Watkins must have been right on the money as Brockham returned to the field with renewed determination to press home their advantage. At nine minutes a breakthrough came as Brockham's Lily Turner passed to Callum Holder who pushed forward and made a clean strike on the edge of the area to place Brockham 2 - 0 ahead.
Molesey broke back quickly and a free kick was awarded on the edge of Brockham area. A powerful strike looked certain to give Molesey some hope when Snow made a spectacular save pushing the ball over the top left hand corner.
With five minutes left, Brockham started to look like they were in control when Ben Austin made a break down the left wing passing to Callum Holder who struck at a sublime angle to net his second. 3 – 0 to Brockham.
Only one minute later Brockham were again on the attack aiming to pile more misery on Molesey as they could see the game stretching beyond their reach. Another Holder strike saw a deflection from Watkins towards Turner as she gracefully steered the ball into the back of Molesey goal.
The final whistle came to Molesey's relief with the score at 4 – 0 to Brockham Badgers.
Man of the Match: Josh Snow
Brockham Badgers: Thomas Ambrose, Ben Austin, William Glenn, Callum Holder, Bailey Osborne (Capt.), Josh Snow, Ben MacKenzie, Lily Turner, Arun Watkins
Match Reporter: David Ambrose

Ewell Saxons 0 - 3 Brockham Badgers U10A

Brockham Badgers U10 Assassins maintained their 100% start to the season with a 3-0 away victory over Ewell Saxons. The first goal went in after just 2 minutes when the ball was slipped through by Harrison Watts and Conan Torpey bundled the ball over the line. Brockham had control in the midfield where Owen Knowles was dominant, and attacked with pace from out wide. This paid off after 15 minutes Joe Rabbetts squared a ball from the left to Torpey who worked a nice on two into the continued run of Rabbetts who in turn scored from close range.  Torpey then made it 3 after 20 minutes with a powerful right foot finish. Brockham were now looking comfortable as the rain started to sprinkle down.

During second half Brockham continued to attack with Rabbetts making several good runs down the left and Matthew Chapman likewise on the right. Torpey, along with Sam Church were denied by good saves. As the game wore on Ewell had a couple of chances, one which produced a spectacular double save from goalkeeper Huw Morgan. However William Timmons, who had an excellent game, and Church were extremely solid in defence throughout, with Knowles putting in a man of the match performance in front of them, and the team managed to close the game out with a clean sheet. All in all a good start to what could be a very exciting season.

Lad of the Match: Owen Knowles

 

Wandgas Youth 4 - 2 Brockham Badgers U15A

Brockham Badgers U15A’s hangover from last season’s Premier Elite humbling seems to have continued.  After losing their opening game of the season by three goals to nil versus Barnes Eagles a week earlier, the Badgers failed to collect any points following a 4-2 defeat away to Wandgas this weekend.

To be fair, the black and whites dominated possession in the first half with excellent midfield work from Luc Jhugroo, Lewis Wood, and Sam Lloyd, who were given space and options by positive wide runs from Luke Brightman as a stand-in left winger, and Jordan Martin on the right.  They were well supported by threatening overlaps and the high line pressure of George Gomes and Oscar Cremmen, and it was justification for a bright start that they took an early lead on 9 minutes when Jordan Martin was put through one on one with the keeper and finished confidently.  A fantastic slide rule pass from Wandgas however was latched onto by their striker who timed his run perfectly and finished equally as convincingly after twenty five minutes to level the game.

Brockham continued to claim the lion’s share of play throughout the remainder of the first half with prolonged sequences of passes that eluded them the week before, and it looked as if it would be Brockham that might nick one before the break with most of the play taking place in the Wandgas third and the defensive pairing of Justin Tarrant and Simon Vakeva-Baird (c) looking very promising.  A rare moment of defensive hesitation in an area where the ball should have been of no danger however created a situation that enabled the Wandsworth boys to play a quick one two and slide a low ball under the diving Brockham keeper and turn the game on its head.

