Derby day delivery as Badgers make it 4 on the bounce

Capelli Midland Football League

Premier Division

Vs Stone Old Alleynians – 13^th December 2025

After an imposed 34 day break from league action, the Badgers faced an away derby fixture against Stone Old Alleynians at Newcastle Town FC. The game saw a start for our new goalkeeper George Scott, plus almost a clean bill of health for the Badgers, a rarity this season. In a cagey opening with both teams finding their feet, the home side through the impressive Ramsey and statuesque Tomlinson threated with crosses and headers, but nothing to trouble the Badger keeper. Cooper Marsh provided the unlikely threat on 23 minutes. Following a Morgan shot, the ball rebounded back to Cooper for an 18 yard header making Gill work in the Stone net. At this point, Brocton continued to put more pressure on, but the Stone backline stood firm with Baxter commanding his troops. However, on 41, the Badgers broke the deadlock. Jude won the ball back in the Stone box, laid it across to Morgan who turned and hit a shot through the defenders legs past a wrong-footed Gill. Half time, Brocton starting to go through the gears on the road, showing why they had won the previous 3 league matches.

The second half continued as the first ended, with the Badgers winning those midfield battles. The home side still threatened with Tomlinson through the middle, but these were few and far between. The next Brocton player to threaten came from an unlikely source. Morgan won a corner, with a deep cross from Connor Haddaway, met by Ben Haddaway and back into the 6 yard box, there was Kenny Devoir with a volley from close range but over! A real chance to extend the lead. By this point, Reg Smith and Adam Weldon had entered the pitch and combination from the both almost led to a finish on goal. On 78 Reg forced Gill into a double save from close range and then Gill denied Ben with a long rising shot. Were the Badgers about to rue missed chances? On 90 minutes, we had the answer to that question, twice. Firstly, Jude King received far too much space in the box and hit a low hard drive Gill had no chance with, then on 93, Connor Haddaway drifted in on the right hand side, and hit a strike with his weaker left foot, but with total precision he caught Gill off-guard. The Badgers leading 3-0 in double quick time. The hosts were to have the last say as a strike from inside the box, hit the post and rebounded in. However, it’s 4 wins in a row for the Badgers, now up to 9^th in the table and look ready for the Christmas fixtures.

Team

Scott, Reid, Simcox, Devoir, Vaughan, B Haddaway, Thomas, C Haddaway, Marsh, King, Payne.

Subs Used: Danan, Weldon, Green-Birch, Smith, Scutt

Goals: Payne, King, C Haddaway

Att: 122