Match Report - 18th November 2007

Today was a weather man's dream, gale force wind driving across the pitch, freezing conditions and driving rain. The conditions were so bad that the parents were either hibernated in their cars or camped down in the dug out.

Pinnacle have struggled since moving into the Harrow League but have a fine football pedigree so we knew this was going to be a hard game. Headstone have won three out of three and a win today would put them second with four games in hand over the third and fourth placed teams. Headstone started strongly against the wind and within two minutes some neat play between Michael and Liam exposed the Pinnacle defence and Liam broke through for a one on one on with the keeper but sadly the finishing was not as good with the ball going straight to the keeper.

This miss seemed to give Pinnacle a lift and they started to play some very good football which is not reflected in their league position. The wind was causing Headstone problems and Pinnacle's big strong midfielder was winning a lot of the ball. Headstone changed tactics and moved Tyrell into the middle of midfield to help Ryan. The pairing started to work well and soon stopped the play moving through the middle of the pitch. Pinnacle then started to try and attack us on the flanks. The ball started to move down the right hand side but Josh had far too much pace and strength for their attacker. Pinnacle tried the direct route down the middle to their big centre forward, But Luke controlled the aerial game and Joey's pace and strength was always too much for them. Whilst the wind helped Pinnacle they could not make any clear chances. Headstone started to adapted more to the conditions and play the short passing game. Tyrell passed the ball to the edge of the Pinnacle box where Michael chipped the ball over the defence. Liam was quickest to respond and showed great strength to drill the ball into the net under pressure from the defenders. Headstone continued to press with Altin's pace causing problems for their defence but the final ball never came.

Half time arrived, the second half would mean Headstone would have the all important wind behind them. Whilst Headstone had not played well the boys went out determined to impose themselves. The second half started With Ryan imposing himself on the midfield and delivering a wonderful through ball to Michael who was unlucky not to score. Ryan and Tyrell took control of the midfield and Sam and Francisco commanded the flanks. Pinnacle were finding it hard to clear their lines and were unable to clear the half way. The second goal came from a Ryan cross that Michael headed onto Liam who drilled the ball into the net. Headstone at that point started to take more control and when Tyrell won the ball powerfully in midfield he sprinted forward scoring an excellent solo goal. Over the next 20 minutes Headstone won 9 corners but the ball would not go in the net. Sam, Ryan, Luke, Joey, Michael Altin and Fransisco all had good chances but Pinnacle defended excellently and managed to get their bodies in front of the ball. Pinnacle though never gave up and always tried to play football and are a far better team than their position in the league.

The last goal saw Josh deliver the perfect ball from the wing for a forward, head height on the six yard box. Michael and Liam both arrived. Michael could see his name all over it although Liam was in front of him. Liam stuck his head on the end of the ball for a truly collector’s goal.

Headstone won 4-0 against a good footballing side on a horrible day. An excellent performance by the back five, another clean sheet, a midfield that looked powerful and dangerous with two forwards working hard for each other.