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Hitchin Hornets U9 v Bishops Stortford B

Saturday, May 1 2010

The Hornets recovered from a second-half fight back from Stortford to claim a narrow but deserved victory at Ickleford.

It looked like it was going to be an overwhelming win for the Hornets as they raced into a two-goal lead. Alex and Morgan exchanged passes to send Ryan clear down the right wing and his cross was diverted into the net by an unfortunate Stortford defender to make it 1-0. Ryan then made it 2-0 from a similar position as his lofted cross deceived the keeper and dropped just inside the left-hand post. The Hornets dominated the remainder of the half and had half-chances to further increase their lead before the break.

Full credit to the visitors - they came out for the second half in determined mood and immediately put the Hornets defence under pressure. Sam Hen made some great reaction saves and Jonathan, Olly and Kai made some crucial blocks. They deservedly made it 2-1 with a thumping shot from inside the box that gave Sam no chance.  Shortly after, it was 2-2 as a Stortford striker danced past 3 or 4 tackles before finishing emphatically. At this stage, it was anybody's game and the momentum was with Stortford.

Credit to the Hornets, they didn't panic and battled their way back into the game. With 3 minutes remaining, Alex scored the winner with a powerful shot from an impossible angle on the left wing that hit the right-hand post and spun in. With seconds remaining, Kai's handball gave Stortford a lifeline but the spot kick was unfortunately ballooned over the crossbar and the win was secure.

Result: Hitchin Hornets U9s 3 Bishops Stortford B 2

Man of the match: James – very composed under second-half pressure, reads the game well and made some timely and crucial tackles and interceptions.

Team: Sam Hen, Jonathan, Olly, Kai, Morgan, William A, James, Vinay, Ryan, Alex