Match Report - 16th December 2007

Although this was played at Broadfields the game was a home match for Ealing Rangers since their pitch could not be used this week. Ealing Rangers recently transferred from the Hayes & District League where they played in the Premier League. Ealing have had a difficult start to the season having played 9 games they have lost 7 and won 2. Ealing have though been very competitive scoring 14 and conceded only 22 with their highest defeat being 0-4. The Ealing line-up contained a number of big physical looking boys and there attitude before the game in there warm was extremely positive.

Headstone have been playing catch up all season following the delay to the start of the season and the boys were aware that a win today could put them top of the League. The game started at a frantic pace and it became apparent that Ealing Rangers were no push over and were up for the physical. The early exchanges physically were dominated by Ryan Hayes and Tyrell. Ealing were finding it hard to contain these two and after Altin was released down the wing he delivered a perfect cross to Michael who, though normally so dominant in the air, was unable to make a clean connection. The ball then fell to Liam Coles whose shot did not trouble the goalkeeper.

In recent weeks we have let teams come back into games by not taking our early chances. I was concerned that this was going to happen again. Headstone shortly afterwards forced a corner and Liam delivered another inch perfect cross that was met by Luke. The keeper forced it out, only to the feet of Joey who drilled the ball into the bottom of the net. Headstone were 1 up after 10 minutes and had answered all the early battles.

Ealing were keen to get back into the game and soon realised that any ball driven down the middle of the defence was being dealt with either by Luke in the air or being covered by Joey’s pace. Ryan and Tyrell, after the first 15 minutes, had caused Ealing a number of problems and the duo’s tackling was causing their midfield a number of problems. Ealing are a spirited side and what they may have lacked in technical ability was made up in guts and desire to win. Ealing started to move the ball down the flanks to avoid Ryan and Tyrell with Sam Bensted and James Brophy coming under pressure. Sam Bensted was playing against a huge midfield player who wrongly thought that he would be physical too strong for Sam. This was not the case and Sam not only matched the boy but dominated the player. On the rare occasions that he got past him, James Brophy's pace and tackling were too much for the boy.

Headstone started to dominate more and more and following some excellent link play from Carl Power and Tyrell, Altin was given the space to use his pace and delivered an excellent cross that was impossible to defend. 2-0 to Headstone. Ealing tried again to maintain some pressure on Headstone but were unable to hold onto the ball long enough. It was becoming apparent that they were sensing the only way they were going to score was via corners or free kicks. Headstone kept the pressure going and following a powerful run by Ryan Hayes into the box the third goal was scored.

Ealing Rangers came out for the second half full of fight and pressed hard to get them back into the game. Headstone had been forced into some substitutions just before half time following the injury to Altin. Babak had been asked to fill in at right back and Carl had moved into the midfield. Whilst Ealing were not able to break down the Headstone defence it was decided to move Carl back into the defence. The team regained its balance and was able to regain its composure.

Headstone to start to relax and play some excellent flowing football. James Brophy, who was continually looking to run the ball out from the back, delivered a perfect ball to Ryan who in turn put the ball to Liam’s feet. Liam drew the defenders with him to the edge of the box while Michael peeled off the defenders to the far post. Without looking Liam delivered the ball across the box to Michael who only had the keeper to beat but sadly put it over the bar. Headstone started to move the ball from one side of the pitch to the other. Sam was substituted for a deserved rest and Altin with his first touch drilled the ball into the net from the corner. Ealing’s chances were being restricted to long range shots and Jack's handling was first class. Jack’s ability to start the attacks from the back is becoming a very potent weapon and was causing endless problems for Ealing.

Headstone again changed their formation and moved Babak into the middle, Tyrell onto the flank and Sam into the right back position. Tyrell and Ryan were now running the game and Headstone were playing their passing football. Sadly the best move of the game did not end up with a goal. Babak won the ball following a goal kick and neatly passed it into the feet of Ryan who controlled the ball and floated the ball to Michael who had pulled away from his marker. Michael controlled the inch perfect ball on his chest taking it down and cutting inside his markers. Tyrell had seen this move developing and had been running at full pace towards the box, Michael released the ball inch perfectly into his path on the penalty spot. Tyrell caught the ball and tried to place it into the corner but unfortunately it just went past the post. Four boys involved all showing excellent vision and control no one being greedy just looking at what is best for the team.

These changes caused more problems for Ealing with Headstone stretching their lead to 7-0. Ealing to their credit did not give up and managed a consolation goal at the end.

Ealing Rangers position in the League does not reflect their ability and Headstone will need to be on their guard for the return fixture. A good result for Headstone seven goals all delivered into the box and finished. 3 goals from the forwards, 3 from the midfield and one from the defence. Competition for places increases, no-one’s position is automatic and the boys are rising to the challenge that competition brings.