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Hitchin Harriers U9 v Little Gaddesden U9

Saturday, October 13 2007

A goalie, a goalie, our kingdom for a goalie. Yep, unfortunately due to illness the Harriers had to contemplate their first county cup game minus their resident goalie, Ryan D. Get well soon Ryan.

All the other Harriers arrived safely at what appeared to be Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The pitch was situated in a stunning location within the grounds of Ashridge Management College http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/228243

After much cursing of Google maps and various brands of SatNav everyone focused on the game at hand.

Juan immediately got to experience his new found role as goalie when he was called upon to make three saves in the first few opening minutes of the game. The game soon settled down however as the Harriers found their feet. A George R corner heading for the goal was glanced away at the last second by a defender. Soon after a George R cross to Joe was tapped in passed the keeper to make it [1-0].

Hitchin kept up the pressure with both George R and Joe running through the midfield. A poorly timed tackle on Joe sent him sprawling giving the Harriers their first free kick from just outside the box. George R did the honours with an excellent strike over the keeper who just got a hand to it but the power took it into the top of the net [2-0].

A parent was also called upon to make a save as a miss struck ball came flying through the parent’s enclosure. Keith rose like a Salmon, well in his own words ‘Tin of Salmon’ to completely miss the ball. Nice one Keith! Another George R free kick just before half time forced a quality save from the Little Gaddesden keeper.

The second half was an altogether more scrappy performance as Little Gaddesden turned on the pressure to try and get a goal. Some strong defending from the two Dans helped keep Little Gaddesden at bay. George R had another strike on goal which went just over the bar. Juan was once again called upon to make a pressure save at the feet of a Little Gaddesden striker. This was followed by a goal mouth scramble which somehow the Harriers managed to clear. Elliot managed to get through on goal with only the goalie left to beat several times with some good midfield passing from Mathew and George, but he failed to convert the chances (much shouting from Coach Chris at this point!).

So that was it, through to the last 52 we believe and the boys were mighty pleased with their achievement. Next up appears to be Rickmansworth as the Harriers continue their tour of SOUTH Hertfordshire. Hope we can get another Saturday fixture.

Harriers: Juan; Danny; Daniel; Joe; George R; Elliot; Mathew; Ed.

Result: Hitchin Harriers 2 Little Gaddesden 0