Despite
never hitting top form, the U10 Assassins showed great character to
overcome a committed Epsom Eagles C side, after being a goal
behind for most of the second half. Brockham created many more
chances than Epsom, but looked uncomfortable with the physical presence
of the Epsom defence and lacked composure in front of goal until player
of the week Sam Lloyd scored twice within five minutes.
Brockham
were jittery right from the start, with passes often going astray
and players running into trouble. Fortunately, in defence, Chris
Walton and Tom Charman were calm and effective, putting in strong
tackles and clearing well.
Slowly the Brockham combinations started
to work, especially on the left where good understanding between William
Pereira and James Rabbetts allowed Rabbetts to deliver effective crosses. Felix Saro-Wiwa showed good control in the middle, and Walton often
freed Luke Brightman on the right, but the team could not make the
most of the chances that ensued.
At the other end, Epsom were
making better use of their opportunities. A minute before half
time, only a fine save by Brockham keeper Jamie Luckins kept the score
level. But, just after half time, Epsom took the lead with a
break down the right and a firm shot into the bottom left corner.
After
several tactical adjustments by Brockham manager Jason Rabbetts, slowly
the quality of the Brockham chances improved. Saro-Wiwa hit
the bar with a long-range shot and Sam Lloyd showed the benefit of
hard work and persistence as he battled in the Epsom area, finally
slipping the ball past the keeper to level the score. Minutes
later in a fast move down the right, Brightman passed inside to Lloyd
who placed the ball in the bottom left corner.
Brockham
relaxed and could have extended their winning margin. A free
kick from Rabbetts was pushed onto the post by the Epsom keeper. Just before the final whistle, another free kick by Rabbetts appeared
to creep over the line before the keeper pushed it out, but the referee
was unsighted and unable to award the goal.
If it is the sign of a good side that they can win without playing well, then the U10 Assassins are a good side. But this was another match that shredded the nerves of the Brockham supporters!
Squad: Jamie Luckins,
Tom Hampshire, Chris Walton, Tom Charman, Luke Brightman, Cameron
Boychuck, Sam Lloyd, James Rabbetts (c), Felix Saro-Wiwa, William
Pereira.
Player of the Week: Sam Lloyd
Another encouraging display from the U9 (Whites). These were two teams more evenly matched than the score implies with end-to-end play and chances for both sides. In the absence of both regular goalkeepers, Euan Ratcliffe (normally our striker) played in goal and put in a good performance.
In
the first half Tadworth scored two good goals and only added to their
tally in the second half when a strong clearance by Euan hit the back
of one of our own defenders and went in the goal. With a little
bit more of that kind of luck going in the direction of Brockham,
the score would have been very different.
Although the Badgers did not score, they made a lot of chances. Sooner or later they will start going in! They tried very hard to pass the ball and play as a team. If they keep working at that, the results will come.
Well played all the
boys.
