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29th January 2012 Kick Off 2.00pm HOME
HURRICANES vs Canterbury Eagles
Squad News: Now that Max has left the club, we are down to a squad of 13. For this game we lined up with Kieran in goal; Hadyn, Jacob, James
and Jaeger across the back; Jack B, Dan, Will, and Ryan in midfield; and Lewis and Ben up front. Starting on the bench were Brandon and Jack S.
Weather Watch: After heavy rain the pitch was very 'clumpy' with the worm casts making for a muddy and slightly uneven surface; I dread to
think what condition some of the other local pitches are in! However, for the most part the rain held off during the game although there was a
chill in the air.
It was all change for the supporters this week, with an enforced move to the opposite side of the pitch due to the FA Respect rules which
require coaches and fans to be apart. Unfortunately it meant as the game wore on that we were subjected to the annoying hooligan-like
behaviour of one of their 'fans' who quite frankly was a disgrace to junior football. Only when Lisa challenged him about his swearing and
verbal tormenting of our keeper did things improve. A real shame when all other Eagles supporters and players were impeccably behaved.
The game began very evenly, with both sides quickly settling into their stride. With 5 minutes on the clock, Hadyn broke out of defence
following a fine interception, but his ambitious long range effort flew wide of the post. Shortly afterwards, some neat interplay in midfield
ended with Jack B lofting a delightful ball over the top for Ryan to chase, but their keeper was quick to sweep up the danger.
Eagles cleared the ball but it came straight back courtesy of a scissor kick clearance by Hadyn. Lewis chased down the long ball and forced a
corner, which was subsequently gobbled up by their goalie who was clearly in fine form.
It was all Hurricanes and some lovely play between Lewis and Jack B provided another half-chance for Ryan but again the keeper beat him to it.
It was 10 minutes before Eagles created a chance of their own which Jacob did well to put out for a corner. The ball was flighted back into
our area and only a brave stop by James prevented the breakthrough. Hurricanes pressed forward again and a great passing move involving Jack S,
Dan and Will, set up Lewis but as he bore down on goal he was foiled by a good last ditch tackle.
A short period of pressure from Eagles called Kieran in to action but he was equal to what they threw at him, although he was grateful for
Ryan's block when it looked like he might be beaten with a shot from just inside the box. As the half-time whistle approached Hurricanes won a
corner which Will delivered perfectly into the danger zone; Jaeger got his head to it at the far post but could not direct it goalwards.
There was just time for one more chance as Lewis' quick throw over the top set up Will for one of his trademark half volleys, however, for
once his aim was off and the ball soared over the bar.
A satisfying first 30 minutes, edged by Hurricanes, but clearly the Eagles defence and keeper were in no mood to concede goals and drop points
as they chase the Div 2 title.
The second half started with an Eagles attack and a pot shot which Kieran gobbled up easily, but to our surprise the ball slipped through his
hands and only his razor sharp reflexes helped him stop it crossing the line. From the drop kick, Will collected the ball, laid it off to
Jack B who skilfully set up Lewis but he failed to hit the target under pressure from the excellent Eagles left back. And it was Lewis who had
the next chance 10 minutes later, but this time his shot went straight at the keeper. Moments later, Ben released Will who connected
powerfully but was gutted to see his shot skim the crossbar. Hurricanes kept up the pressure and a strong run from Lewis saw him beat 2
players and set up Will, but yet again their keeper showed a safe pair of hands.
The tide was very much with the home team as we looked to clinch a surprise victory. A long throw from Will was met by Ryan with a neat header
which just failed to find the back of the net. We were now into the last 10 minutes when finally the deadlock was broken as an Eagles counter
attack resulted in a goal, however, the linesman's flag was raised for offside and the goal was ruled out.
Our next chance came from a long drop kick by Kieran which Lewis collected but after a good run his shot was saved. Eventually we paid the
price for not being more clinical with our chances as, with just 4 minutes left on the clock, Eagles scored following a great cross from the
left and a smart header at the back post which Kieran could do nothing about. And 2 minutes into stoppage time they netted a fortunate second
for a 2-0 scoreline which definitely flattered them on the day.
Reporter's Man of the match: another great team performance with several players shining - in particular Hadyn and Ryan, but for covering
every blade of grass, and showing 110% effort and commitment until the final whistle, this week it goes to Jack B. Well done.
A word too on Lee the referee who stepped in for us at the last minute, and who refereed the game brilliantly from start to finish. Thank you.
Martyn
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