Match Report - 17th September 2006

Headstone faced tough opposition in Edmonton Rangers who have been semi finalist for the last two years. On a hot September afternoon Edmonton Rangers arrived full of confidence. The match started at fast pace with both sides playing good passing football. Edmonton had two big central defenders and a big strong goalkeeper. The early play was evenly matched.

Headstone though started to control possession with Jake Gotlieb and James Brophy causing problems for their defence on either flank. Joshua Lapompe at right back look controlled and assured, his link play with Jake causing problems. Whilst Edmonton played good passing football Luke Jerome and Ryan Hayes looked to be containing any threat. The early pressure was causing them problems and George Bensted was unlucky not to score from a surging run into the box.

Headstone though were unlucky to lose Jake injured and whilst he was replaced by Carl we had lost a major threat down the right hand side. Headstone though were punished for sloppy play at the edge of their box and the impressive forward struck the ball into the goal from 30 yards. Michael who was in goal had seen little action up to then and his first major contribution was to pick the ball out of the net.

Headstone reacted well and pinned Edmonton back into their half. Liam Coles and Joshua Smith pressed hard and were rewarded with a penalty just before half time. Ryan took the penalty it was pushed away initially by the impressive goalkeeper who then held onto the ball when Ryan tried to score from the follow up.

Headstone came out for the second half and not for the first time started slowly and conceded a sloppy goal 2 min into the half. The next 15 min saw Headstone lose their way and before they knew it they were 4-0 down. To the boys' credit the they regained composure and started to play some excellent passing football. Sam Bensted and Rory Carolan came on to add some fresh legs to the game.

The boys kept Edmonton pinned into their half and a number of half chances came but were not finished. Riyad Lucy was excellent in defence and some of his tackles were ferocious, but fair. It was great to see Riyad regaining his form. Headstone maintained pressure and Luke's header was well-saved by the keeper. Ryan also had a header cleared by the Goal Keeper and I still cannot understand how the keeper reached this outstanding effort.

At the final whistle, both teams acknowledged the others' efforts, but the score line of 4-0 does not tell the full story. Although the boys and parents were very disappointed I explained to the boys that the football played for the first half and the majority of the second half would have beaten down most sides and if they can maintain that form they will have a good season. Edmonton Rangers are a strong and skilful team and will certainly be a major force once again in the Middlesex Cup - we wish them luck, although we suspect they won't need it.