RAMPANT BADGERS WALLOP WAPPING

Broxbourne took a big step towards the Division One title after beating second placed Wapping 4-1 at Badger Field to extend their winning run to nine games. On an unseasonably warm February afternoon the Badgers were too hot for their old rivals, securing a first win in six attempts against the London side.

Broxbourne’s squad strength was again tested with regular starters Louis Scarrott, Luke Saunders and Phil Bryans unavailable. The loss of the trio was offset by the return of Toby and Henry House, who literally came straight from the airport to play, and stepping up from the 2’s Dan Henry and Jamie O’Sullivan.

It wasn’t all plain sailing for the Badgers with the visitors enjoying the lions share of possession in the opening ten minutes. An effective high press from Wapping combined with a turnover prone start for hosts meant Broxbourne struggled to get into any rhythm.

The old adage that goals change games was proved once again to be true when the Badgers took the lead in the 15th minute and never looked back. Henry House won the Badgers first corner and Ben Scarrott slammed his drag flick into the bottom corner to end a personal two game goal drought.

Broxbourne were a different side after the goal and doubled the lead in the 20th minute. Will Fradley, Charlie Frederick and O’Sullivan patiently worked the ball out from a high Wapping press in the left corner. The resulting ball down the line found Toby House who crossed to the far post for Scarrott to deflect home.

Just before half time Broxbourne added a crucial third goal from another short corner. Mitch Chapman continued his personal hot streak in front of goal with another of his famous wobbles which beat both runners. The midfielder then found the corner with a precise flick.

At half time the home side even had the luxury of a team talk from a coach. It was unclear if the unnamed chap, who didn’t introduce himself, just happened to be in the area and decided to offer his two cents or whether anyone knew him. He conveyed his points clearly though and if anyone knows who he is please write in.

Broxbourne knew they would inevitably have to withstand some Wapping pressure in the second half and were forced to endure an uncomfortable opening ten minutes to the second period. Matters were not helped when Chapman saw green for dissent reducing the Badgers to ten men. The home side held firm with Ryan Thomas making a few excellent saves and centre back Josh Chapman some perfectly timed last ditch tackles. Thomas had to pass a late fitness test after missing last week’s game with a runny nose but the keeper showed no ill-effects with a solid display.

Once back to their full compliment of players the game was effectively ended as a contest in the 55th minute when Scarrott completed his hat-trick with a close range finish to make the score 4-0. In the 65th minute Wapping finally got on the scoresheet after a goal mouth scramble, but it was nothing more than a consolation with the Badgers convincing and deserved winners.

Next week the Badgers travel to the Olympic Park to face Crostyx. Despite their lowly league position the north London side will be a tough nut to crack having drawn an incredible ten games this season, including the first meeting between the two sides in November.