(08-Feb-14) vs Haslemere Town Harriers (H): 1-3

The One That Got Away

Whilst it was excellent to get back in the saddle after what seemed an eternity we also received a reminder of how cruel a game football can be. In the time honoured fashion at least we can now concentrate on the League ( although Haslemere are in the same league as us…..maybe a chance for revenge?).

Haslemere were always going to be a tough prospect having got off to a flyer after being promoted, and so it proved. Their “little and large” strike force was extremely skilled and mobile and our back line had to be on their toes – as did your truly running the line.

Beyond that both teams had to cope with rather a strong wind which made judging passes, clearances and headers very difficult indeed.

Inevitably, after so long between games, the boys took a little while to get into their stride and we were caught on the break. However, and credit to the boys and the coaches here, we managed to waken ourselves sufficiently to get an equaliser and go in level at half time.

In the law one must guard against any appearance of bias, but I have to say that Joe’s header was a cracker and finally all of the practice in the back garden paid off. Up to now I always thought Joe had a head like a 50p piece such was the variety of the resulting direction of the ball when it hit his head ( a not insubstantial target it must be said ) but this time it all came together. But a special mention also has to go to Charlie Morris who served up a brilliant cross! Mention also should go to Oscar who pulled off a brilliant save to keep us in the game.

The wind was behind Haslemere in the second half and despite this we still had most of the play. The two Maxes at the back kept things under control, ably assisted as always by Euan and Ollie.
The two Maxes also proved to be a real threat further forward as well with Max ST going on some swashbuckling raids and Max I hitting the post and being the victim of a pretty amazing save by the Haslemere keeper. Charlie Morris was a constant threat, ably assisted by Charlie Beeson on the other flank.

Sadly the wind played it’s part and Haslemere managed to squeeze themselves in front.

Cue frenzied attacks – the sort of thing you see when someone announces that there are cakes in the kitchen for someone’s birthday ( but with less swearing and violence ). Ryan was a pivot in midfield with Noah doing some excellent work down the left wing, and Max ST and Max I pressing forward and Joe putting his foot in. We weren’t getting knocked out of the Cup without a fight. Possibly the longest series of corners since Watford v Wimbledon pinned Haslemere down with Charlie Morris putting the ball right on the money and a variety of boys getting to hit post bar and keeper with Haslemere almost scoring a series of OGs.

Surely our luck would change.

And it did.

For the worse…

A pretty plain handball ( the sort Stevie Wonder could see with lights off …..from space ) somehow wasn’t called and, as always seems to be the case when things aren’t going for you, Haslemere scored on one of their counter-attacks.

We can’t be this unlucky again.

The match was played in an excellent spirit between two very good teams and maybe the “right” result was a draw.

Well done everyone and well done Joe for getting Man of the Match.

Match Report - Download / Open