Match Report - 5 December 2004

Headstone produced a much better all round performance today and, in particular, a second half to be proud of. Despite twice going two goals down Headstone never gave up and were unfortunate not to grab all three points as they pushed Bessingby back in the second half. It was, unfortunately, rather a bad tempered affair with too many fouls and arguments and a booking for one of the Bessingby players for repeated fouling.

It was always going to be difficult to play football as the pitch was extremely heavy and tiring. But both teams did their best to pass the ball and Headstone's passing was much better than they managed against Kodak last week. In the first half Bessingby split the Headstone defence on several occasions and opened the scoring with a quick break as early as the 4th minute. As Niall Corcoran raced back his clearance was intercepted and Bessingby slotted the ball past keeper Charlie Wingate. Seven minutes later Bessingby broke through again, put Josh Street under pressure and squeezed the ball past Charlie. Brett Swinton-Bland raced back to clear the ball but was unable to stop it crossing the line.

At the other end Daniel Lynch had Headstone's best attempts with two headers. Headstone forced a couple of corners and from the second, as Bessingby struggled to clear, one of their defenders handled the ball in the penalty area. Unfortunately, instead of being awarded a penalty Headstone were given an indirect free kick. But right at the end of the half Headstone got one back with another well taken shot on the run by Brett after Rory Carolan sent him through with a fine pass. As half time approached Bessingby restored their two goal lead though Charlie so nearly kept them out. As they broke into the penalty area he dived to make a superb save and then saved again from the follow up. But with the ball squirming loose Bessingby were first to reach it and prod it over the line.

In the second half Headstone upped their game and worked really hard to pin Bessingby back. Most of the play took place in Bessingby's half of the field and Charlie had no saves to make. The three central midfielders really got stuck in and Rory ploughed his way through the Bessingby defence time and time again and was really unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. He had five shots on goal, one of which was just a couple of inches wide. Brett also had a very good game, made a number of runs down the left and had a couple of shots. What was most impressive was the whole team's determintion to win the ball and use their passing to keep it. Jordan Coleman saw a lot of the ball in the centre of midfield and used his passing well and Thomas Green's goal kicks and free kicks were effective.

In the 49th minute Headstone had a chance to cut the lead when Bessingby handled the ball again in the box. This time they were awarded the penalty which Jordan took. His shot was parried by the keeper but, as Bessingby looked on, three Headstone players charged forward for the ball, Brett stabbed it past the keeper and Jordan nudged it over the line. Shortly after Nathan came on for Jamie Brown who had worked hard on the right wing. Nathan joined Tom Wrigley up front and he also went close with a shot as Bessingby struggled to clear from their goal kicks.

Six minutes later Headstone were awarded a second penalty for a challenge in the area. Jordan stepped up again and this time he gave the keeper no chance placing the ball into the corner. At this point Headstone looked much the more likely team to score and continued to plough forwards. Rory took some rough treatment near the end and had to come off having been kicked in the head twice. So as the game closed Headstone finished with ten players.

Rory took the manager's man of the match award for a really determined, inspiring performance. Brett was the player's choice for another goal and good work not only going forward but he worked hard defending as well.