The Badgers travelled to Trimley to face D&M TSSC, the pitch looked
great, although a bit too big so some of our larger players liking!
D&M started brightly, and went in front after just 4 minutes, a
mistake by Bones, followed by a Mawdsley air kick lead to a D&M
striker squaring the ball across the 6 yard box for his strike
partner to tap home. The goal shook the Badgers into life, neat play
by C Clarke and J Carrington lead to R Cracknell having a shot well
blocked by a defender. S Kearney then rattled the D&M bar following a
corner.
18 minutes in and a mix up from a throw in left the D&M winger one on
one with the keeper, A Bowdler made a fine first save but was helpless
to prevent the rebound being bundled home. The second goal rocked
Brantham, simple passes were goin astray and it wasn't long before the
game saw it's next bit of drama. Lee Clarke's horror tackle as a D&M
striker was about to score left the Ref with no option but to show him
a red card. Ash Bowdler made a fine double save from the resultant
penalty, but just minutes later was let down by his defence as they
allowed a D&M player to score from an unchallenged header following a
free-kick. HT 3-0
Despite being a man down the Badgers still stuck with 2 strikers up
top, managers Vince and Clubb desciding they'd rather try and get back
in the game than defend a 3-0 defeat. Carrington & Bones both had half
chances before Brantham were hit on the counter attack, the striker
making no mistake following a long ball out of defence.
The game was now end to end, substitute Clubb should have scored with
his first touch, whilst A Bowdler in the Badgers goal was making save
after save. Carrington and Clubb both had further chances whilst Stiff
saw a right footed half volley go high and wide.
Just when it looked like the Badgers would score, yet another route
one move from D&M saw the striker bearing down on the Badger goal,
Bowdler looked favourite to win the ball but instead jumped out of the
way like a big fairy gifting D&M their fifth goal of the game. The
game was nearly over but the D&M keeper was again called into action
to save from Kearney, just moments later and a D Bowdler through ball
found top-scorer Carrington who fired home a well deserved consolation
goal. Final scaore 5-1
Badgers never reached their potential, maybe they were playing in fear
that the giant wild dog seen roaming in the woods pre-match could
enter the field of play at any time. They do however deserve credit
for giving it a real go second half despite only having 10 men. Ash
Bowdler wins the man of the match award, despite his fairy jump for
the fifth and his 50p head from a corner late on.
Heads up boys we'll go again next week.
