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Bishops Stortford U9 v Hitchin Harriers U9

Saturday, March 29 2008

As the Harriers got underway the match started with some fast paced football from both sides. The first five minutes saw some end to end football with neither team getting the upper hand. Bishops Stortford were the first to create a chance and a long shot forced a sliding save from Ryan. As the Harriers settled in some good passing play ensued, a throw from Joe found Tom who pushed forward with a pinpoint pass forward to Matthew whose shot forced a save from the keeper. Bishops Stortford quickly retaliated an a run down the left wing resulted in another shot that was easily saved by Ryan. Elliott pushed through the midfield and found Matthew on the edge of the box, his quickly taken shot was just wide of the right post. The Harriers continued to push forward and eventually managed to force a corner. Taken by Matthew the corner was picked up by Joe whose shot was saved by the keeper. As the first half came to an end after just 16 minutes it was Bishops Stortford who had the last break. A powerful shot that was struck well forced Ryan to tip the ball over the bar.

After the half time team chat with Coach Chris it was back to business. The Harriers were the first to show with a well timed pass from Tom found Joe unmarked, his shot was straight in the top right corner of the goal to make it [1-0]. Bishops Stortford countered quickly however resulting in a powerful high shot that Ryan managed to save. The Harriers pushed forward again and this time it was Matthew who got a shot on target but it was saved by the keeper. Joe played a well placed through ball to Elliot in the area but he couldn’t quite make contact with it.

Bishops Stortford upped their game and came back once again down the wing, the resulting cross was picked up and once again Ryan produced another great save. As the ball was passed forward to the edge of the Bishops Stortford area a great trap by Ed setup Tom whose shot was just wide of the left post. Again Bishops Stortford came back and this time the only thing stopping the shot on goal was the wind as the ball veered away from the goal at the last minute. The Harriers continued to play well with a strong run through the midfield from Joe; his pass was picked up by Elliott whose shot was deflected off the keeper. Tom picked up the deflection and had a shot that was also deflected and eventually cleared.

A strong tackle by Matthew in midfield gave him some time to try a long shot on goal that was just wide of the right post. As the clock ran past the 20 minute mark play continued, Bishops Stortford were awarded a free kick on the right wing which was well passed across to an unmarked player who slotted the ball home cleanly to make the final result [1-1].

The Harriers played well and all things considered really deserved to win the game, however Bishops Stortford did not give up and were rewarded accordingly.

Harriers: Ryan Dickman; Daniel Jordan; Danny McConnell; Tom Pickett; Joe Henshaw; Elliot Willoughby; Matthew Warren; Ed Routh.

Result: Bishops Stortford 1 Harriers 1