Hadlow United Vrs AC Crowborough

9th January 2005 (WKSL)

Hadlow entertained AC Crowborough who they had beaten 4-2 on the opening day of the season. The same eleven started as last week in blustery conditions that favoured the home side in the first half. However Hadlow were slow to take advantage of this with AC's central midfield pair controlling the first 20 minutes with their accurate passing. Hadlow slowly took control back of the midfield and took the lead when a cut back from the bye-line by Wood was tapped in from a yard by Webb. A few minutes later that same combination made it 2 when Wood found Webb who got himself half a yard for a weak left foot strike that somehow beat the keeper. Hadlow were now flying with Webb causing havoc when moving out wide and being found regularly by the rest of the team. A trademark Webb dribble resulted in Leach scoring from 12 yards either side of two other close efforts from Leach. Yet another Webb run forced a corner that Leach swung in, the keeper again did poorly under pressure form Harvey who then had the easy task of putting the ball in the net. The score had gone form goalless to 4-0 in less than 15 minutes and the remainder of the first half was AC attacking but Hadlow stood strong defensively.

The wind picked up during half-time and meant Hadlow would be on the back foot for much of the second period. Straight from the start AC had a great chance to pull one back when their striker got clear only to fail to hit the target. Though Hadlow were working hard, Kerton making one fine save, AC did eventually break through to score after rounding the keeper who had  parried the first shot. A sign of Hadlow's progress is how disappointed they were just to concede after nearly 400 minutes without doing so. The customary introduction of Phil Betts and Magic as fresh legs had been done early in the second half and they had their usual effect. Magic was getting lots of space on the left flank and linking up well with Grundy, who was dropping deep to allow for the conditions. AC were getting very frustrated at their lack of impression on the game, resulting in much dissent to the referee and 4 bookings by the end of the game. They were very fortunate not to have their keeper sent off for an attempted punch on Grundy in the final minute, and the referee commented that Hadlow did very well not to retaliate.

Back to the action, with AC concentrating on moaning rather than playing and Hadlow's fresh legs out wide United were getting chances on the break and one of these was put away by Leach after another mazy run by Webb. AC, realising the result was lost, decided to completely give up playing and concentrate on whining instead for the last 15 minutes. Harvey was almost back to his usual form after a few quiet games and had a few of his trademark dribbles past numerous players, one of these resulted in the ball squirming out to Phil Betts to score on his final game before he goes travelling. Final score 6-1.

So for the second week in a row Hadlow have scored 6 against fairly strong teams, with 12 wins from the last 13 games Hadlow are looking on course for some silverware.

Team: Kerton, Walsh (Howie), Cooper, M. Betts, Bridges, Harvey, Excell (P. Betts (1)), Leach (2), Wood (Bellars), Webb (2), Grundy

Sub Not Used: Garside