Hadlow United Vrs The Imperial

26th September 2004 (WKSFL)

Imperial were the visitors for Hadlow's first home game of the season that, with no referee appointed, club secretary took control of and performed admirably.

With Garside away and Carlton fit to return to the heart of the defence the "dream team" centre midfield partnership of Cooper and Harvey started together for the first time this season. Hadlow started well  keeping the ball for sustained periods. A corner was put away from close range by Webb after 10 minutes shortly before another corner was met by Cooper for the second.

Hadlow were dominating the game playing great football. Imperial rarely got into Hadlow's half and another fine passing move resulted in Cooper being fouled in the box and Webb scoring the resulting penalty. A fourth was not far behind with Leach scoring direct from a corner and Webb completed his hat-trick with another close range effort after a good cross from Phil Betts.

At 5-0 up Hadlow, understandably, took their foot of the pedal a little in the second half and Imperial had more chances, though mainly from long balls. A consolation goal was scored by Imperial denying Kurten his first clean sheet, before Phil Betts made it 6-1 with a goal showing great determination.

Hadlow brought on Howie, Magic and Race for Wood, Betts and Walsh who had all performed well and the remaining 25 minutes petered out.

Team:

Kurten, Walsh (Howie), Carlton, Cook, Bridges, P.Betts (1) (Bellars), Cooper (1), Harvey, Wood (Race), Leach (1), Webb (3)