Hadlow United Vrs Tonbridge Town

31st August 2003 (WKSFL)

United came into this fixture with confidence and left scratching their heads.  With their manager away for the first two league games of the season, they seemed to have no direction and were off of the pace for much of the game.  They went in 0-0 after a fairly even first 45 minutes but lost a goal early in the second half after Town sprang the offside trap and despite the linesman's flag the referee played on the and the ball ended up in the back of the net.

United battled on and became more of a threatening with Muir causing havoc down the right flank.  Hadlow their reward when Excell chased a seemingly lost ball and challenged in the air for Harvey to open United's account for the season.  United were on the rampage and when Leach made it 2-1 with a dink over the keeper the points looked to be in the bag.  Phil Betts came close to increasing that lead on a number of occasions and looked sharp up front.  A dubious free kick was awarded just outside United's 18 yard box and when the ball was swung in it was cleared before being pumped back in and powered in beyond miles to bring the score level.

With both teams looking for maximum points Hadlow won a corner which was cleared to Towns midfielder who ran the length of the pitch past three despairing United challenges and the ball finished in the net with just four minutes remaining.  

The sour point of the match was to follow when Walsh was cynically fouled but his reaction was more Bruce Lee than Robert Lee and after a scuffle involving nine or ten players (most of whom were trying to keep the peace) was given his marching orders and now faces a suspension and a hefty fine.  Carl Latter was also sent off for retaliation in the incident.

Not a good day at the office for United on the whole so there is plenty of room for improvement.