FAV Q1 Hythe and Dibden 2 Brockenhurst 6

24 August 2024

Couple of things before I start on the match today.  The first isn’t so major, but I realised after posting Tuesday’s report that I commented on Tyler and Dylan both having two man of the match awards, and completely forgot about the game against Poppies and the award to Tiago – so apologies to him!  The second however… what am I going to say about Ronan’s switch to Shaftesbury?  To be honest he deserves a post of his own, like Pat got: a legend, Mr Consistent, Mr Reliable, occasional scorer of blinding goals (a couple against Hamble still live on in the memory) but more usually with last-ditch interceptions, clearances of the line, and putting his head where it really shouldn’t go.  Brave, committed, superb defensive intelligence: he absolutely deserves his chance at a higher level, I’m really pleased and proud for him and yes, we’ll miss him, but mostly just: thank you for everything.

OK, First Qualifying Round for the FA Vase.  Too soon to start dreaming of Wembley I guess, but even so… second cup game in a week against a team in green from the A326.  Hythe and Dibden have had a decent start to the season – same league record as the Badgers, and only narrowly beaten by Moneyfields in the Hampshire Senior Cup in midweek, so a tough game expected…

Which did not in fact materialise.  Brockenhurst were excellent all afternoon, and comfortably swept aside their hosts.  The tone was set as early as 61 seconds: a defender miscontrolled the ball in his own box, it ran to Moreno and he calmly passed it beyond keeper Woodsford to give the Badgers the lead.  That lead wasn’t extended until the 19th minute – made by Burgess and scored by Walker – but Brock could already have been out of sight, a couple of great moves to which Walker couldn’t quite apply the final touch.  Tiago Moreno was causing the defence no end of trouble, and Adams always in intelligent positions and playing the right pass… The home side did finally stir themselves, Burns doing well to block a shot from Prentice, but from the corner Moreno broke superbly and found Walker, whose shot was narrowly wide.  No matter: a minute later Brock won a free kick – one of many, the Greens were quite physical – Adams hit it well, Woodsford saved but Moreno netted the rebound while defenders stood and watched.  3-0: would that be game over?  To their credit, Hythe didn’t quit – a good run from Prentice, crowded out, the ball breaking to Hacon who was brilliantly challenged by the prone Channell.  But then ten minutes before the interval, Hythe got one back – another strong run from the impressive Prentice, whose calm cross took out both defenders and the keeper leaving Thompson to score unchallenged.  Brock took six minutes to restore the three-goal cushion, a deep cross missed by four defenders and hammered home by Walker.  Manager Cox, who had expressed his frustration quite vocally throughout the half (understandably enough) was unimpressed, shouting “what the …. was that?” – a good question, it was pretty poor.  There could have been another, when Gatera deflected a cross towards his own goal, but Woodsford gathered safely.  HT 1-4

The home manager duly showed the extent of his frustration by making no fewer than five half-time substitutions – given the number of home bookings, this might also have been prudent!  And inevitably, Hythe came out for the second half with greater purpose and energy, and looking a much more dangerous side.  Brock could have extended their advantage further when Walker stole the ball from Woodsford but couldn’t quite curl his shot from the edge of the box into the net… but Hythe were pressing, and the Badgers defence had to stand firm.  They were unlucky to concede on 54, a shot from Lewis which was deflected by Francis, wrongfooting Butler.  A minute later, Butler tipped a long-range shot round the post, but in the last half-hour Brock reasserted their authority.  Moreno and Gray combined, Gray with a fine shot well saved but Moreno onto the rebound, taking the ball around the keeper and finishing to complete his hat-trick. So many chances came and went after that, it would take all evening to recount them all: some the result of poor defending, but many coming from sweeping moves, incisive passing and clever movement.  One of these moves, from Adams and Gray, led to the sixth goal when King’s shot went straight through Woodsford’s hands.  That was on 69 minutes, and it was surprising that Brock didn’t add more (Adams and McCarthy-Gardiner might both be wondering how they missed); and with four minutes left, Gatera received a second yellow card and his marching orders for Hythe.  He seemed quite surprised that two yellows made a red.  Referee Hussey, who had a good match, only played a minute’s overtime, and the game was done.  FT 2-6

This was a very good performance from Brock: much the best of the season, dominant throughout and very impressive.  Everyone had a good game… the goalscorers have got their credit up above, and they deserve it, but I want to take a moment to pick out Jamie-Jay Burgess who was outstanding all afternoon.  Defensive positioning, energy up and back, tackling – you don’t get man of the match when one of your team-mates scores a hat-trick, but he was standout good today.  And so, through to play Bridport in a month’s time, and back to league action at Cowes on Tuesday for those who brave the ferry!  For the rest – well I guess that’s what the blog’s for…