Tadworth Lions
2 - 3 Brockham Badgers U8 (Red)
Report by Tony Moriarty
Forget
Liverpool's comeback in Istanbul last summer - Tadworth, Saturday
1st October, was the place to be as the Reds of Brockham, 2-0
down at halftime, staged a glorious second half finale to stun their
opponents and make me, one happy manager!
First matches
of the season are never easy, especially away from home and especially
against Tadworth Lions who, make no mistake, are a well-organised,
skilful team. True to form, the Lions put the Badgers under constant
pressure for much of the first half and tucked away two well-executed
goals that our defence could do little about.
Half-time could
not come quickly enough - but you know what I like about this team?...they
knew they were still in it.
Sure enough, within thirty seconds
of the start of the second half, the Reds clawed a goal back. Neat
work down the right, a sublime cross and mister cool, Tommy Gill,
poached a tap-in at the far post.
Now it was the Lions who were
under pressure as the Brockham Reds' midfield took control of the
game. Jack Stradling and new boy Andrew Kehl started to dominate
proceedings - and it was Andrew who, five minutes after Tommy had
scored, found the ball at his feet six yards out. Despite being surrounded
by most of the opposition, Andrew quickly looked up, picked his spot
and calmly slotted away the equaliser! The Brockham travelling
support went delirious... but the best was yet to come!
By now
the Lions were all over the place and as the Badgers won a free kick
just inside the Lions' half it was strange to see the opposition back
off so much. As Jack Stradling placed the ball I doubt many knew what
was about to happen. Now, you have to remember this guy is only seven
years old. From so far out most boys of his age would have played
it short or at best, hit it hopefully into the penalty area. Not Jack.
A five pace run up, a thunderous shot... time stood still as the fifty
or so spectators and the rest of the players watched the ball almost
burst the Lions' net. The already delirious travelling support
went even more delirious!
The final five minutes were a nail-biter
as the Lions attempted to get something out of this match. But now
well into their stride the Reds soaked up the pressure and ended worthy
winners.
Star player: Jack Stradling
Tadworth Tigers
2 - 3 Brockham U8 (Blue)
Report by Tony Moriarty
What
this game lacked in finesse was more than made up for by a 110% effort
from Brockham's battling Blues who, despite going behind twice, showed
true fighting spirit to overcome the tiring Tigers.
An evenly-balanced
first half saw a goal after five minutes from the Tigers. But, just
like their Red counterparts, Brockham Blues were never going let their
heads sink. Moments later - a goalmouth melee, ball in the back of
the net, 1-1. In the confusion and celebrations I couldn't actually
work out who scored, but the consensus is that Tom Runacres got the
final touch.
