Match Report - 24th February 2008

This was always going to be a tight match, Hillingdon having only lost one of their last seven games. Hillingdon were top of the division before the match leading us by one point although they have played five games more. The game did not get off to a good start with the League referee not turning up and the club phoning around to find a League appointed referee. As a club, we always arrange for referees resisting the opportunity to referee the games ourselves even if the referee has not turned up. This meant the game was delayed for half an hour. Whilst the delay affected both teams Hillingdon got off to the quicker start and it was obvious that the boys were aware of the impact a loss on them would be in the league. The slow start was to be expected since up to the night before we were unaware of the fitness of four first team regulars and although three made the kick off it soon became apparent that they were not all fit.

Hillingdon are a competitive side and this is reflected in the results they have achieved being the only side who have taken points off Brunswick. Hillingdon retained the majority of possession for the first 10 minutes although they only really looked like hurting us when the ball was at the feet of their excellent right winger. James Brophy at left back initially got caught out by this boy’s pace and skill but was able to reduce the risk as the game progressed. Ryan Hayes in the middle of the midfield slowly started to dominate the middle and on a number of occasions placed the ball through to Michael and Liam only for the excellent Hillingdon Centre half to stop them. After 15 minutes, George B came into the midfield and Tyrell who was still not 100% moved to the right midfield position. This change gave the team a more balanced approach and Headstone started to dominate more of the game. After a number of corners, Liam delivered an excellent ball to the far post where Luke caught the ball on the half volley on the edge of the 6 yard box and buried it into the back of the net.

Headstone's success this year has been built on a strong defence and whilst Hillingdon are a good side, they are not the most free scoring so we knew it would be an up hill challenge. This was not one of Headstone’s most fluent displays and the second goal was proving elusive. Headstone had a number of clear chances but today was the day when people played as individuals and this caused us to miss a number of chances. Hillingdon continued to press but were restricted to long range shots since the physical presence of the Headstone defence was too much for their forwards.

The second half started with Headstone now playing with the wind and after 10 minutes Liam Coles made space for himself following a knock down from Michael to drill the ball into the net. Headstone could still not find their rhythm and to the compliment of the Hillingdon boys they kept pressing looking to get back into the game. Hillingdon were rewarded when they scored following a defensive mix up. Hillingdon sensed they could get the equaliser and pushed hard. Headstone weathered the storm and was able to make it three when Liam drove a ball goal bound only for the unlucky Hillingdon defender to head into his own net.

This was a competitive match between two teams who wanted to win. The FA tells us it is hard to find and recruit referees and constant criticism of this lad from the side lines was sad to hear and could have done nothing for his confidence. Whilst I appreciate that people are passionate about the game, unless this is restricted to comments amongst ourselves we will continue to lose referees and be left with the situation of parents/coaches refereeing their own matches and the difficulties that this can bring. This was not a good game for Headstone since we never really got into the game but as they say if you can pick up points when you are playing badly that’s the sign of a good team.