Match Report - 13 March 2004

Before the match Harlington were one place and one point above Headstone. During the match there was nothing between the teams until Harlington won it with a goal in the last minute of normal time. The game turned on two penalties in the second half. The first would have given Headstone a two goal lead, the second brought Harlington back into the match leading them eventually to the win. This was a very tense, closely fought match and it looked for much of the game that one goal might settle it.

Headstone started with Daniel and Russell in defence ahead of Jordan in goal. Between them they kept Harlington at bay until seven minutes from the end. Jordan didn't have many saves to make as Russell and Daniel supported by the midfield players worked hard to deny Harlington opportunities in front of goal. Throughout the game Headstone never got their passes going in the fluid manner they managed last week. But, despite that, they held the upper hand for the first half, won many corners and had several good chances on goal.

Brett, playing down the left wing, had a very good game and had two good shots from the left side of the area. One of these set up Rory's fifth goal of the season. In the 14th minute Brett made a surging run down the wing and his shot was parried by the keeper. Rory was in quick as a flash to knock the rebound in from close range. Rory is becoming the B team's goal poacher as this is the third time he has scored in this way this season. Warren also had a good effort on goal in the first half. From Thomas's corner he headed the ball just over the bar.

In the second half Kushal went up front again, Rory went into midfield in place of Thomas and Warren came on for Brett. Despite Headstone's lead there was little between the teams. Harlington were quicker to the loose balls and were strong in defence. Headstone struggled to hold possession for long enough to cause Harlington too many problems.

Midway through the half Headstone had a great chance to establish a solid lead. Headstone attacked down the right hand side, and from Warren's cross the ball struck one of the Harlington defenders on his arm. The referee awarded Headstone a penalty. Russell stepped up to take it and hit a hard shot that flew just wide. Russell, who was having a sound game in defence, kept his concentration and moments later was at the back clearing a Harlington attack. Shortly after Brett and Thomas came back on in midfield in place of Conor and Warren. Both went close with good shots but couldn't add to the lead.

With seven minutes to go it was Harlington's turn to get a penalty also for hand ball. Harlington won a corner on the right and the ball was struck firmly across the face of the goal. Rory was back on his line defending and as he went down to block Harlington's shot it hit him on the arm. The referee gave the penalty which they scored with a powerful shot into the right hand corner of the goal. Jordan stretched to make the save but had no chance with it. The goal gave Harlington the impetus to push on for the win and they stretched Headstone with several attacks. But Thomas nearly clinched it for Headstone with a fine shot from deep on the left that just went over.

The match was decided in the last minute. Harlington attacked down the right and their cross looked to be covered by Jordan. He and Daniel went for the same ball and it bobbled loose into the path of a Harlington attacker who forced it home.

It was an unfortunate end to the match but Headstone had held their own against a good team without playing anywhere near their best. Brett was man of the match for battling away so well in midfield and for creating four good chances on goal.