Match Report - 15th May 2005

Headstone got their first win since February and, despite the close scoreline, thoroughly deserved the victory. There were some very good performances from the defenders which enabled the team to keep a clean sheet for the first time in eight games. Luke McNanara, in goal, had no real saves to make and was really only called on to take goal kicks.

Tom Wrigley, who has played most of the season up front, switched to right back and had a superb match. He made good use of his speed to cut out any danger from the Princes Park left wing and he used the ball well. Russell Butlin and Daniel Lynch looked very solid in the centre and Joe Jordan, who has played in every defensive position, had a good game at left back.

Rushil Masrani made his debut for Headstone playing on the left side of midfield. He made some good runs into space in the first half and was rewarded with the only goal of the game after 12 minutes stabbing the ball home from the edge of the goal area. Thomas Green played very well in the centre of midfield working hard to protect the defence using the ball well to try and set up attacks.

Tom Wrigley almost made it 2-0 with a powerful, high, long range shot which beat the keeper but rebounded off the post. The ball fell to Jordan Coleman but he sliced his volley wide. Thomas Green also had a shot that tested the Princes Park defence. Up front Brett Swinton-Bland and Rory Briton found it hard to get the better of the Princes Park back line.

The pattern of the game continued after the break with Headstone more in control but finding it hard to create clear cut opportunities. Daniel had a couple of shots on goal one of which went very close and Rory also was very near to adding to the score. Jordan and Francis Nkhoma switched positions and Jordan saw more of the ball from the centre of midfield.

The game ended 1-0 to Headstone and Tom Wrigley was man of the match for his effective play at right back.