Brockham Badgers U15A 4 - 4 Epsom & Ewell Colts

Four shots, four goals.  That was the bad news.  Yet again, Brockham dominated possession but were unable to convert enough chances to take all three points.  This was another good performance though.  Having gone two behind, the Badgers battled back to take a well deserved point.

All the signs were good from the start.  The black and whites were seeing the lion’s share of the ball and were looking menacing going forward.  In the early part of the first half Jordan Martin and Jack Coppin went close with a brace of shots each, with two hitting the woodwork.  The Epsom and Ewell number 4 was having a magnificent game in defence and the Colts keeper was making some smart saves.  His counterpart on the other hand, James Rabbetts, was more of a spectator.

Then it all went wrong.  A decent through ball, a cracking shot, and the boys in blue and white hoops had bagged one from one after thirty minutes.  Disappointment turned to dismay when an opportunity to clear was dithered on.  Too many touches and indecision let the Epsom striker nick the ball and Brockham were pinching themselves going into half time two goals down.

Some tactical changes at half time saw Oscar Cremmen take up the striker’s position and Justin Tarrant move into midfield.  Martin and Coppin were to hit the Colts full backs with their pace whilst the stronger midfield presence was asked to impose itself on the space between the two teams’ defensive lines.  Luck or tactical genius? Who cares – within 5 minutes Brockham were level.  Coppin provided a peach of a cross for Martin to convert with his head at the far post for the first, whilst Coppin tapped in from short range for the leveller.

Equilibrium had returned and there seemed there would only be one winner as Brockham pushed forward and saw half or dozen or more good chances go begging in the following fifteen minutes.  They were punished for their profligacy.  Losing a little discipline and shape in midfield the Badgers allowed the Colts to switch play and run at an exposed defence.  Another good through ball, an excellent finish, and the blues from Epsom were ahead again with their third shot on goal.

The Brockham boys were not to be defeated though.  Immediately seizing the initiative they made their possession advantage count.  Another good cross from Coppin was this time met by the head of Cremmen to make it 3-3, then moments later the Badgers took the lead with a surging run and finish from Martin.  With only minutes to go it was time to lock up shop.  Unfortunately the Epsom & Ewell lads found the key.  Another dithering moment between two Brockham defenders in an otherwise safe position allowed the Colts striker through one on one with Rabbetts.  Rabbetts was off his line quickly to narrow the angle, and the Colts centre forward still had much to do, but do he did, and sweetly too, instinctively lofting the ball over the advancing Rabbetts for a measured drop into the net.

In terms of shots and possession it should have been Brockham’s day, but in terms of discipline and shape the Colts could argue a draw and nobody would begrudge them.  One loss in five games and plenty of possession feels like a foundation from which the Badgers can push on.  Cremmen may even be the answer for the absent Flint.

Man of the Match:  Luke Brightman

Surrey Youth Cup U16 - Brockham Badgers U16A 11 Claygate Royals 0

Brockham Badgers U16As swept into the third round of the Surrey Cup with a comfortable win over a battling Claygate Royals team.

 

Brockham are getting stronger with each game, as shown last week when the team could so easily have beaten Premier Elite side Sandgate only to lose narrowly 2-1, and sitting handily placed in 4^th spot in the Premier Division, a good season beckons for the team.

 

Claygate came to the Big Field as underdogs, two divisions below Brockham, and a goal after just 2 minutes from Harry Ramsey set the tone for the game.  It was soon 2-0 as Mike Richardson swept the ball home, but Claygate to their credit did not give up, and although Brockham scored three more before half time, it was not all one way, Brockham keeper Dennis RApson pulling off a great save midway through the half that spoke volumes for his concentration. 

 

Claygate fought hard in the second period, Brockham adding one more just after half time, but it was only in the last 15 minutes that Brockham really made their superior status tell, running in 5 goals in quick succession, including a brace from new player Liam Steere, whose pace and determination bodes well for the rest of the season.