In the second half Wandgas pressed the game much better.  The space to pass was restricted and they gradually forced their game plan onto the Badgers.  The possession advantage was reversed for most of the second half and with an increasing amount of pressure put in and around the box by the boys in purple it was only a matter of time before Brockham conceded again when a positive run down the left to the by-line by the Wandgas winger looked to predictably conclude with a pass across goal, but instead he pulled off a marvellous tight angled shot to surprise everyone, not least James Rabbetts in the Badgers goal.

That was then shortly followed by a speculative shot that sadly slipped through the normally assured hands of Rabbetts giving Wadgas a three goal lead.  Rabbetts redeemed himself soon after with a spectacular leaping mid-air punch from under the cross bar following a fierce Wandgas free-kick.  It was end to end stuff now as the Badgers switched to 4-4-2 and the striking combination of Luke Brightman and Joe Silver gave Wandgas more to think about.  Tom Hampshire slotted into central defence very well and Vakeva-Baird took a natural left footer to the wide midfield berth.  Both teams hit the woodwork twice, two or three good saves were drawn from each keeper and then Brockham pulled a consolation goal back with five minutes to play.  Martin the scorer once more from a free kick which deflected in off a Wandgas head.

The were some very bright signs from the Brockham lads.  Organisation and shape was better, and for large passages of play they showed the talent to good effect and worked as a team.  If they can add greater concentration and work rate to their game over the coming weeks they should do well.

Lad of the Match: Luc Jhugroo

Horsley FC B 4 - 3 Brockham Badgers Barbarians U10 (Epsom and Ewell League, Division 3)

Brockham and Horsley in Seven Goal Thriller.
Brockham Barbarians U10s travelled to Tom's Field to meet Horsley Football Club in the Epsom & Ewell League. Both teams were buoyed by strong victories in their first games and for those that thought the encounter looked full of promise, it certainly didn't disappoint.
Brockham were out of the gate quickly and an early strike one minute into the game by Callum Holder forced a good save from the Horsley keeper. Chances continued to come for both teams and with five minutes on the clock, a failed clearance by Brockham led to a goal-mouth scuffle and Horsley broke the deadlock to lead 1-0.
Brockham's Tom Ambrose, Lily Turner and Arun Watkins controlled the midfield and started to push the game back to Horsley. At eleven minutes Ambrose made a sweeping pass to Holder giving him the opportunity to run at the Horsley defence, drawing players towards him he turned and squared the ball to Lily Turner who clinically converted for Brockham levelling the score at 1-1.
The goal had the right impact on Horsley who began a continuous attack the Brockham goal, some very strong defending by Bailey Osborne (Capt.) and Ben MacKenzie kept the score level. However after fifteen minutes, Horsley broke from the halfway line and found the space to snatch a goal and take a 2-1 lead. From the next kick-off Brockham were now resurgent with Watkins and Holder combining with some fine passing to allow Holder to slot home Brockham's second just before the whistle blew for half time.
The new half saw William Glen and Ben Austin join the field for Brockham and within three minutes a mistake by Brockham resulted in an own goal giving the lead at 3-2 back to Horsley. The game was starting to become stretched and both teams played some excellent football but the second half started to see some tired legs. With five minutes left, Brockham's goalkeeper, Josh Snow, made a lunging save to push the ball over the cross bar to keep his team in the game, a quick series of passes from Brockham's midfield enabled Callum Holder to pick up the ball and skip past the Horsley defence to drill home his second levelling the score at 3-3.
With just a couple of minutes left on the clock, both teams could sense the opportunity of a late goal to win the match and attempts flowed at either end. A late long range Horsley strike saw the ball skip into the bottom right hand corner of the Brockham goal giving the lead to Horsley. Within moments the full-time whistle sounded although both teams played great flowing football, Brockham left the pitch feeling they deserved more.
Man of the Match: Callum Holder
Brockham: Josh Snow, Bailey Osborne (Capt.), William Glenn, Callum Holder, Tom Ambrose, Ben MacKenzie, Lily Turner, Arun Watkins, Ben Austin
Match Reporter: David Ambrose