Match Report - 7 December 2003

This was a repeat of the opening game of the season against Wasps. Two early goals for Headstone, total domination in the first half, but Headstone failed to turn possession into goals and eventually paid the penalty. With only one game left in the first phase, Headstone can look back at six matches that they have dominated sufficiently to have won but have ended up drawing or losing. The aim in Phase 2 is to concentrate on finishing off matches and be more clinical in front of goal.

Headstone started with an attacking line up. Brett and Russell in midfield and Rory up front caused Wasps problems from the kick off. Daniel and Ciaran were, yet again, dominant at the back. Jordan Wright's distribution, which has improved each week throughout the season, put Wasps under pressure. Thomas had a great game in midfield and, from the early stages, he worked tirelessly finding Rory, Brett and Russell in space. Thomas also produced a series of excellent corners. Headstone almost scored from the first, the ball fell to Russell two yards out but the keeper smothered his shot.

Rory opened the scoring in the 9th minute. Russell broke into the area and hit a tremendous shot which the keeper parried. But Rory followed it up to tap the ball home. Three minutes later it was 2-0. Wasps defence was struggling to cope with Rory, Brett and Russell's breakaways. Rory found Brett with an excellent pass into the area and Brett calmy slotted the ball into the corner.

The pattern of the match continued throughout the half. Headstone kept the pressure on Wasps and Russell, Rory and George had chances but couldn't add to the score. Then, with a minute to go before the interval, Wasps got a goal back. Jordan Wright's clearance was picked up by Wasps in the centre circle and they pushed the ball into the area and shot home.

At the start of the second half Brett replaced Rory up front and a little later Jordan Coleman came on for Russell in midfield. Wasps attacked Headstone more this half but Daniel, Ciaran and Jordan Wright were strong in defence. Headstone's problem this half was that they couldn't turn their possession into clear cut chances and right at the end it cost them the three points. With two minutes to play Wasps won a disputed corner which Headstone failed to clear and the ball was prodded home from close range.

It was disappointing that Headstone let another result get away but they can be pleased with the excellent football that they played. Brett was top scorer for his non stop running and for his fine goal. He is the B team's top scorer with 6 goals and is the second highest scorer throughout the Under 10s.