FAC Q2 Frimley Green 0 Brockenhurst 3

12 September 2026

So this was a new experience for me – I’ve not been to Frimley Green before, and that’s always one of the fun aspects of these cup competitions, new venues and new challenges.  But let’s not get too carried away: Brock haven’t had a decent run in the Vase since 2021/22 and it’s about time we did.  I still remember the excitement of those days – and if Andover New Street can make the semis, and Stoneham can win the thing…  Qualifying Round Two, why not dream!

The Frimmers, as Wikipedia calls them, finished second in Division One a couple of years ago, behind New Milton but clear of the chasing pack, but they faltered in the playoffs.  Currently sixth in the table, 12 points from 8 games, so nobody was expecting an easy ride this afternoon.  For Brock, still the long list of injured defenders and a couple of forward players missing, so a line-up which included a few youngsters but has become quite familiar recently. 

Before I start, a couple of words on the pitch.  Firstly, it slopes markedly side to side.  In fact it reminded me of Love Lane Petersfield (and if you haven’t been, why not come follow the Badgers there next weekend?).   And secondly… what it added in slope, it lacked in grass.  I know we had a long spell without any rain to speak of, but there’s been a reasonable amount lately – even so, the KBO Stadium pitch resembled a dust bowl, with the exception of some tufts of green grass in each penalty area.  Combined with the strong wind, this made playing conditions quite testing.

I suppose the neutrals will look at the result and think: yes, Premier Division having a bit more nous – and a bit more generally – than Division One.  And maybe that’s as good a summary as any.  Brock were the better side, reasonably comfortable throughout the game, didn’t really get near to top gear but didn’t need to.  Chika Ugwumba was lively from the start, good pace and clever feet – an early cross sliced behind; and on 14 minutes the opening goal, played in neatly by Harry McGrath and Ugwumba needed no second bidding, running on into the box and converting.  Frimley had already had what ultimately turned out to be their best chance – Freddie Lacey awarded a soft free kick 20 yards out, took it himself but hit it straight at Stainer-Reid.  But Brock were having the lion’s share of possession and territory – Ugwumba with a shot just wide, and then the second goal, corner from Bailey, Colmer’s shot well blocked but Elliot Wells ready to smash the rebound home.  (And my apologies again for the misidentification – his Dad should know!)  That gave the Badgers a cushion and they should probably have extended the lead before the break – Colmer with a flick-header just over the bar from a corner, then with a piledriver from 25 yards which didn’t miss by much, and then another header over the bar from a corner.  There was a lot of injury time, mostly because Green had been forced into two early subs (Hargood and Sharratt both having to go off), best wishes to both of them for speedy recoveries.  Josh Bullen did have a shot for the hosts during overtime, superbly blocked by Giles.  HT 0-2

The second half didn’t bring a glut of goalmouth action as the Badgers kept their discipline and looked to manage the game.  They might have added a quick third when Bailey found Sami Makhloufi, whose shot went just wide; the Green didn’t create much, although Bullen did play a super cross through the six-yard box, touched by nobody… and 67 minutes, another Brock corner from Bailey, Rian Drake arriving at the back post to hammer the ball in from about two yards.  (They all count huh?!)  The hosts didn’t give up, but their tactic of long balls towards their front line foundered on the excellent Brock defence… 10 minutes to go, sub Cartwright looped a shot over the bar… Stainer-Reid came out quickly to gather the ball ahead of a striker… at the other end, Aga-In and Makhloufi combined cleverly a couple of times without creating a clear opening.  Five to go and the ball somehow broke free to Freddie Bullard, 35 yards from goal but in splendid isolation… but two defenders got back comfortably to tackle him before he reached the area.  It made no difference; the Badgers were through.  FT 0-3

Solid, professional performance; much to like, three goals, clean sheet.  Workrate from Toby, Toby and Harry top class as always, but I’m going to name two different people today.  I thought Marcelo was excellent all afternoon, winning so many headers and tackles, keeping things simple, he was my personal man of the match.  And he was closely followed by Esteban, who is really growing into the role – and it was great to see him take a shot on late in the game, even if it was deflected wide.  Chika scored again – his new sponsors will be very proud – another goal for Elliot, and a rare goal for Rian too.  All in all, a very satisfactory afternoon.  Disappointing attendance of only 61; that was a shame.  And yes, we move on to the different challenge of Sturminster Newton United on Tuesday… but before that, on Monday, the draw for the First Round Proper…!