Match Report - 20 March 2004

For the second time this season Headstone Manor and Princes Park produced seven goals but this time, Headstone got the lot recording their biggest ever win. Despite the conditions, a heavy, boggy pitch and a strong blustery wind, Headstone did well to play some effective passing football which the Princes Park defence couldn't cope with. Every Headstone player worked hard and produced some of their best performances of the season.

With Ciaran and Daniel absent, Thomas Green had to play in defence as Headstone went into the match with only one recognised defender, Russell. In midfield Headstone started with Rory in the centre and Jordan Coleman and Conor on the wings. Headstone took a little while to get their passes going but when they did they pinned Princess Park back with a series of corners. With the strong wind though they weren't able to create anything from them.

Kushal had a very good game up front, holding the ball up, passing it to the wide players and getting into position to get shots on goal. Early on, he and Jordan, had chances that went close. At the other end Thomas and Russell contained the Princes Park attackers so well that Jordan Wright had little to do in goal.

Headstone got the breakthrough straight after Warren and Brett came on for Rory and Conor. Russell made a long clearance into the area, Brett collected it and shot home firmly with his right foot. A minute later and it was 2-0. Brett made a fast run down the left wing and crossed the ball for Kushal to shoot home. Headstone continued to cause Princes Park problems with strong attacks down the wings from Brett and Jordan. Brett had three more chances to add to the lead and Warren and Kushal also went close.

Princes Park pushed players forward quickly and Thomas and Russell had to be sharp to deal with their attacks. Jordan Wright was alert to make a good save near the end of the half. Just before half time Kushal put Headstone in a very strong position with a shot from inside the area that made it 3-0.

Conor, who had had a quiet first half, came on for Jordan after the interval and had a very successful second half. Rory came on for Warren. Headstone had more of the possession and, with Princes Park struggling to clear the ball from goal kicks, they put them under lots of pressure. Brett continued to produce some very good crosses from the left wing and after 35 minutes Conor arrived in the box to finish another attack. He and Rory then came off again for Jordan and Warren. Headstone were producing some very good passing moves and in the 42nd minute Jordan got behind the defence to finish and make it 5-0. Moments later he nearly got a second but his shot rolled along the line.

Princes Park still got players forward when they could and Jordan Wright showed his concentration with two good saves. First he raced out of goal to clear into touch and then he tipped a strong shot over the bar. Towards the end the play was centred around the Princes Park goal. Kushal was eager to get a hatrick and went close with several shots. But instead it was Conor who grabbed the team's first hatrick of the season with two late goals to make it 7-0. Even then, Headstone should have made it eight near the end when Kushal broke through with Jordan unmarked in the box. Kushal elected to shoot and the keeper did well to keep the ball out.

All the players should feel proud of their performances. Brett had his best game for the B team, Conor did superbly to score a hatrick, Kushal was very strong up front and maintained his excellent scoring record, Jordan Coleman, Warren and Rory played well in midfield and, man of the match Thomas was so strong in defence that Russell and Jordan Wright had one of their quietest games but were very effective when required.