The U13As produced their best performance of the season at fourth-placed Horsham Crusaders to leap up to eighth spot in the division, and out of the relegation zone. Badgers went into the game on the back of a bad run of form and suffered the blow of losing influential Henry Hill after just five minutes. With no subs due to the Easter absences, Brockham had to play the vast majority of the game with only ten men, making this win all the more impressive.
Badgers were fired up throughout this game, making a mockery of their lowly league position, with every lad playing to the top of their game. Centre backs Jack Hunt and Tom Bletso epitomised the spirit of the side with an assured performance in front of the ever-impressive Henry Warne in goal. Even before they had gone down to ten men, Brockham had three clear cut chances. Stephen Kehl, a thorn in the opposition side throughout the game, shot narrowly wide while Ollie Legg just shot over from close range.
Badgers still pressed when down to ten men, left winger Ryan Winter and central midfielder Mitch Ward instrumental in many attacks and, after fifteen minutes, deservedly took the lead, Kehl’s persistence paying off as he beat the keeper from the edge of the box. Brockham were bossing the game, but a wonder free kick from the home side after 25 minutes - their first shot of the game - made it 1-1.
Brockham did not change their game plan though as they pressed and harassed the home side. Lad of the match Bill Rowlands led by example with great determination, while left back Alex Postles did well to snuff out the useful looking Horsham attack. Just before half time, Brockham regained the lead, Mitch Ward crossing back into the box for Ben Stokoe to cap a great midfield display with a volley from six yards.
Brockham killed the game in the first ten minutes of the second half. Right winger Ollie Legg scored first with a great twenty yard effort to make it 3-1, then an own goal made it 4-1 after Legg had surged into the Horsham area. Another Legg goal, in an inspired period of play by the Badgers midfielder, made it 5-1 with fifteen minutes to go.
In truth Badgers could won in even more emphatic fashion as the Horsham goal led a charmed life, but the Crusaders never gave up and their good attitude was rewarded with a late consolation to make the final score 5-2 to Brockham.
Team: Henry Warne (c), Bill Rowlands, Alex Postles, Tom Bletso, Jack Hunt, Ben Stokoe, Mitch Ward, Ollie Legg, Henry Hill, Ryan Winter, Stephen Kehl. |
