Dormansland Rockets Vrs Hadlow United

12th September 2004 (WKSFL)

Hadlow travelled to Dormansland to face their reserves who were comfortably beaten twice last season. Though still without the injured duo of Excell and Carlton from their starting line up Hadlow were confident of adding to last weeks impressive win.

The departure of Goldsmith in the week, left to join Capel, forced one change in the starting eleven with Howie starting his first game for the club at right back, Wood moving up to left wing and Leach starting upfront where he performed well in the second half last week.

Straight from the kick-off, and before Hadlow could touch the ball, Dormansland scored with a header from a free kick on their right. This poor start disorientated Hadlow who took the first 20 minutes to get their act together. The Dormansland wing-back formation was causing Hadlow's central midfield of Garside and Harvey to be over-run, providing Dormansland with the majority of the possession and when a second Dormansland goal was scored and Hadlow had an uphill task.

For the last 15 minutes of the first half Hadlow performed slightly better and Webb beat 2 defenders on the right wing before providing Wood whose firm shot hit the net.

The half time score of 1-2 was perhaps more than Hadlow deserved but things were to become worse when, shortly after the restart, when Dormansland again opened up a two goal margin.

Hadlow upped their effort and the remaining half an hour was mainly played in the Dormansland half. Phil Betts replaced the injured Magic and Walsh came on for the final 15 minutes for Howie. With less than ten minutes remaining Webb again beat several defenders, this time down the left, before centring for Betts to apply the finish.

Hadlow were now camped around the penalty area in hope of an equaliser and a right wing cross by Harvey caused confusion in the home defence. The keeper spilled the ball and as and in the melee that followed a Dormansland defender was adjudged to have handled the ball and the ref pointed to the spot.. With the game in the final minute Webb stepped up in the absence of Excell to drill the ball home for 3-3.

Whilst Hadlow showed team spirit and attitude in fighting back an improvement in quality is required if Hadlow are to finish near the top of the division.

Team:

Kurten, Howie (Walsh), Cooper, M.Betts, Bridges, Bellars (P.Betts (1), Garside, Harvey, Wood (1), Leach, Webb (1p) Subs not used:Cook