Match Report - 12 September 2004

Pitshanger B continued their impressive start to the season in Division 4. Following their 7-4 away win last week, they continued to boost their goal difference with a comprehensive 12-1 home win over Headstone Manor B. Pitshanger's calm, clinical finishing, impressive teamwork and superior stamina were too much for Headstone and the game looked over at half time with Pitshanger leading 5-0.

But in the opening minutes Headstone looked the more likely scorers with two impressive breaks down the left wing by Brett Swinton-Bland. Brett used his speed to race into the area but was unable to produce a strong enough shot to beat the keeper. Then Pitshanger hit two goals in as many minutes to give them a 2-0 lead and the way they carved through the Headstone defence gave an early signal of what was to come.

On a full size pitch, and having only just started training, Headstone struggled to get back to support the defence who were left outnumbered. Headstone found themselves too spread out and as the goals went in too many players left it to their team mates to do the basic defensive duties. It was a tough baptism for Tom Wrigley in goal who had taken on the role in the absence of Jordan Wright and Charlie Wingate. But Tom was left exposed for most of the goals and made a number of impressive and brave saves throughout the match. So much so that he won the manager's man of the match award.

Although Pitshanger led 5-0 at half time their shots tally was the same as Headstone's. However, whereas Pitshanger were confident and accurate in front of goal, Headstone struggled to get clear, powerful shots on target. Many of the attacks came from Brett's runs down the left and from one Thomas Green came within a whisker of scoring but his shot drifted just over.

With the wind behind them after the break, Headstone needed an early goal to get back into the match. But it was Pitshanger who got the goals, making it 7-0 two minutes into the second half. From then on it was a question of whether Headstone could keep the score down. However demoralised they were Headstone kept battling but the defence was unable to stop further attacks and goals as Pitshanger continued their excellent finishing. Late in the game Pitshanger were awarded a penalty when Daniel Lynch's tackle was judged to have been a foul. Pitshanger scored with a superbly taken penalty but the referee ruled it out for encroachment.

In the 46th minute Headstone were delighted to get one back and it was unsurprising that it came from some determined play by Brett down the left. His cross beat the keeper and Thomas was on hand to finish. The player's man of the match went to Brett who caused Pishanger most trouble throughout the afternoon. But there was no stopping Pitshanger who added further goals to seal a 12-1 win.