 

Brockham scorers for the record were George Coffey 2, Harry Ramsey 2, Liam Steere 2, Mike Richardson 2, Frankie Routlef 2, Josh Brown 2

 

Team – Dennis Rapson, Connor Baker, Will Mahoney, Matt Higgins ©, Will Bletso, Ollie Winter, Harry Morland, Josh Brown, Gecco Navalta, Ali Nicholson, Frankie Routlef, Liam Steer, George Corfield, Mike Richardson, Josh Brown

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RE: Brockham Badgers U10A 2 - 1 Bookham Colts U10B (Epsom & Ewell League Cup, Premier and First Division)

 

Brockham secured their place in the second round of The Epsom and Ewell League Cup with a hard fought win against a spirited Bookham side. Brockham never looked like they were going to lose this game but Bookham frustrated the home team, not allowing them to convert possession and opportunities into goals. From the start Brockham applied pressure, forcing numerous corners and having numerous shots on goal. The first Brockham goal came from a pass by Sam Church to Joe Rabbetts on the left who went around the keeper and finished confidently. Bookham managed to get themselves back in the game through a well weighted shot from distance that found Huw Morgan off his line. The second half was full of attacking moves by Brockham but at the end of normal time it was still all square, primarily as a result of some great work by the Bookham Keeper. Brockham maintained the pressure in extra time and a corner from Ed Russ picked out Joe Rabbetts at the back post who headed the goal to spare the team and the crowd the pressure of penalties.

 

 

 

Man of the match – Joe Rabbetts

 

 

 

Report by Rick Russ

Epsom & Ewell Colts 1 - 1 Brockham Badgers U15A (2-4 pens)

A dominant performance saw Brockham Badgers U15A through to the third round of the Surrey FA County Youth Cup but not without a nail-biting match full of promise and frustration.  If Opta had been there it was 85% possession for the Badgers but despite this the Colts put up dogged opposition and in particular their goalkeeper’s man of the match performance kept them in the game throughout.

Epsom & Ewell went ahead early on.  A complacent start by the Badgers saw a lack of pressure on the ball allow a cross in from the Colts right.  It was met sweetly in the six yard box by their striker but parried by James Rabbetts in goal.  The second ball fell to a player in the blue and white hoops and crashed back into the Brockham net.

This shook the Brockham boys into life and for much of the match it was one way traffic.  The Badgers defence was occasionally breached but on each occasion Rabbetts was able to collect or match the shot.  With the ball camped in the middle and final thirds of the pitch and very much flowing in the Colts direction the black and whites attempts kept coming but nothing seemed to convert.

Some spectacular saves from the Colts keeper were matched by equally unspectacular finishing  by Brockham.  There were shots at the keeper, shots wide, shots high, the woodwork, two goal line clearances and a decent penalty shout.  Finally Jack Coppin rifled a great ball into the Epsom net from an acute angle following one of many Brockham corners and levelled the game shortly before half time.

The second half followed much the same pattern as that of the first.  Badgers dominated possession and with the exception of one or two opportunistic scares Rabbetts was very much a spectator.  Sam Lloyd, Jordan Martin, Joe Silver, and Simon Vakeva-Baird all went close but nothing would break for Brockham.  The siege continued and the Epsom & Ewell defences held strong right through to extra time and beyond to penalties.

The Badgers had already gone out on penalties to Epsom & Ewell in a League Cup 4-4 thriller three weeks before and were determined not to make the same mistake again.  This time the tables were reversed.  Justin Tarrant, Sam Lloyd, Oscar Cremmen, and Martin all finished confidently, whilst the hoops missed the target twice.

Brockham’s performances are improving and the team is getting back to full strength and fitness.  Confidence is key, and there’s a glimmer of that returning too.  It looks like the odd smile is coming back as well.

Man of the Match:  Luke Brightman

 

 

Oxshott Royals U10A 4 - 1 Brockham Badgers U10 Barbarians (Epsom and Ewell Cup)

