Match Report - 23 March 2003

Headstone played well against league leaders Greenford Celtic but, after a bright start, they didn't create enough chances to win the game. The match was played at Headstone Manor on a warm sunny day. Both previous matches between the teams had ended 4-2, with one win each. But Greenford came into this match after a fine run that had sent them to the top of Division 5 with only one defeat since January.

Headstone started the match very well. Playing down the slope they forced Greenford back and, after only 3 minutes, Conor had a shot from a corner that only just missed. Nathan, George, Conor and Russell kept possession well in the Greenford half and all had shots from inside the area that went close. Behind them Ciaran, Michael and Jordan Wright looked secure and used the ball well to set up further attacks.

After 13 minutes Headstone took the lead with a well taken goal by Conor. George and Russell worked the ball forward and Conor beat the keeper with a good shot. Headstone had had enough possession and chances to build a bigger lead but just two minutes later Greenford were level when Headstone failed to clear the ball from a corner. Jamie, Greenford's best player, crossed the ball from the left but the ball came straight back to him. No-one closed him down and from wide on the left he produced a powerful shot that flew into the far corner. After 24 minutes he scored again from another corner when Headstone were unable to get the ball away.

At the start of the second half Nathan replaced Jordan Wright in goal, Jordan Coleman came on in midfield and Kushal replaced Michael in defence. Early in the half Nathan almost caught out the Greenford defence with a huge clearance that bounced high over the defenders and into the area. But neither Russell nor Jordan could reach it. Nathan repeated this several times but Headstone couldn't take advantage. Kushal played very well in defence, tackling solidly and producing fine long passes to Jordan and George.

The second half was fairly even with a lot of competitive play in midfield but neither keeper was really tested. George and Russell had Headstone's only chances. Russell was man of the match after working really hard up front and for his excellent corners.