The U11As opened up a six-point lead at the top of Epsom & Ewell Division One with a 3-2 victory over second-placed Caterham Pumas that was not as close as the scoreline suggests.
With
six wins out of six, Brockham are having a great first season at 11-a-side
and are playing football of the highest quality. Their defence is
solid as a rock, with only three goals conceded, the midfield monopolises
possession and gets the ball moving forward or out wide with a variety
of options, and the goals tally is quite decent – an average of more
than three goals per game, with eleven different players on the
scoresheet so far.
If there is a criticism, it has to be the
number of goal opportunities squandered. This game was no exception.
Badgers dominated the first twenty minutes and were two up by the
eleventh minute with goals from Bertie Edwards-Hedges and Liam Ratcliffe
(an excellent solo effort). Further chances followed, with Brockham’s
dominance clear in the way the full backs Will Mahoney and Ross Bangs
were marauding down the flanks at every opportunity. But, just before
half time, Caterham were allowed to get in a cross which was converted
well to bring the score back to 2-1 at the break.
The second
period saw more sustained pressure from Badgers and a host of chances.
Brockham have no problem getting the ball in the right areas but too
often, the strikers either pick out the keeper, test the strength
of the woodwork or shoot too early when clean through.
This
is surely a question of confidence, something George Coffey had plenty
of when stroking the ball home off the base of the post to give Badgers
some breathing space and a 3-1 lead. Josh Brown then whacked the other
post with a fierce shot and, as in the first half, Caterham game themselves
a lifeline with a well-taken lob to set up a nervy last five minutes.
But Brockham held out for a win that should have been sealed much
earlier.
Man of the Match: Matt Higgins – even carrying
an injury, imperious in central defence.
Squad: Matthew Batts, Will Mahoney, Alex Nicholson, Matt Higgins, Ross Bangs, Oli Winter, Harry Morland, Josh Brown, Bertie Edwards-Hedges, George Coffey, Angus Hodge, William Bletso, Dan Hetzel, Liam Ratcliffe, Ben Sawyers.
Report by Bryan Bletso
After
having to forfeit last week’s cup match due to seven lads going down
with various viruses, and another three call-offs today, the U11Bs
did amazingly well to come away with a sound victory at South
Park.
The outstanding thing about today’s match was the quality
of all three goals scored by Brockham. It was difficult to pick the
best strike. With two minutes on the clock, Andrew Watson collected
a clearance outside the box, coolly looked up, and smacked the ball
into the top corner of the net. The second came from Ollie Kong, seconds
after South Park had equalized. From the kick off, he took the ball
past three men but found himself pushed wide on the right. Turning
inside, he managed to get in a powerful angled strike from 20 yards
which sailed over the goalkeeper and into the far corner of the net.
And Tom Moriarty completed the scoring showing excellent pace to latch
onto a through ball and crash it past the advancing goalkeeper.
That
said, there was a lot of resolute defending required in this physical
match and, with Ed Newman missing, Luca Killner showed his strength
and purpose alongside skipper Harry Kensett in the heart of defence
- ably supported by some great ball-winning by Andrew Watson, and
persistent tackling from Daniel (DJ) Hall, and Dan Baty.
But
the man of the match award went to Michael Ellis, because he does
not lose concentration when the ball is at the other end of the pitch
for long periods. He didn’t need to make many saves today but, at
2-1, when the South Park centre forward finally shrugged off the Brockham
defenders and powered the ball towards the bottom corner, Mike was
there to touch it round the post.
Well done to all the lads
today for a spirited performance. Next week it is Hook Youth at home.
They are three points behind us with a game in hand. So, a tough encounter
looms.
It was a frosty morning for a well matched class encounter between unbeaten Sparrows and the on-form Badgers. The fans wanted a win – nobody expected a draw.
A very positive start for Brockham, with the defence like a rock and the midfield making good fast passes. A good shot from Owen was always coming, but did not trouble the keeper. With the voice of captain Bangs’ in their ears, Brockham kept pressing and a shot from Higgins just missed the goal. The Sparrows looked rattled. The midfield partnership of Knowles and Parker were playing the Sparrows midfield out of the game. However, Brockham still needed a goal. A good moment from right winger Robins and wingback Goddard gave a chance for Brockham, but nobody could make that final touch. A good half from all, but especially Knowles and Moorcroft.
In the second half, a great early move from Brockham gave them the goal. A good ball from Lloyd to Robins was passed to Mackrell who couldn’t miss. Then, a well practiced free kick was followed by a cross from Bangs and a header from Sourris which went just wide. A corner from Mackrell was flicked on by Goddard in to the path of Mansfield, but he was closed down quickly.
The game was still not over. Pressure also came from the Sparrows and it looked like an equaliser, only for a sublime save from goalkeeper Hern to leave the Sparrows flabbergasted. The Sparrows were also kept at bay by the Badgers' two central defenders, Thomas and Moorcroft. But they couldn’t stop the equaliser which was a powerful effort.
In the end it was two points lost for Brockham who felt on balance they might have deserved the win.
Man of the match: Knowles
Squad: Hern, Sourris, Goddard, Bangs, Moorecroft, Robins, Owen, Knowles, Parker, Higgins, Mackrell, Mansfield, Lloyd, Thomas.
