Harriers Hover High over the Badgers!

WCFC U15s The Badgers lost their third consecutive home game when they were defeated by Frome Town Harriers at a sunny Northbrook today. Already missing 3 players, the Badgers were forced into a further change when Theo had to withdraw through injury this morning, resulting in William bringing his leadership to centre half, Eddie going in goal, Solly at right back and Louis coming out of retirement to reinforce the bench. The Badgers made light of the changes and started brightly and a neat interchange down the left between Toby and Teddy almost played in Nathan. Frome showed their intent with a shot which William did well to block. Ashton was having success down the left, first shooting just over and then crossing for Sonny to header straight at the keeper. Toby's long range shot went just wide and at this stage the Badgers were dominating, forcing the Harriers back. On 14 minutes however it took a great save from Eddie at his near post to keep the Harriers out but on 20 minutes they took the lead. A combined tackle by Solly and Bailey in the box was adjudged to be a foul and the resultant penalty was coolly tucked away by the dangerous Frome number 10 to make it 1-0. The goal rocked The Badgers and the Harriers produced the best move of the game when a slick interplay down the left saw their striker released in the centre to slot the ball past a helpless Eddie to make it 2-0 after 23 minutes. 3 minutes later, the Badgers finally got a break that their play deserved when a long range free kick from Captain Bailey, such a potent weapon for the Badgers, soared over the Harriers keeper to make it 2-1. A tactical change saw Louis come on up front and the change almost worked immediately when his flick on almost released Teddy. The game was now really entertaining and even, with great competitions across the pitch. Man of the match Solly, enjoying arguably his best game for The Badgers, was using his pace at right back to cover behind, well supported by Joe. On the left Bailey was competing well on the ground and in the air against their number 10. In time added on to an extended first half by the referee both sides nearly scored, Toby seeing his shot just over the bar and Frome heading over from close range to leave the score 2-1 at half time to the visitors.

The second half was fiercely contested across the park throughout. Eddie was forced to come out and make a sharp save at his near post. At the other end, a Bailey freekick was cleared and then on 53 minutes, Eddie made a great full length save from a Frome free kick. The game was end-to-end, the next goal crucial. The Badgers were pushing forward strongly, with good fluency and interchange in midfield. Lewis was now in the anchoring role, snuffing out danger, allowing Toby and Sonny to press forward prominently with Teddy playing off the last man. All that was missing was the final ball and bit of quality to create the chances. It was somewhat against the run of play therefore when the Harriers extended their lead on the hour mark when the Badgers failed for the first time to close down and a long range shot looped high into the roof of the Badgers net to make it 3-1. The Badgers, driven forward relentlessly, by William kept going. Kacper now replaced Louis in what might be the last game Louis plays due to injury. His withdraw drew warm applause from parents and coaches alike, not just for his effort today but remembering his contribution to the 'Invincibles' unbeaten season 2 years ago when he scored some vital goals. Kacper almost scored with his first touch following a scramble in the box and then Sonny almost stole the ball from the keeper in a robust 50:50 challenge leaving them both hobbling. With the Badgers surging forward, the final score however came from the Harriers. With 3 minutes remaining, a free kick from outside the box was cutely taken immediately the referee blew, catching the Badgers defence and Eddie off guard still forming the wall. When Toby just failed to connect at the far post that left game ending 4-1 to the visitors. Whilst this is the worst losing streak for 3 seasons, there are still many positives for the Badgers from the performance,. For long periods they were the better team and the final score, for the second week running, flattered the opposition with late goals. The whole team, weakened through injury, competed well right to the end against a good Frome Town side, but they will need to try and recapture their goal scoring form in games to come to climb up the table.