Sunday 20th October, The hurricanes took on Badshot Lea
It was only a few weeks ago they were battling with Badshot on
their pitch. This time they took them on at Finchampstead Large Leas,
perfect playing conditions after the recent rains.
Since
the last game we have been working in training on quick free kicks,
combination passing and pressing in numbers. And it was all on show
today!!
The Hurricanes took the game to Badshot
from the kick off, pressing high and fast. And Badshot were on the back
foot and the Finch chances started coming. 2 crosses zipped across the
face of the goal by Ben M and Jacob, just inches from the tap in. Dan
played Adam through on goal but was barged off the ball for the
penalty…Badshot’s keeper pulled off the outstretched save to parry the
ball away from just inside the post. Finch hit the cross bar and
couldn’t get the shot away in the ensuing goal mouth scramble. Jacob
couldn’t quite divert the crossed tap in past the keeper.
Although
Badshot were quick on the counter, the Finch defensive team of Aaron,
Ben A, Harrington, Alfie and Dan coped admirably, neutralising all
threats. Dan, Ben A and Aaron were encouraged to push on as wing backs,
providing more width to the 4-3-3 formation. Marcus, Aaron, Lewis and
Cam controlled the centre mid for a lot of the game.
As
the first half clock ran down, Finch’s pressing was dropping off giving
Badshot more time on the ball. But Badshot couldn’t create anything
from it. Unfortunately Marcus had to drop out of the game after 30
minutes with a migraine and Adam took a knock towards the end of the
first half.
Finch started the second half on the
front foot again, pressing hard and forcing the mistakes. And their hard
work was rewarded when Cam burst through to the touch line with the
ball and cut it back for Lewis C to slam it home. The one goal lead
didn’t last long though, Badshot chasing a long through ball into the
corner of the penalty, Jake couldn’t quite get to it in time and the
striker was able to thread the ball past the covering Alfie and
Harrington. Badshot were also awarded a penalty of their own, but hit
the outside of the post.
Both teams were battling
for the ball, keeping it well and trying to create the scoring
opportunities. The Finch pressure created more chances….Ben M and Cam
shots went wide, and Lewis B couldn’t quite reach a tantalising cross
into the 6 yard box. And Badshot’s defence were having to work hard to
keep Finch at bay. But it was Badshot who finally broke the deadlock
with a cross from wide, headed in to take the lead. The Hurricanes
continued to fight for the equaliser, Badshot resorting to hoofing the
ball at every opportunity.
Final score 2-1 to Badshot.
