Match Report - 17 October 2004

Headstone Manor B team's first ever cup match was always going to be a tough encounter. Drawn against Northolt Eagles A in Round 1 of the Middlesex County Cup, a team two divisions above them. It was going to be a backs to the wall job and the boys can feel proud of the way they responded to the job they were given and for making a real game of it. Having encountered three heavy defeats in the league, Headstone's aim was to keep Northolt at bay and although they ended up losing 0-4 they made Northolt work hard for their goals and for the win.

Headstone's football wasn't pretty but for the first half it was effective as Northolt held possession, played the ball around neatly, but failed to make the breakthrough. Headstone soaked up the pressure and the defence and midfield scrapped for every ball. Russell and Daniel were very strong in the centre of defence. Niall and Charlie combined well on the right and on the left Josh and Federico were put under pressure by some speedy and tricky breaks down the left wing. It was from one such break that Northolt took the lead after 13 minutes. They got behind the defence, put in a cross to the near post which Russell and Jordan went for. Russell attempted to head clear but it flew over Jordan into the corner.

Thomas, Joe Jordan and Joe Cowan sat in front of the defenders and battled for everything looking for Tom whenever they could. Tom worked tirelessly as he was heavily outnumbered but he never gave up. Northolt forced four corners and produced several good shots but Jordan did well to deny them with several good saves.

In the second half Northolt got the perfect start with a goal after two minutes. It was just what Headstone were hoping to avoid. Shortly after, Kushal came on for Charlie to give some more support to Tom up front. There was still plenty of pressure to soak up and the defence and midfield carried on as before battling hard. But they were caught out by two goals in the 41st and 49th minutes. On both occasions Headstone failed to close Northolt down on the edge of the area and they scored from two looping shots that sailed over Jordan. Rory did very well on the left coming on in place of Federico. He pushed forward to support the attackers and won and used the ball well. Having run so hard for so long Tom then came off to be replaced by Nathan.

Thomas Green got the manager's man of the match award. He did a great job in the centre of midfield and Tom Wrigley got the player's award for his tireless work up front.