Match Report - 16th September 2007

Great result for the Bs the highlight of which was the hatrick by Sid Masters. That’s two hatricks in his first two matches. The result was virtually sealed in the first half as the Bs charged into a 4-0 lead in the opening twenty minutes. But the game was heavily influenced by the wind. Hillingdon, playing their first match in the league, were rather shell-shocked by the Bs start, but to their credit kept their heads. When the wind was in their favour they took advantage and made a game of it scoring at the beginning and end of the second half.

It was a sign of the standards the boys have set for themselves, that at the end, after two convincing away wins in a row, they weren’t gloating but were rather flat. Sid's comment that "we lost the second half" summed it up. In truth the boys have and can play much better than they did. But credit should go to all the players for their hard work and determination which helped seal this win.

The Bs started the game really well pinning Hillingdon back and for much of the first half the play was all in the Hillingdon half. Stephen, in the Bs goal, had nothing to do this period. At the other end Sid, who was so sharp last week, picked up where he left off. In just six minutes he took the ball across the face of the goal and shot diagonally into the far corner. Eight minutes later and he scored again with a goal that was set up superbly by George. Hillingdon paid the price for a misplaced goal kick that George pounced on. He raced down the left side of the penalty area and then, brilliantly dummied the defender to give him time to pick out Sid, with a great cross, who was unmarked on the penalty spot. Sid simply picked his spot and it was 2-0.

Russell and Joe looked secure at the back and as the Bs had so much of the ball early on both full backs, Ciaran and Luis, were able to get forward and support the midfield and strikers. Hillingdon made a couple of breaks where they might have threatened but the Bs were strong enough to clear the danger. The Bs best chances fell to Thomas, Ciaran and Russell, who saw a 40 yard dipping shot land inches wide.

On 19 minutes Conor, last season’s top scorer, notched his first of this season. George and Sid were again involved. George took a corner from the left which Sid rose high to head goalwards. The ball was half cleared but fell to Conor who turned and shot. The ball squirmed past the keeper and into the corner. The Bs fourth came three minutes later and proved that persistence pays. Sid chased down a through ball but the defender in front of him was favourite to clear. However, he missed his clearance and Sid raced on. The keeper charged off his line to boot the ball clear. But his clearance struck Sid and flew into the net. It was very bad luck for Hillingdon but they never caved in and were rewarded later in the match.

At half time the Bs brought on Kyle in place of Jordan. In this half the Bs had more shots on goal but less of the play and for the first time Stephen’s goal was threatened. The Bs linked up well in small areas but found it hard to control the match. Too many moves broke down with misplaced passes and lack of control. But there was good communication from many players. Hillingdon’s hopes were raised after just five minutes when a ball played through the middle sent one of their strikers through on goal and he had time to place the ball into the corner.

The B’s chances this half fell to Thomas, Ciaran, Sid, Kyle and Fed who had come on in place of Conor. But though they went close several times Hillingdon’s defence stood firm. During the half Jordan Wright came on as sub to play on the left in place of George. Their keeper caused the Bs problems with some long clearances that caught the wind and which the defence struggled to cope with. In the last couple of minutes one such clearance was launched down the middle and no-one from the Bs was able to clear it allowing their striker to touch it home.

Sid was very close to claiming the man of the match award again for his hatrick but Joe took it for a very calm and authoritative display at centre back where he looked very strong and secure.