Hadlow United Vrs Crowborough Town Reserves

8th February 2004 (WKSL)

Hadlow left the Crowborough pitch feeling robbed by two decisions that went against them and cost them 3 valuable points.

In difficult blustery conditions this really was a game of two halves.  Hadlow capitalised twice in the first half through Webb, one a fine strike from outside the box.  United were denied a blatant penalty as Race put Walsh through and he was pulled to the floor in unceremonious fashion, everyone thought it was a clear penalty including Town players, everyone that was except the referee who then proceeded to dish out two yellow cards, one for Walsh and one for the defender.

Hadlow changed Race for Smith-Foreman for the second period as United were camped in their own half, but resolute defending at the back kept the ship as steady as possible in increased blustery conditions.  Shimell was replaced by the returning Bridges and Walsh switched over to the right.  Halfway through the second half a bobbling cross slipped from Miles grasp and despite a desperate lunge from Carlton the ball squeezed over the line.  Miles made up for this slip with some wonderful goalkeeping and kept United in the game.  The chances to attack were few and far between for Hadlow, although Wood wasted a good opportunity mid way through the second half.

Then came the most controversial incident of the game, with 15 minutes remaining, Town broke down United's right side and as Walsh ushered the striker wide of goal put in a tackle that cleared the ball safely for a corner, the whistle sounded and the referee pointed to the spot.  Miles guessed wrong and Crowborough equalised.

The referee continued to be centre of attention right to the death by booking Excell, and Webb for putting their views across of separate incidents.  Maybe a draw was a fair reflection of play, but in the way the result was decided was indeed extremely harsh.

Team: Miles, Shimell (Bridges), Betts, Carlton, Walsh, Race (Smith-Foreman), Wood, Garside, Excell, Leach, Webb (2).