Match Report - 28 March 2004

Ruislip Town are the only team this season Headstone haven't scored against, and a fine display by their keeper together with some good finishing gave them an emphatic win. The win was thoroughly deserved but the 6-0 scoreline didn't reflect the overall performances throughout the match as Ruislip scored two of their goals in the last three minutes of the match and two more in injury time. The difference between the teams was the excellent display by the Ruislip goalkeeper who made a string of good saves to deny Headstone, Ruislip's determination to win the loose balls and their swift movement from defence to attack which, towards the end, Headstone couldn't cope with.

At the start it looked a completely different story as Headstone created three good goal worthy chances in the opening minutes. As Headstone pressed forward Warren saw his firm shot parried by the keeper and then cleared off the line. Moments later Warren and Kushal forced further saves from the keeper. At the other end Ruislip kept Jordan Wright busy in the Headstone goal and he too, made several very good saves. There were lots of attacking moves by both teams and though Headstone had more corners, Ruislip looked more dangerous from theirs and went very close on a couple of occasions.

Daniel and Russell worked very hard at the back and it was only as the half progressed that they got sufficient support from the midfield. Brett was making some fast breaks down the left as Headstone continued to press forward. Warren had another good shot from the edge of the area that forced a great diving save from the keeper. Kushal and Thomas also had chances but they just couldn't find a way through.

Ruislip took the lead in the 21st minute when they picked up the ball on the left hand side and Headstone allowed them to run the ball into the area where they shot home into the corner. It was a disappointing goal to concede but as they went in at half time the game was still wide open and in terms of play and possession there was nothing between the teams.

At the start of the second half Thomas switched back into defence to replace Daniel and Brett replaced Kushal up front. Playing downhill gave Ruislip added impetus and they worked hard to force Headstone back. Brett played his best football on the left and he switched back to the left wing to allow Conor to go up front. Headstone had a great chance to get back into the match with an attack from Brett which Ruislip failed to clear. The ball fell to Jordan on the right with the keeper beaten but his shot came back off the post and his second effort was cleared. But Headstone weren't looking strong enough up front and shortly after, Jordan came off, Kushal went back on up front and Conor went back into midfield.

Midway through the half Ruislip scored their second from a swift break down the right which they slammed home from close range giving Jordan Wright no chance. It was a very well taken goal. But Headstone still had chances. Conor tried a lob from the half way line as the keeper miskicked his clearance but it went just wide. Then Headstone got behind the Ruislip defence on a fast break but the keeper raced out of the goal to save with his hands outside of his area. Kushal took the free kick but Ruislip cleared the danger. As much as Headstone tried to attack they just couldn't find a way through. It looked like the game would end 0-2 but Ruislip kept looking to attack and they crushed Headstone with four late goals. One was an unfortunate own goal from a right wing cross that hit Thomas and flew past Jordan Wright. Another was from a powerful shot from a free kick from outside the area.

A disappointing scoreline but a fair outcome as Headstone were beaten by the best team they have played in Phase 2. Warren, who worked very hard in midfield and who went close with five good shots, was man of the match.