RCC R1 Brockenhurst 2 Totton & Eling 2 (5-3 pens)

7 October 2025

What is it about Totton & Eling?  Third year in a row that they’ve been drawn away at Brock in a cup competition – only they will know whether they see this as a blessing or a curse.  Either way, a chance for Brock to regain some composure after the no-show at Millbrook on Saturday.   Strong team chosen by manager Devlin, although he may not have so many options available to switch things around, especially given that the stand was blessed with a number of players carrying long-term injuries (great to see them, but wish they were out on the pitch!). 

In the end, the Badgers made it through, but it’s fair to say they made heavy weather of it and there was a long period in the second half when an upset seemed on the cards.  All this despite a strong opening to the game: my notes after ten minutes say “All Brock, no cigar”.  Classy move on 13 minutes, Walker skipping past three players before giving the ball to Dunesby-Bent who himself jinked round a couple in the box, but the keeper managed to smuggle the ball behind at the near post.  18 minutes, finally the breakthrough for Brock: this time Walker running into the box, pushed from behind, penalty duly converted by Dunesby-Bent.  From the stands it looked quite a soft decision, but the visitors didn’t argue much (maybe they’re just more respectful than most!).  Brock had created a few presentable chances, but some clean strikes were all hit straight at the grateful keeper Bartlett.  And on the half-hour, the visitors were level: a good high press from the visitors although Brock were fine until Steel appeared to have his legs taken from beneath him – no whistle, the ball out to Ollie Kimble in splendid isolation to the left of the box and he smashed the ball into the top corner.  Great finish.  The Badgers might have reclaimed the lead after a neat move but Colmer’s shot found the trees behind the goal… then Valero was called on to make an excellent close-range save from Male to keep things level at the break. HT 1-1

It took the Millers all of 19 seconds of the second half to go in front – and they didn’t even kick off!  One long ball forward to Noum Brandy near the corner of the box, challenged by Valero, the ball went loose and Brandy collected it to score convincingly from quite a tight angle.  For a period, the visitors then looked the more dangerous side – one overhead kick from Brandy brought a very sharp save from Valero – but Brock did start to take control of possession and to miss some quite presentable chances: headers wide, shots over the bar, blocked or else too close to the keeper.  The visitors may have been tiring but perhaps they were just staying in shape and challenging Brock to break them down… and finally with 9 minutes left they did so, Brooks doing well to bring down a high ball on the edge of the box, Bartlett had come too far out and Brooks managed to turn and place the ball past both keeper and defender and into the unguarded net.  Still ten minutes to find a winner, and to be honest at that moment it seemed quite likely – but the Millers woke up too and started to push forward in search of their own moment of glory.  Dunesby-Bent missed the best of the chances Brock created, lifting the ball over the bar after some fine interplay between subs Crook and Dugdale, there was one more Beale cross which was marginally too high… at the other end, a risky pass across their own box from Brock which Lowther almost intercepted… but spot kicks it was.  FT 2-2

Five great pens from the Badgers: Crook, Dugdale, Colmer, Beale and Dunesby-Bent.  Craven, Lowther and Durdey all scored for Totton & Eling but, alas for them, Marwood missed the target with their first effort, and that was enough. 

Honestly, manager Devs must be scratching his head.  A superb, controlled performance at Andover New Street followed by a dominant home win against Cowes, things were looking bright.  Since then, there was the disjointed scramble against Braishfield (OK, changed team), the no-show at Millbrook (OK, manager not present, happy birthday Steve) and then tonight, for whatever reason, it was all a bit laboured and predictable – the sharp, vibrant passing and movement not really happening.  Fair play to Totton & Eling, they defended stoutly and chased everything down, but a bit more guile would have made their job a lot harder.  Maybe it was just one of those days, and we’re through, so it would be churlish to complain too much.  Not faulting the effort: I thought Marcelo had another really good game, sponsors gave man of the match to Torniainen (twice in a week, Jack!).  Four shootouts already this season, three of them won – at least that’s something!  Now let’s see if they can turn it on against Downton on Saturday.