Match Report - 11th May 2008

I would first like to thank Pinnacle for agreeing to play this match pending the results of our appeal. Whilst I have lost faith in the FA and Middlesex over the way they have allowed Harrow League to treat the boys, it was good to see that some teams believe in doing the right thing and I applaud Pinnacle.

This was the hottest day of the year and again Headstone were forced to play another line up since we were short of Michael, Ryan, James, Sam and George who were all injured or not available. So on the hottest day we only had one sub available. The boys were told before the game that this was the day to make the ball do the work so they would not wilt in the sun.

Last week I had been critical of the midfield and they had not been happy and wanted to prove a point. The midfield of Jake ,Tyrell, Josh, Altin and Sam started the game in control and never looked like giving it away. Jake on the wide left looked very dangerous and showed what an asset he can be when he is fit. Jake was continually teasing the opposition and ensured that if there was nothing on he did not give away possession. Shomari was always willing to help and looked in control giving options to Jake when there was nothing on. In the middle Josh had been asked to sit in front of the defence. Josh looked so assured and in control it gave our attacking midfield the licence to push forward. Sam had his best game since arriving at Headstone looking full of energy and keen to be evolved in every attack. Tyrell in the middle was unplayable, his speed and strength causing problems every time he had the ball. The midfield had raised their game as had the entire team. The defence looked rock steady with Shomari fitting into the back four with Luke, Joey and Babak. The back four in recent games have shown outstanding form and could be pivotal in the Premier next season.

Liam has been in outstanding form this season and the goals he scored today were the same, outstanding. This season is not over yet and whilst he has recently lost his strike partner Liam has taken on the responsibility of sole striker. With 5 games left including the tour Liam could well break the 80 goal mark. We know it will be harder next season but let’s just enjoy this season and the quality of goals he has scored.

By half time the boys had completely imposed themselves on Pinnacle and were 3-0 up. Half time allowed Pinnacle time to regroup and re think. We have worked hard on fitness this season, and it was noticeable that the Pinnacle players were feeling the pace of the game and the physical presence of the Headstone team. Joey was moved into the midfield and Josh was moved across to the left midfield position. Joey has been a major find this season his speed and physical presence have added so much to the team. The impact was felt straight away when he ripped through the midfield laid the ball off to Tyrell on the edge of the box who then placed the ball into the box between the defenders, Joey at full speed is a frightening sight and he won the ball easily only to loop the ball over the bar.

To Pinnacle’s credit they came out to at least win the second half and started well, unfortunately fitness was proving an issue and play was being stopped by Pinnacle players suffering cramp. Pinnacle were forced to place there outstanding midfielder in the middle of defence after the centre half went off with a pulled back muscle. At that point Pinnacle as an attacking force were finished. Headstone went on to score 2 more goals with the final score being 6-0.

What do we take out of this game? Firstly, thank you Pinnacle for helping us play this game. Headstone looked strong fast and fit which they will need to be for next season if they are going to compete in the Premier. It was good to see Jake back from injury competing and Shomari playing such a strong game. Headstone now have two games left before the end of the season the question is do they have the desire to go the whole season without losing a game, one more win will give them the title.