The U12As will have to wait at least another week to see if they are to be crowned champions of the Surrey Youth League Division 1 following a thrilling 3-3 draw with Manorcroft United Colts at Meadowbank, Dorking.

Needing the three points to be sure of the title Brockham started positively, with some great play throughout the midfield - Sam Lloyd, Oscar Cremmen and Jordan Martin showing signs of early dominance.  They were rewarded immediately with a goal from Martin who was supplied beautifully by Lloyd.  Great control and a spectacular lofted finish gave Brockham a fully deserved lead.

Continuing with this style of football as the game progressed, Brockham were looking like they were going to dominate the game.  More creative passing unfolded in the midfield from Lewis Wood, Luke Brightman, Cremmen and Lloyd.  Brockham’s fluidity made them increasingly threatening on the attack and they were once again rewarded with a goal; this time from Simon Vakeva-Baird who received the ball from Cremmen, powered forward and placed it impeccably into the bottom corner out of the goalkeeper's reach.

Half time saw a more inspired and determined Manorcroft emerge.  They came out competing more and starting to win more of the ball in midfield.  Brockham were now seeming less dominant and, when Manorcroft pulled a goal back from a spectacular 25 yard free kick, nerves started to jangle. 

Their tails up, Manorcroft were now pressing for the equaliser and, after a decent save from James Rabbetts, Manorcroft were awarded a corner.   The ball was swung in and met the head of a Manorcroft player, but out of nowhere Lewis Wood dived across the goal line to head the ball away.  Despite his and Brockham’s best defensive efforts, the ball was bundled over the line.

For the final fifteen minutes Brockham began to control the game again from midfield and were more positive in bringing Martin and Vakeva-Baird into play early from wide positions.  This pressure resulted in an unfortunate handball in the area from a Manorcroft defender, from which a penalty was awarded.  Lloyd stepped up and thumped it home, punching the air in delight with his grateful team mates. 

Five minutes to go and surely victory and the title were Brockham’s.

Not to be.  A third goal for Manorcroft from a third set piece.  A soft foul was conceded twenty yards from Brockham’s goal.  The Manorcroft deadball

specialist stepped up and hit a rocket directly at goal.  As the ball flew at chest height and slightly rising Rabbetts made a shout that he had it covered.  As he positioned himself to collect, the ball took a wild deflection off a defensive head and into the back of the net.  Brockham played good football though and, with a ten point lead at the top of the table, the pressure is on all the other teams to catch them.