Back
to league business after the thrills of the cup two weeks ago and
the U10As entertained Anglo Saxon. It was the return of the opening
fixture back in September, which Badgers comfortably won 3-0.
In the interim, Anglo Saxon have become a stronger unit and did not
allow Brockham the monopoly of possession they are accustomed to.
However, unfortunately for them, they conceeded a goal after only two
minutes. Angus Hodge made a strong, determined run down the right
flank and into the box and, from the byline, struck a powerful cross
that Ben Sawyers turned in via a defender.
After this perfect
start, Brockham struggled to keep the ball at times and their
defence was kept busy, with Matt Higgins frequently called upon to
sweep up at the back. While they created more chances, Badgers were
often guilty of over-elaborating near to goal. However, they got things
right on 23 minutes. George Coffey and Bertie Edwards-Hedges
combined skilfully on the left to set up Josh Brown in the box, who
finished coolly with a left-foot shot - a simple move, well-executed,
providing the end result.
Brockham continued to enjoy more possession
in the second half, but the game remained a largely scrappy affair
and, ten minutes in, Anglo Saxon were allowed to break away and score
- the initial shot coming back off a post before the rebound was struck
home. The remaining twenty minutes was dominated by an improving Badgers
team, but still provided a few uneasy moments in the Brockham defence
- though keeper Matthew Batts dealt with them well, especially in
the closing minutes when he brought off a fine save as Anglo Saxon
pressed for an equaliser. His opposite number had an excellent game,
denying Badgers on many occasions; although, in fairness, he would
not have had the opportunity had some of the finishing been more
precise.
Harry Morland and Liam Ratcliffe kept things tight in
the middle, while Brown and Edwards-Hedges were constant threats on
the wings and Ben Sawyers had a very lively game up front, holding
the ball up well and taking time to play the right pass.
Man
of the Match: Ben Sawyers
Squad: Matthew Batts, Will Mahoney,
Matt Higgins, Alex Nicholson, Ross Bangs, Josh Brown, Harry Morland,
Bertie Edwards-Hedges, George Coffey, William Bletso, Liam Ratcliffe,
Angus Hodge, Ben Sawyers.
After
a hard defeat last week, the U10 Assassins bounced back to form, giving
a master class in controlled passing football to West Byfleet Scorpions. Brockham were a constant threat; they dominated possession, built carefully from the back and frequently put the ball in dangerous areas. Only a lack of composure in front of goal kept the score down to four.
Within
five minutes of the start, Brockham were ahead. William Pereira
was sharpest in the area after good work by Luke Brightman. West Byfleet responded well and, in their best spell of the match,
forced a series of corners. But Chris Walton and Tom Hampshire
were composed in the Brockham defence and launched fast and effective
counter-attacks, especially through James Rabbetts on the left. Both Rabbetts and Felix Saro-Wiwa played in good crosses from wide
positions, but Brockham were unable to convert. Saro-Wiwa came
closest, with shots that hit the bar and the post.
At the start
of the second half, Pereira made the score 2-0, capitalising on a
strong goal kick by Walton which evaded the defence.
West
Byfleet were increasingly unable to cope with Brockham’s incisive
wide play and runs through the middle. Further goals looked inevitable,
but they only arrived in the last five minutes of the game. Good crosses by Brightman and Saro-Wiwa found Rabbetts free to score
twice at the far post. A final rally by West Byfleet gave them
a consolation goal, but Brockham pressed right to the end as Sam Lloyd
hit the post with almost the last kick of the game.
Manager Jason
Rabbetts was pleased that the boys were able to put into effect so
much of their training. Like so many of the Assassins' games, this
was a treat for the Brockham parents and spectators alike.
Squad:
Jamie Luckins, Tom Hampshire, Chris Walton, Tom Charman, Luke Brightman,
Cameron Boychuck, Sam Lloyd (c), James Rabbetts, Felix Saro-Wiwa,
William Pereira.
Player of the week: William Pereira
At the start, both teams were well organised and did not commit numbers forward. Whyteleafe had the first chance of the game but Cameron Wallis in goal was alert to their plan. Whyteleafe built confidence from this and started to push the game into Brockham's half of the pitch. Badgers' first chance came as a quick clearance from George Gomes allowed Ashley Marshall to shoot, but the ball went just wide.
Again Whyteleafe were patient in their play until they created an opening, but Ali Masson's strong defending opened up another opportunity - Luc Jhugroo and Lewis Wood played through Whyteleafe's midfield, but Nathan Hughes' shot went wide. Badgers then were caught napping on the break as Whyteleafe played some exceptional football and scored a well earned goal.
Badgers made a tactical change to go for a more attacking formation. Initially this appeared to be paying dividends, pushing Whyteleafe back into their half. Badgers started to win corners and create some great chances, but were unable to make the most of them.
Although controlling the game, Brockham were committing numbers forward and Whyteleafe made the most of this as they scored their second on the break. After such effort, Badgers were completely shell-shocked and began defending deep. There was tough tackling from Ali Masson and George Fenwick, but Whyteleafe managed to score another. Badgers tried their best to get back into the game in the final minutes of the game, but a very lucky goal further extended Whyteleafe's lead.
Although Badgers lost, they showed the top team they could hold their own for two thirds of the game.
Squad: Cameron Wallis, Nathan Hughes, Luc Jhugroo, Lewis Wood, Ashley Marshall(c), Alistair Masson, George Gomes, George Fenwick
Player of the week: Alistair Masson, two good feet!
Badgers started positively with good defending from Daniel Curtis and some good passing between the midfield of Charlie Dunleavy, Steven Holmes and Ben Butterworth. But, after a period of stalemate, Warriors caught Badgers on the break and scored a good goal.
Brockham's immediate response was to get one back, which they did by throwing numbers forward. They built from this and good defending from Ben Housfield and Ben Butterworth ensured all attacks from Warriors were limited.
Woodmansterne Warriors came out and pushed forward in the second half. But great defending from Daniel Curtis and the safe hands of Lucas Fidgett ensured their attacks were short lived. A move started by Charlie Dunleavy allowed the captain Oliver Teague to shoot on goal, but Warriors' keeper pushed it aside for a corner. Charlie Dunleavy's cross went through the legs of everyone as none of the Badgers could connect. Warriors then responded by pushing numbers forward - and regained the lead.
Badgers were 2-1 behind - but not down. With some tough tackling from Danesh Amin and some disorganisation from Warriors, they managed to equalise relatively quickly. However, moving into the final five minutes of the game, Badgers sat back and allowed Woodmansterne to control the game, which they made the most of by netting another goal.
Despite being behind for a third time, Badgers still fought to get back into the game; they showed great character but, this time, could not find an equaliser.
Squad: Ben Butterworth, Oliver Vaughan, Ben Hounsfield, Lucas Fidgett, Daniel Curtis, Danesh Amin, Oliver Teague(c), Steven Holmes, Charlie Dunleavy
Player of the week: Charlie Dunleavy.
