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

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