Hinton looked to bounce back from Saturday’s disappointing season opener as they faced another new side to the league, Hadley Reserves at Dame Alice Owens School in Potters Bar. The pitch was in superb condition as usual and Langley and Bartlett came in for Nash and Spackman, Early on there were warning signs for Hinton as Hadley moved the ball quickly and started to work the ball down the wings. The visitors created a few promising chances but thankfully all were spurned as we struggled to retain possession. Hadley’s best opportunity to score came when the ball fell kindly inside the area and was guided towards goal, with only a superb block from Stancliffe on the line saving the day. The rebound was somehow not converted after a combination of Clarke and Stancliffe again managed to clear the danger. An inviting ball from the right wing was cleared desperately by Puchalla via the post as the pressure continued to build. Out of nowhere, we worked the ball forward to Fitzgerald in a promising position and he showed superb close control to jink past two Hadley defenders near the byline, drew the keeper towards him and then unselfishly set the ball back to Langley, who guided home from close range to give Hinton an underserved lead. It was hoped that this opening goal would inspire us to take control of the game but the pattern of play continued soon after, with our central midfield three of Ekkeshis, Kettle and Langley struggling to get to grips with their opposite numbers and wing backs Bartlett and Stone working tirelessly defensively and having limited opportunities to support our forwards. We had a couple of let offs and saves from keeper Spittle before Hadley deservedly equalised with a well taken volley from their winger from the edge of the area that flew into the corner of the net. Half time – Hinton 1 Hadley Reserves 1 We had to be pleased to be level at half time, after being outplayed in the half and manager Mick Clarke decided to bring on McGowan and Kojo for Kettle and Pestell and. In the second half we put in a better performance and created a few good chances to take the lead. Fitzgerald was looking dangerous and managed to wriggle away from his marker on a couple of occasions but saw his shots saved. He also laid on a great chance for Langley inside the area, but he hesitated and was crowded out by the Hadley defence. Our opponents were still a threat in attack but we looked far more comfortable defensively than we had in the first 45 minutes. With this in mind, the manner of Hadley’s second goal was extremely disappointing as they floated in a hopeful cross from the left wing to the back post and their number 8 nipped in front of Ekkeshis and headed the ball across Spittle and into the net. After this goal the game was fairly even and not too many clear chances were created for the remainder of the game. Hadley added a crucial third goal when a pass through the middle cut Hinton open and their left winger ran through unchallenged and guided the ball high into the net. Hadley nearly added a fourth after Spittle’s goal kick landed at the feet of their striker but fortunately he tried to be clever and only managed to chip the ball into the arms of the keeper. Kojo should possibly have done better when well placed on a couple of occasions near the end, but overall we could have no complaints about the result. Full time – Hinton 1 Hadley Reserves 3 A much improved second half against a side who were considerably stronger than our first opponents but a lot of hard work is needed to get ourselves points on the board. M.O.M. Danny Stone
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AuthorPublished by Ollie Kettle. Archives
September 2017
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