Oxshott Royals and Brockham Badgers Cup Clash
Oxhsott Royals are flying high in Division Two of the Epsom and Ewell League whilst Brockham Badgers currently hold the top spot in Division Three so this cup clash had the potential for a surprise or two.
Brockham fielded a defensive formation to contain their Oxshott and break quickly on the counter attack. Before Brockham could settle into this new formation, two quick goals from a penalty box scuffle and a long range strike saw Oxhsott take a 2-0 lead in the first five minutes.
Brockham regained their composure and started to find their form playing some trademark passing play with strong counter attacking down both wings. Ben MacKenzie, Lily Turner and Arun Watkins combined to test the Oxhsott keeper through the majority of the first half. With two minutes left on the clock Brockham conceded a foul just outside the penalty area, Brockham's wall of Tom Ambrose and Bailey Osbourne stood strong but a well taken strike saw Oxshott find the net and lead 3-0 at half time.
Brockham started the second half pushing hard to close the gap with Callum Holder forcing a couple of early saves from the Oxshott keeper. An Oxshott counter attack saw brave save from keeper Josh Snow as he dived to smother the ball to deny Oxshott a tap-in. Oxshott countered and against the run of play placed a cross into the box which was guided past the Brockham defence to put Oxshott 4-0 in front.
Brockham continued to press and although the hope of a draw was starting to fade, Brockham continued to press and create a series of clear chances forcing some fine saves from the Oxshott keeper. With five minutes left, a well-timed link up between Watkins and Turner saw a pass to Holder splitting the Oxshott defence enabling him to get a late goal.
The final whistle came with a score at 4 – 1 leaving Brockham to concentrate on consolidating their position at the top of the league.
Man of the Match: Ben MacKenzie
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

Kirdford Jumior v Brockham Badgers Black (South Surrey League Division 1)

Kirdford away is a tricky fixture and a potential banana skin for the first game of the season.  But Badgers went in with high hopes and tactically astute 4-3-1 formation.

 

Brockham absolutely dominated the first-half.  Lucas and Oliver combined brilliantly on the left. For the first ten minutes nobody else seemed to get a touch. Meanwhile their counterparts on the right Morgan and Toby were equally as effective.

 

Lucas found Ezra with a marvellous through ball.  Ezra smashed the ball cleanly but the keeper's position made it an easy save.  Badgers then piled on the pressure with their inspirational central midfielder Henry Lucas doing a fine impression of Patrick Vieira.

 

Eventually the ball broke from a corner for Ezra who neatly tucked it away from close range.

 

Kirdford had their breaks though as Brockham got sucked in looking for their second goal and our defence was caught out twice before half-time.  We went into the break 2-1 down which seemed very strange considering the amount of possession the team had enjoyed.  Joe and the debuting Zain had formed a great partnership an even though Kirdford were strong going forward the scoreline didn't reflect the game.

 

Half-time Kirdford United 2 Brockham Badgers 1

 

Kirdford had defended brilliantly in the first half and were just as good in the second half, foiling chance after chance.  The equaliser came after Ezra chased down and dispossessed a defender and threaded the ball through to Lucas who disguised his finish with real skill.  Lucas had been absolutely fantastic throughout the game both in his tackles, his runs and his passing.

 

Ezra continued to defend from the front.  The left axis of Oliver and Lucas was formidable.  But slowly Morgan and Toby came to take a bigger and bigger role in the game.  They put so much running in to the second half.  They have a formidable partnership.  Both boys are solid in the tackle and are consummate team players.

 

Oliver Quigley came on from the bench and made a good contribution in the middle.

 

Eventually a pass from Oliver to Ezra and then to Lucas set up another brilliant finish.  This time Lucas went for power and cracked the ball into the roof of the net.  Great football.

 

The things got a little scary…  The Badgers' football declined and too many times players were looking to beat one man too many in midfield when the through ball was on.  This left the team open at the back as weary legs could not track back.  It looked like Kirdford would sneak an equaliser.  All credit to Kirdford for still being in the game at this point.  Joe, Zain and George Lees had to be alert at the end as Brockham put the three points in jeopardy when they should really have controlled the game.

 

In the end they weren't punished for their exuberance and came out with a deserved win.

 

Full-time

 

Kirdford United 2 Brockham Badgers 3

 

Team: George Lees, Morgan Hamilton, Lucas Woolley, Joe Allen, Zain Khan, Toby Evans, Henry Lucas, Oliver Yeates, Ezra Charles, Oliver Quigley.

 

Man of the Match: Lucas Woolley – a driving force on the left (a better version of Gareth Bale).

