Badgers Hammer the Harriers!

WCFC U14s The Badgers produced a ruthless first half display of attacking football to record a comfortable win in their first home league game against Melksham Town Harriers at a changeable West Lavington on Sunday. With injuries and illness restricting the team to only 1 sub, the Badgers made a slow start. Straight from kick-off, the ball was played back to keeper William who, uncharacteristically, fluffed his kick when it bobbled and had to scramble back to stop it crossing the line. One minute later, the Harriers should have taken the lead when a flowing moved played in their striker who screwed his shot wide. That scare kicked started the Badgers into life and only a last ditch tackle stopped Jack getting in. They took the lead in the 5th minute when from another great corner from Bailey, the ball broke in the box for Korey, in his first game after resigning, to lash it in from close range. The second followed 3 minutes later when Teddy, starting on the left upfront after impressing in training, scored with a shot at the near post which squirmed under the unfortunate Harriers keeper. The Badgers were now in complete control with Toby and Korey running the midfield. The 3rd on 11 minutes was another candidate for goal of the season when a thunderous 30 yard shot from Jack crashed into the Melksham net off the underside of the bar. A tactical switch saw Sonny come on in left midfield to provide more support to Bailey at left back, nullifying the Harriers most potent attacking threat preventing any comeback. Ashton, showing his versatility again in right midfield, scored the 4th when he followed up a loose ball in the box following a smart cross from Jack. The game was then effectively sealed when Korey scored his second with a header which looped over the keeper into the net. Still only 20 minutes in, the Badgers tempo then understandably dropped but the defence of Theo, Oli and Bailey dealt comfortably with any Melksham attacks, so ensuring the score was an impressive 5-0 at half-time.

The second half provided an opportunity for the Badgers coaches to experiment with players in different positions. Teddy had a number of chances to increase the lead but each time the excellent Melksham keeper came out on top with a string of good saves. Goal number 6 came straight off the training ground, to the delight of the Badgers coaches. From another sumptuous right wing corner, Toby rose highest at the far post to head in. Man of the Match Korey, now playing at centre half, completed a memorable day when he claimed his hat-trick, cutting in from the right to loop a high shot over the Harriers keeper high into the net. The Badgers were now completely dominant, with keeper William G a spectator, and completed the win with another screamer of a goal when William D showed typical strength and aggression to win the ball on the edge of the Harriers box, swiveled and lashed the ball into the top left of the Harriers next. So it ended 8-0, the Badgers producing a perfect all round display against a spirited Melksham Team who commendably never gave up. The win takes the Badgers up to 4th in the table, two points from the top, with an away trip to bottom of the table Melksham Typhoons next up next week.