Sunday 11th March 2018
Finchampstead Hurricanes took on Abbey in a friendly ahead of their SPL senior cup semi final game against Farnborough Knights next week.
Abbey were quick out of the blocks, showing their “long ball/chase with very fast strikers” tactic from the first exchanges. But Finch defended in numbers and played the ball out from the back well. Abbey’s pressure was relentless, giving no time on the ball and combined with Finch giving them a bit more space, put Abbey on top. The Hurricanes did catch Abbey on the break a few times, but couldn’t quite create a clear opportunity. Abbey’s pressure paid off and they got the opening goal. But by now the game was starting to turn for Finch and some pressure on Abbey’s right back led to a bizarre own goal from a back-pass which completely by-passed their keeper. 1-1.
Finch kept the pressure up and were creating more clear-cut chances. Cam’s shot from the edge of the box was tipped onto the cross bar by Abbey’s keeper and there were other chances too which didn’t find the target. Sam was fouled right on the edge of the penalty box but the free kick was cleared from the back post. Some calm close control footwork from Adam got him through their 2 centre backs and the ball was rolled into the corner of the goal. 2-1 and half time.
The 2 boxes of Jelly Babies were gone in a flash over half time and Finch were looking tired. Abbey had 2 subs, whilst Finch were bare 11 with Dan struggling a little on his ankle and a dead leg.
The second half continued the fast paced game with play going end-to-end at times. Finch were closing the spaces down quicker, pressing in numbers and working the ball up the pitch well as a team. Ben hit the cross bar and couldn’t quite beat the defender to get another shot through. Abbey looked dangerous from their corners which were dropping into the danger zone for Jake to punch away every time. Abbey continued with their long ball approach which eventually led to their equaliser (2-2). And not long after that they were able to create a tap in opportunity to go 3-2 up.
Now the game was starting to open up with spaces appearing on both sides and the game came down to who could keep going the longest. The Hurricane’s natural possession game was making the difference though , allowing them to keep the pressure on the Abbey goal. James half volley shot from the edge of the box was saved. A through ball to Sam drew the foul from the keeper for a clear cut penalty decision. Sam stepped up and slotted it home just inside the post. And in the final few minutes Finch had other chances to take the win, but couldn’t quite find the net.
3-3 final score.
Well Done all.
