Brockenhurst 2 Portland United 1

14 December 2024

Back home for the Badgers, after the disappointment of Tuesday night: visitors Portland United were the only Premier Division team Brock hadn’t faced in any form this season (as I noted a couple of weeks ago, the other two sides we haven’t played in the league have formed cup opposition).  An important game for Brock, too: after an inconsistent patch, recent performances have been better but results haven’t always matched up; and the Blues (today playing in red) were one of those sides just ahead in mid-table.  So, a chance to consolidate – and as a bonus, the return of Sam Steel in the starting XI, and Brandon Channell on the bench, both after long-term injuries.

This was a watchable enough game which the Badgers deservedly won, although they made harder work of it than they might have.  They were the more progressive, orchestrated by the Duracell-bunny Harry Bunce, and they could easily have taken an early lead: Webber chipped a cross from near the byline which was just too high for Walker, then an Atiako-Hall shot brilliantly blocked by Gadsby, who had a very strong start to the game.  Instead, on 8 minutes, the hosts fell behind, the ball ricocheted to Stavrianos but if that was fortunate, his finish was excellent, chipping over his defender and passing the ball home past Valero from 16 yards.   In response, Brock came close over and again without creating a truly clear-cut opening: credit this afternoon to Portland keeper Jobe, who was under constant pressure from corners, many of them swung in right under the bar, and he dealt with them exceptionally well, tipping over or punching away.   He got nowhere near a piledriver from Torniainen on 29 minutes, but it crashed back off the angle of post and bar.  Straight after, another moment where the luck didn’t fall Brock’s way: Atiako-Hall with a cross which just deflected off a defender, hit Walker and went wide.  The Badgers didn’t get frustrated, to their credit, although they did come under pressure in the closing minutes of the half, but Doyle sliced a shot high and wide, and then Coombs well over from the angle, no concern for Valero.  HT 0-1

Comeback wins are always satisfying, and the home fans weren’t too pessimistic at the break; there had been enough good signs to suggest that the game wasn’t done.  Adams with an early cross, headed straight at Jobe by Bunce; a corner just smuggled behind at the near post; a brilliant move, inevitably involving Adams and Bunce, the final shot swept just over by Gray from the corner of the box.  And then finally, 56 minutes, a cross from Bunce and a powerful header from Atiako-Hall, Jobe got his hand to it but couldn’t prevent the ball ending in the net for the equaliser.  No more than Brock deserved and every chance to go on and win it… 59 minutes, Wellman taking everyone by surprise by unleashing a shot from 25 yards – Jobe raised his arms and blocked the ball which went straight up in the air, but he claimed it as it came down.   65 minutes, another corner caused chaos in the Blues defence, the ball finally emerging from the melee to Walker 14 yards out but his shot was high.  Maybe it wasn’t going to be Brock’s day… until on 74, Atiako-Hall put in a cross which found Walker in space, his shot was mishit… spun into the air… against the inside of post… and in.  Finally, some luck going the Badgers’ way!  As in the first half, Portland came alive again in the last five minutes (plus the unaccountable seven of injury time) and the lead was threatened – Stuttle flashed a header wide from a free kick, and then four minutes into overtime a great run down the left, crossed low into the six-yard box, a last-ditch block and clearance.  Home nerves were getting frayed but the players were calm, and saw it home.  FT 2-1

As I said above – comeback wins are very satisfying, and today’s performance was impressive.  Heads didn’t drop when Brock went behind, they kept playing sensibly and showed a bit more tactical nous than in some games earlier in the season.  And for once, I’m not going to be singing Jake’s praises here (sorry mate!) – Harry was outstanding today.  Rightly named man of the match, always in space, positive, fantastic workrate.  I’d also note that Ben held the ball up and led the line well.  But it’s not about one or two men – it’s about the team.  And today, the team did enough.  See you at the Gang Warily!