Match Report - 10 October 2004

At last some goals and a win. After three successive heavy defeats, Headstone produced a much improved performance all round to grab their first points of the season. There were good performances all around the field. Charlie Wingate, playing his first match of the season, had an excellent game in goal making several outstanding saves. Russell Butlin was really solid in the heart of the defence and Niall Corcoran had another excellent game at right back. But pride of place went to Brett Swinton-Bland who grabbed his first ever hatrick for the team and came within inches of a spectacular fourth.

There was quite a tussle in midfield but Headstone were determined, organised and solid at the back, so much so, that Acton were caught offside many times throughout the match. Headstone made good use of their passing and there were some neat moves down the right, involving Niall, Jordan Coleman and Thomas Green, that set Nathan Lane and Tom Wrigley up. Brett was also a threat down the left with his pace. Tom went close with an excellent shot and Nathan had a couple of good attempts but Acton's tall keeper dealt comfortably with them. Tom used the ball very effectively, holding it up and passing it well.

Then, on 15 minutes, Brett opened the scoring with a sensational strike. Racing away down the left wing he let fly and the ball sailed high over the keeper and landed in the corner of the net. Whether it was a cross or shot didn't matter, it was the perfect example of what all the players can do if they have the confidence to try and hopefully will inspire them all. Two minutes later and he was on hand again to make it 2-0. This followed a good build up on the right and a low cross by Thomas Green and Brett was perfectly placed to touch the ball home.

It was by no means one way traffic. Acton worked the ball well and created three chances that tested the Headstone defence. Charlie made some brave saves and his and Russell's distribution were good. Daniel Lynch and Josh Street also made telling tackles.

Acton nearly pulled one back early in the second half with a long shot that hit the post. They also tested Headstone from several corners but Russell, Daniel, Josh and Thomas cleared their lines with strong headers to set Brett on his way with a couple of breaks. But it was from a poor defensive clearance that enabled Headstone to seal the win and Brett to complete his hatrick. Thomas collected the clearance and played it back into the penalty area where Brett sneaked in behind the defence to lob the ball home. He very nearly made it four with a copy of his first goal but this time the ball just drifted over the bar.

Headstone came within a minute of keeping a clean sheet when, from a deep free kick, Charlie fumbled the ball and Acton prodded the ball home. It showed how tough it is to be a keeper. Charlie made many fine saves but, from his only mistake, they scored. However, the win was sealed and Brett took the manager's man of the match and Charlie the players' award.