Sunday 14th May
Horsley 1 – 4 Finchampstead Hurricanes
Long trip away to Horsley for the second leg of the league fixtures.
With 3 games left to play, the 9 points would allow the
Hurricanes to match 3rd place Worplesdon. In the team briefing the lards
were warned about Horsley’s results and the significant increase in
their ability to compete against strong teams.
The
Hurricanes looked nervous from the outset, no one wanting to make a
mistake and passing not good enough. Kick and run style football which
was not working for the lads, especially on the narrow Horsley pitch.
Both teams hit the uprights, but Horsley looked the more dangerous on
the break.
Dan pulled off a couple of point blank saves to keep the game
at 0-0 at half time. By half time the game was looking a bit more
balanced with Finch starting to get their passing game going.
It
wasn’t quite a rocket at half time…more a resetting of the football
style to get back the composure and stop the long ball game plus a few
changes to the team sheet…..and what a difference!!
Second half we saw the usual pass and move football from the
lads. The work rate was back up again too. And quickly they were
rewarded with a couple of well worked team goals. Horsley tried to rally
but the Hurricanes got another goal and then a penalty for a trip by
their near post. 4-0.
Finch were looking a lot more
physical in the challenges, passing with confidence and quality and
working much harder than the first half. Couldn’t quite keep the clean
sheet with a penalty, Dan did well to get a hand to it but couldn’t keep
out of the net.
4-1 final score.
Today’s result combined
with Burpham beating Send today, puts the Hurricanes joint 4th with Send
(although Send have a game in hand). Walton are 5 points behind in 6th
with the same fixtures to play as the Hurricanes (Send and Burpham).
Best place finish is now 3rd and worst case is 6th.
Well done lads.