BADGERS BEAT THE ODDS TO SLOT INTO SECOND

Broxbourne made the long trip to Folkestone this week in their penultimate game before the Christmas break. A 2 hour journey, with only 11 players it was always going to be a tough task to beat the team with an 80% home record, however people should know better than to bet against these tenacious badgers.

The lack of substitutions was one less thing for The Badgers to worry about and they started well; passing with a degree of composure not yet seen this season. The link play seemed to really come together and the Badgers looked threatening going forward but were sadly unable to convert.

Buoyed by her goal last week Tor Stacey found herself in the D and was able to win a penalty corner for the badgers. Unfortunately the rigorous practice schedule did not pay off and what was advantage badgers was quickly reversed as the opposition recovered the ball. Taking advantage of the out of position centre back pairing, Folkestone broke quickly and right back Sophie Darragh found herself helpless in a two on one situation. Despite her best efforts the Folkestone centre forward was left with a simple tap in to take the score to 1:0.

Lifted by coach McDonnell’s half time talk the Badgers felt confident they could recover the deficit and looked lively at the restart.
A step in front by centre back Laura Wills released Badger’s top goal scorer Em Wilkins who charged into the D before releasing a stunning undercut shot which sailed into the back of the net. 1:1.
Folkestone resorted to the long ball, searching for their dynamic forward who continued to look dangerous leading out to the wings. However, the badgers read the game well and began to cut out more and more of the home team’s long efforts.
The game began to get scrappy as Folkestone struggled to keep the ball. Wills was bundled over in midfield resulting in the first green card of the game for the home team.
As usual Wilkinson also found herself in a battle with her opposite number, however this time won out, with another green card being shown to the home team.
Broxbourne took advantage of the extra man and another step, this time by Stacey, released right wing Kerri Marshall who remained calm under the pressure and took the Badgers into the lead with an excellent disguised push shot.

Now facing defeat the home team piled on the pressure, however the defensive unit stood firm, making some exceptional last ditch tackles to maintain the lead. Folkestone hopes were rekindled in the dying seconds as they were awarded a penalty corner after Wills was deemed to have deliberately knocked the ball off the back line, however despite a good routine, could not snatch themselves a point.

Final score 2:1 Badgers; a great win on the road in challenging conditions, taking them into a deserved second place and well within reach of promotion.
With another tough game on the road against Chelmsford next week lets hope the badgers can continue their good form so that they can enjoy the Christmas break.