Hadlow United Vrs East Peckham Predators

30th January 2005 (WKSL)

After last week's disappointing result vrs Sporto Hadlow altered their tactics slightly for their first ever game against East Peckham Predators. Leach played as a deep plying central midfielder in a 4-1-3-2 formation and the change worked well with him mopping up many Predators' attacks before launching many of Hadlow's raids. Both full backs were finding lots of room due to the narrow midfield three and Hadlow were in complete control for the whole of the first half. Hadlow took the lead when Harvey made a great run down the right, beating several defenders, before a one-two with Excell put him clear in the box for a simple finish. Hadlow had several more chances with Bellars, Leach and Wood twice spurning well created opportunities. The half-time score of 1-0 was perhaps not adequate reward for Hadlow's dominance.

Predators had not had a chance at all in the first half but almost equalised straight away after half-time this turned out to be their only real chance though a sliced kick by Kerton almost landed in his own net. The second half was a more even affair, Webb came on to replace Bellars but few chances were being made by either team. Mid-way through the half Excell released Webb down the right whose pace took him past the defence before his cross was put into the net by a defender, under pressure from Grundy. With the result now assured the game degenerated. Predators were jumping into tackles but Hadlow were not to be intimidated.

Four Predators players were cautioned, together with Leach, with one of these being sent-off after the match for abusing the referee. Harvey took a whack to the ankle during this period and is a doubt for the, likely to be feisty, return game next week. In the midst of the regular free-kicks Hadlow were earning, Cooper was going close with on a few occasions, Webb managed to fail to hit the target when put through by Grundy and the game petered out to finish 2-0.

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

(1 o.g)

Sub Not Used: Cook