Alexandra have
a 100% record in the league this season and the U11Bs went into this
game determined to end that record. After an excellent second half
display against Molesey, in which they scored three without reply,
and the routing of Epsom Eagles, the Badgers were clearly up for the
challenge.
During the first thirty minutes of this match it all went to plan. A neutral observer would have believed it was Brockham who were the top team in the league, as they took the game to their hosts and, when Ollie Kong got onto the end of a ball in the box, the result was inevitable - Brockham took the lead.
Alexandra
came back, but their efforts were comfortably repelled until a fatal
lapse of concentration five minutes before half time in which three
goals hit the Brockham net. Stunned, like a boxer taking a treble
blow, the lads reeled but kept on their feet, never really recovering
the self-belief evident in the first half hour of the match. A further
two goals were conceded in the second half, but Brockham offered little
in attack, as Alexandra marched on.
It could have been different.
The Alexandra manager said if the Badgers had gone 2-0 up, the game
was finished. Brockham had that opportunity in the first half, when
the ball skidded away from Ollie Kong to Tim Hines in the box, but
his first time half-volley cleared the crossbar, along with the Brockham
hopes.
So two matches left this season, with tough opposition
in Hook away next week, when the lads will need to repair their dented
confidence and battle for a result.
Man of the Match: Michael
Cooke - performed his role well. Solid and strong.
Good runs from Ali Masson allowed the midfield trio of George Gomes, Lewis Wood and the captain Ashley Marshall to open up Pumas' defence. It was not long before Lewis Wood's neat footwork paid off and he scored the first for Badgers. The team now stepped up a gear and Lewis's second followed shortly after.
Pumas did not give up and gave Cameron Wallis an opportunity to get his gloves dirty, but the pressure was short-lived as the persistency of George Gomes and Ashley Marshall allowed Lewis Wood to register his hat trick. Badgers were on high now, really enjoying their football, and it wasn't long before Ashley Marshall's run and placed shot went into the back of the net.
Badgers continued into the second half with high tempo football. This immediately paid off when Ashley Marshall's shot was blocked but Ali Masson followed up to make it 5-0.
Although down, Pumas held their heads high and made Cameron Wallis pull off some good saves. The defensive duo of Tom Hampshire and Tom Hampshire was also standing firm. At the other end, Badgers were still creating chances. A move started from Lewis Wood allowed Luc Jhugroo to shoot, but Pumas' keeper got down low to make a good save. Ashley Marshall and Ali Masson's tough battling gave Luc Jhugroo another great opportunity, but this time his shot went wide.
Then - a moment of magic. Pumas' goal kick was met by Tom Charman, who then launched a kick back from his own half. Pumas' keeper dived, but couldn't get to the ball and could only turn to watch the ball strike the back of the net.
All credit to the U10 Barbarians whose high-tempo football was simply too hot to handle.
Team: Cameron Wallis, Tom Hampshire, Tom Charman, Luc Jhugroo, Lewis Wood, Ashley Marshall (c), Alistair Masson, George Gomes
Player of the Week: Tom Charman - Solid defending and unbelievable goal..