Match Report - 4 April 2004

Headstone continued their topsy turvy end to the season. Their last six matches have ended 6-1, 1-2, 7-0, 0-6, 1-0 and 1-5. They came into the match with only eight players so they had to work extra hard throughout the match. Headstone hadn't beaten Technicolor in their three previous matches so they were keen to end the run. As ever they battled and worked hard but in the end, Technicolor used the ball more effectively, defended more solidly and were comfortable winners. It seemed that after beating Apoel yesterday, this was just one game too many.

Technicolor, as before, were well organised and they passed the ball well. They got an excellent start with a goal after only three minutes. Headstone allowed them to attack them in the area and Jordan Wright was unable to stop the shot. But Headstone got back into the game straight away. Headstone worked the ball down the left hand side, Brett crossed the ball, the keeper and defender allowed it to run past them and Jordan Coleman tapped the ball home from less than a yard. After a long goalless spell, Jordan has found his scoring boots with 3 goals in his last 4 games. With Thomas, Brett, Conor and Warren all scoring recently it is good for the team that the midfield has been contributing to the goal tally.

There wasn't much between the teams in the first half but Headstone's main problem was in not picking up their midfield players as they came forward and not clearing the ball from the area fast enough. Ciaran was working hard up front but couldn't get into any positions to get a shot on goal. He produced an excellent cross from the left wing but Thomas couldn't finish it off. Thomas also went close with a high shot from outside the area that the keeper caught.

After 15 minutes Technicolor regained the lead when Headstone failed to clear their lines and they scored from inside the area. In the rest of the half there were few chances created by either team and most of the play was in the midfield area.

At the start of the second half Daniel came off, Ciaran went back in defence, Rory went up front and Jordan returned on the right wing. Thomas had another chance but his shot hit the side netting. Brett and Rory also had chances but couldn't add to the score.

Technicolor won the game with two quick goals early in the half. The first, after 30 minutes, was similar to their second. They worked the ball into the box, Headstone struggled to clear and they shot past Jordan Wright. A minute later and they scored again with a spectacular goal that Jordan couldn't handle. The ball bounced loose in the centre circle and, with the wind blowing strongly in their favour, one of the Technicolor players volleyed the ball goalwards. All the players watched as his powerful kick looped high into the air. Jordan Wright saw it flying towards him but as it dipped under the crossbar he was unable to keep the ball out and it sailed into the net.

It was a blow for Headstone but, although their chance to win had gone, they never gave up and played some of their better football towards the end. Rory had another chance but with ten minutes to go Technicolor scored their fifth. The ball ran harmlessly into the Headstone area, Russell and Jordan both looked to have it covered but the Technicolor striker sneaked in to touch it into the net.

Ciaran who had come off earlier in place of Daniel, returned in defence to allow Russell a chance up front. Brett went back on the left in place of Rory. Russell quickly got involved and had a chance that went just wide and then produced a cross that was just too deep for Brett.

It was disappointing for the team to lose their last soccer sevens match but overall they can feel proud of all that they have done this season. They have played in many tough matches, have produced some notable results, have drawn or lost matches that they ought to have won but, in Phase 2, have got the wins they deserved. It is also good that the goals have been spread widely throughout the team. The players have shown a good team spirit with all the players working for each other and supporting each other.

Daniel Lynch was man of the match for the hard work he put in, in defence.