Match Report - 30 March 2003

This was a closely fought match that Harlington deservedly won 2-1. Headstone never got their passing going and some slack marking allowed Harlington back into the game after Headstone had taken a first half lead.

Nathan played his first full game in goal in the absence of Jordan Wright and Josh came into the defence alongside Ciaran. On Harlington's tiny pitch Nathan produced some long clearances but Headstone were unable to make anything of them. Jordan, George and Conor in midfield and Brett up front worked hard but Harlington won most of the loose balls and Headstone found it difficult to create any chances during the first half. Harlington had much more of the possession and created four chances one of which came back off the post. But Josh, Ciaran and Nathan kept them at bay.

After 17 minutes, against the run of play, Headstone took the lead. Jordan took a throw in level with the Harlington area on the left and the ball went right across the Harlington goal to Conor who calmly slid the ball home. Headstone couldn't build on it though and that was their only chance on goal in the half.

At the start of the second half Thomas replaced George and Russell came on up front in place of Brett. Headstone had more of the play in this half and Conor, Russell and Jordan had shots on goal. Conor had a header at the far post from a powerful Thomas corner that dropped just over the bar. From another Thomas corner on the left one of the Harlington defenders headed against his own post but the ball bounced away to safety. Conor also had an excellent chance when he was put though by Russell but, with just the keeper to beat, his shot hit the post and again bounced out.

Two goals in two minutes turned the game right round. Some slack marking in the area allowed Harlington's striker through on goal and he scored with ease. This spurred Harlington on and they nearly scored again from a long dipping shot from outside the area but they were denied by a fine save by Nathan. Jordan hurt his leg midway through the half and George came back on again in his place. Thomas helped create a few opportunities with some good runs down the left and from a number of well taken corners but Harlington's defence held firm to secure their win.