Match Report - 29 November 2003

This was literally a complete washout, played in driving rain on a cold, windy day. No-one wanted to be there, not our players, supporters nor the manager!! All credit to Pinner who handled the conditions much better and took full advantage to record their first win of the season. Disappointing for Headstone, who for the second week running, played the bottom team in the division, had much of the possession and chances and yet lost.

Yet during the first half, it looked as though the outcome would be quite different. Headstone controlled the match and kept Pinner pinned back in defence. Unfortunately they couldn't take advantage. Brett, Russell, Thomas and George had chances but either couldn't find the target or couldn't get past the Pinner defence. George also produced some good inswinging corners but still the goal wouldn't come.

But the whole pattern of the game changed after the interval as the Headstone players struggled to cope with the conditions. Pinner took the lead on 30 minutes when a long range shot skimmed off the wet surface and slipped through Jordan Wright's hands. It was very unlucky for Jordan who had a good game throughout.

Headstone got back straight away with a good attack from Russell whose shot was parried by the keeper. But Brett was on hand to prod the ball home. It was Brett's fifth goal of the season and he is the B team's top scorer.

By this time though, Headstone were down to six players with no more available substitutes. Against Pinner's seven they battled hard but it was inevitable that Pinner would find a way through and they scored two more in the 33rd and 45th minutes.

Pinner were delighted with the outcome while Headstone just wanted to get out of the cold, wet conditions as fast as possible. All the players shared the man of the match award.