Hadlow United Vrs Cross Keys TW

23rd November 2003 (WKSL)

United went into this game still looking for their first home league victory, with injuries still playing havoc with Cooks team selection Hadlow were again down to the bare bones.  With Wood, Smith-Foreman, Walsh and Betts out the first half injury sustained to MK did not help matters at all.

Hadlow went 1-0 down after Cross Keys broke through the back three and although Miles did well to repel the first shot the rebound was squeezed home.  United equalised not long after when an Excell corner was powered home by the impressive Goldsmith.  Five minutes later came the goal of the game after good work from Leach down the left Hadlow won another corner which was headed clear, it fell to Carlton on the edge of area and after setting himself hit a blistering shot into the roof of the net from 25 yards, definitely a goal of the season contender.  Then came the collapse and Hadlow found themselves rocked and 4-2 down.  MK left the field with a reoccurrence of his hip injury and was replaced by Dan Race, United switched back to a 4-4-2 formation and Goldsmith tucked into the back four.  Hadlow instantly became harder to break down and had more shape about their play, Garside and Harvey began to pull the strings from midfield and when Webb broke he squared to Leach who made no mistake.  Five minutes before half time Harvey went on a mazy solo effort; beating three players before nestling his deflected shot in the bottom corner, Hadlow went in the happier of the two sides 4-4 at half time.

The second half started as the first half ended and United were on top.  Webb saw a shot fly over the bar and was foiled twice in one on one situations but made amends when he cleverly sucked in three defenders in the 18 yard box before popping the ball to Race who made no mistake and restored United’s lead.  With time ticking down Cross started to pile men forward and got their reward after a howling goalkeeping error from Miles, he misjudged the distance from his goal and was chipped from distance.  United had the last laugh and took the points in the last minute after Shimell played a superb pass down the channel to release Excell who was onside despite the linesman flagging the inactive Webb, Excell drew the keeper before unselfishly squaring for Leach who had the simple task of slotting the ball home.

Team: Miles, Shimell, Goldsmith(1), Carlton(1), Cook, Harvey(1), Muir (Race (1)),  Garside, Excell, Leach (2), Webb