Match Report - 27 October 2002

Headstone fell to their second defeat of the season against a very strong Bessingby Park Rangers. However, they battled hard in extremely windy conditions and deserved to get more than Brett’s solitary goal. The wind was so strong throughout the match that passing, controlling and even standing up were difficult. But Bessingby played a good passing game, broke quickly out of defence and looked dangerous in front of goal.

For the first few minutes Headstone were pinned into their penalty area and faced a series of corners from both sides. It wasn’t too surprising when Bessingby took the lead with a goal on 5 minutes and after just 8 minutes it was 2-0 with a goal from close range from another corner.

But gradually Headstone gained in confidence. They passed the ball around, produced good shots from Russell, Brett and Jordan and forced four corners. At the other end Jordan Wright made some excellent diving saves and Michael and Daniel worked hard to keep Bessingby at bay. But after 20 minutes Headstone failed to clear from another corner and it was 3-0. Bessingby should have added another before half time but one of their players scooped the ball over the bar from one yard.

Headstone deserved a goal for their attacking in the first half but had to wait until the 38th minute for the breakthrough. Jordan, Russell and Brett combined and Brett’s shot was fumbled by the keeper and rolled over the line. At 3-1 Headstone had the chance to get back in it and Brett had 3 further shots but just couldn’t finish. Bessingby made it 4-1 shortly after when Headstone gave the ball away at a free kick on the edge of the area.

Nathan and Ciaran came on midway through the half for Michael and Russell. Conor was man of the match for an excellent display in midfield but all the players deserved more from this game for their effort than a 4-1 defeat.