Match Report - 10 November 2002

This was a very hard game played in the rain on a soggy and partly waterlogged pitch. St Andrews were a strong side with a number of very big players and a couple who were clearly ‘A’ team standard. But Headstone never stopped battling and both teams produced an exciting game with chances at both ends.

The first half was very even with Daniel, Ciaran and Nathan keeping St Andrews at bay with a strong performance in defence. Jordan Wright produced some good saves including an excellent one from a free kick near the edge of the area.

At the other end Jordan and George worked well in midfield and Russell and George each went close with shots on goal. Early in the second half Brett came on as a second striker and Nathan went off. As expected Brett used his pace to stretch the St Andrews defence.

Despite pressure from St Andrews, Headstone held firm but in the 34th minute they broke through and scored and nine minutes later they added another. Headstone never stopped battling though. Daniel and Ciaran produced some great tackles, clearances and surging runs forward to try to set up Jordan, George, Brett and Russell.

In the 47th minute Brett raced through the St Andrews midfield and fed the ball to Russell on the edge of the area. Russell knocked the ball forward and was tripped by the defender. The referee awarded a penalty and Russell stepped up and scored from the spot. Headstone surged forward looking for an equaliser and Brett and Russell had shots that went close.

But in the last minute St Andrews pushed forward and caught Headstone to make it 3-1. A disappointing outcome only because the players worked so hard for no reward, but St Andrews merited their win. Ciaran was man of the match for a great performance in defence.