Brantham Badgers cotinued in their winning ways with a good 4-1 win at home to Cherrytree FC, a side two divisions above the Badgers. The Badgers were without some players and had to switch some players round for the match. Goalkeeper, Paul Hammond, who had laser treatment on his eyes was not available while Guy Clubb and Ross Cracknell were away.
Badgers started quickly and Steve Goodchild went close within the first few minutes but hurried his shot and went wide.The Badgers goalkeeper was caught out by an unexpected attack but he managed to slam the ball against an opponent and saw it go well over the bar to safety.Lee Clarke, Craig Clarke and Sean Kearney were all getting involved in what was going on and they made some telling passes and runs. In midfield Gren Ranson was looking comfortable on the ball while at the back Graham Stiff was having a top class game. Badgers were prepared to run at their opponents and a precision pass from Lee Clarke picked out Greg Ranson who saw his first time effort punched clear by the keeper. Steve Goodchild then had two good chances to open the scoring but was unable to make them count .His first was when he beat two men and broke through only to shoot over the bar and minutes later he went down the flank put a great shot in which the keeper saved with his feet. James'Titch'Lewis then made a telling tackle when a forward looked clean through. Badgers broke the deadlock when Jamie Carrington did all the worked and passed for Steven Goodchild to make it count at the second attempt.Badgers 1 Cherrytree 0.
It was not long before Badgers doubled their tally.Greg Ranson heading home from close range after the keeper failed to hold the ball. Badgers 2 Cherrytree 0. The same man was on target for number three when the move was started well in the Badgers half, played through the middle and Greg Ranson saw his shot go into the net. Does not matter how they go in as long as they go in!. Badgers 3 Cherrytree 0
Credit to Cherrytree who never gave up and they pulled a goal back to make it 3-1 before Badgers added their fourth and the final goal of the game. Craig Clarke did all the hard work and sent a great through ball for Jamie Carrington to run onto and slot home comfortaly past the oncoming keeper. Badgers 4 Cherrytree 1. Badgers thought that they had gone nap towards the end of the game when Justin Vince, another player who got through a lot of work, hit the ball home from inside thd six yard box,only to see it disallowed for offside!
Other men to catch the eye were Glen Bones and Darryn Bowdler who both played well. A good result for the Badgers although we were a bit disappointed by the crowd, certainly not as many as last week, maybe they heard some players might be missing, who knows!!. Next week the Badgers haved a much stiffer task when they are at home to LT league premier Division side, Man on the Moon. See you there!!
Men of the match - Graham Stiff and Jamie Carrington
The Controller