 

Match Report: Jason Charles

 

Surrey Youth League Under 16 Premier Division - Carshalton Athletic U16 2 Brockham Badgers U16 5

Brockham Badgers U16As produced their best performance of the season to move into third place in the Premier Division with a comfortable win over Carshalton Athletic U16s.  After 3 years in the top Premier Elite division, Badgers have been slow starters this season following their relegation to the Premier Division last campaign, but the signs are that Brockham are returning to something approaching their best as back to back wins have suddenly pushed Brockham in amongst the league leaders.

 

Early goals for joint lads of the match Harry Ramsey and Mike Richardson had put Brockham 2-0 up on 20 minutes, but the home team put in their best spell in the last 15 minutes of the first half to first make it 1-2 with a goal from a set piece, then a debatable penalty just before the interval made it 2-2, something of a flattering score for Carshalton.  It could have got worse soon after half time when Carshalton almost made it 3-2,striking the post with a richochet from a Brockham clearance.  From that point on though it was all Brockham, keeper Dennis Rapson instilling real confidence in his defence with a commanding display, and a fine run through the centre of the Carshalton midfield and defence saw him slot the ball past the keeper to restore the Brockham lead 10 minutes into the second half..

 

Harry Ramsey then grabbed his second of the match as his pace was used to good effect to make it 4-2.  As Carshalton lost their discipline, it was all Brockham in the final 10 minutes and Brockham could have scored more than the one extra goal they scored in the last few minutes, George Coffey finishing well after another strong run from Ramsey had teed up his fellow striker to make the final score 5-2.

 

Team – Dennis Rapson, Connor Baker, Will Mahoney, Matt Higgins ©, Will Bletso, Josh Brown, Mike Richardson, Ali Nicholson, Frankie Routlef, George Coffey, Harry Ramsey, Harry Morland, Gecco Navalta, Oli Winter

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Corinthian Casuals 1 - 2 Brockham Badgers U15A

A sizzling performance saw Brockham Badgers U15A get their season off to a belated start with a 2-1 victory away to Corinthian Casuals.  Quick pass and move football was back and so was the boys confidence.  The Badgers could have been easily five or six to the good by half time.  Buoyed by the appearance of Alex Flint for the first time this season, the black and whites weathered some early threats to go on and dominate the game.

Despite travelling with only eleven fit players the make shift left flank of Jack Coppin in defence and Jordan Martin on the wing was working to good effect.  Both had the beating of their opposite numbers for pace and Martin was combining with Flint up front to such an extent that Martin could have had three by the twenty minute mark.  It was Flint who struck first however.  Shrugging off some close attention from his marker he poked the ball beyond the advancing keeper with just enough on it for the ball to roll over the line from 12 yards.

Joe Silver on the right wing had already declared his intentions to the Casuals No.3 facing him with some pacey runs, and with a neat one two worked between him and Luke Brightman he was once again in clear space on 25 minutes.  A well delivered cross was cleared by Corinthians for a corner, from which Martin’s in-singer was directed into the back of the net by a Corinthians player to give Brockham a two goal margin.

Despite a soft concession by Brockham taking the score to 2-1 mid-way through the second half, the positive tone of the match continued in much the same fashion as before to the end.  Justin Tarrant and Simon Vakeva-Baird dominated the defensive line and between them, George Gomes and Coppin, they snuffed out nearly every Corinthian threat.  Luc Jhugroo, Lewis Wood, and Brightman played some neat two touch football which usually led to an incisive pass into the path of either Flint, Martin, or Silver.  Martin had two more chances, Wood had a shot and a header cleared from point blank range, as did Vakeva-Baird, whilst Tarrant climbed well to meet a Martin free kick and buried it with his head at the far post only to see the goal ruled offside.  James Rabbetts in Brockham’s goal had little to do for once.

Sam Lloyd made a cameo appearance ten minutes from time following three weeks out with injury, and almost got himself on the score sheet.  Having been awarded a penalty in the dying seconds he thumped a thunderous spot kick just inside the upright only to see it bounce back out off the square post, across the goal line and out for safety.

The result was no less than the Badgers deserved.  The score was tight in the end but the game was comfortably theirs.

Man of the Match:  Jordan Martin and Simon Vakeva-Baird

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