Match Report - 19 September 2004

The B team's first game against Kensington ended in a 0-4 defeat but the score didn't do justice to the effort put in by the boys particularly in the second half. Like last week, Headstone gave themselves a mountain to climb going in at half time three goals down but after the break they came close to scoring and Kensington had few chances.

At the start of the game Headstone started much better than Kensington. They pushed forward and won five corners in the opening minutes. But they couldn't create anything from them to test the keeper. Kensington hadn't threatened at all but then they took the lead with their first attack. The biggest danger from Kensington was down the wings and from a speedy break down the right they whipped in a good cross and Russell, attempting to clear, steered the ball into his own net. Jordan Wright couldn't stop it as it powered past him. Three minutes later and it was 0-2 when, from the same side, they crossed again and a fumble in the area fell to Kensington to poke the ball home.

It was a shock for Headstone but they struggled to create clear chances as their passing was poor. Kushal, with a header, and Joe, with a shot, went closest. At the other end Jordan Wright made two superb saves. First he made a brave diving save at the feet of their attacker who raced through one on one. Then as they played a long ball over the top he raced out of his goal to clear. Headstone had to adjust their team as captain, Daniel Lynch, went off with an injury to his foot. It was a blow to the team but they responded well, Thomas Green switched to defence and Jordan Coleman came on in midfield. But Kensington scored a third with a long run through the midfield and defence that should have been cut out and they scored with a powerful shot.

Headstone's second half performance was the best they have played this season and was a return to the good work they showed in the summer friendlies. The players worked much harder for each other, battled for the ball and created opportunities with some good passing. For much of the half they had the ball in Kensington's half of the field and Joe, Brett, Tom, Russell and Jordan went close. Jordan made a difference to the team with his fine passing and Niall and Russell played really well in the defence.

Russell's chance came from a direct free kick on the edge of the box. His shot produced a fine save from the keeper but no-one followed it up. Jordan had an indirect free kick close to their goal after their keeper picked up a back pass. Jordan crossed the ball but no-one could stab it home. Kensington added a fourth in the 43rd minute with a curling shot from a corner that Jordan Wright got two fingers to but couldn't stop it going in. Nathan Lane and Josh Street then came on for Kushal and Federico. Both did well and Nathan really battled away up front as Headstone pinned Kensington back.

But there was no way through and Kensington won it 4-0. Russell had a commanding game at the back and took the manager's man of the match award. Francis Nkhoma took the players' award in his first full game for his fine contribution in midfield.