Home Match Reports Archive Constitution Policies Contact Directions Sponsors

Hitchin Harriers U9 v Shefford U9

Saturday, February 23 2008

The Harriers started off a little shaky with Joe looking distinctly off colour. An early push forward by Joe and Elliot resulted in a shot by Elliot that was deflected off the right post.

Matthew made a good run down the right wing getting a pass into Elliot whose shot was easily saved by the keeper. The pace of the game however was ‘distinctly pedestrian’; the harriers were missing a yard or two of pace from their usual playing speed. A big goal kick by Ryan was fumbled by the Shefford keeper giving the Harriers a corner; however the ball was cleared following the corner.

As Joe was substituted due to chest pains, Shefford stepped up a gear and the Harriers defence was really put under the cosh. Danny and Daniel did an excellent job assisted by George from midfield in fending off the relentless Shefford assault.

With Joe back on the field he quickly made a strong run through the Shefford midfield and a final pass across to George in the box allowed George to slot the ball past the keeper to make it [1-0]. At half time the Harriers I feel were lucky to be one up and would need to battle hard to retain their lead in the second half.

As the second half got underway, Shefford immediately had an attack on goal which Ryan eventually managed to save after appearing to juggle with the ball first. The uneven ground was clearly causing problems for Ryan who seemed to be quite apprehensive.

Shefford continued to push forward and had a power shot which narrowly missed glancing off the left post. A goal mouth scramble in the Harriers area looked like a guaranteed goal until the shot came and was tipped over the bar by Ryan. A run forward by Daniel following the goal kick resulted in a shot just wide of the right post. Without Elliot on the field, the Harriers midfields struggled to push forward effectively and were struggling to put Shefford under any kind of pressure.

The Harriers eventually conceded a corner which was sweetly taken by Shefford, picked up in the box and slotted neatly passed Ryan for the equaliser [1-1].

As the game continued I think given the continued Shefford pressure the Harriers would have accepted a draw. However, as Shefford continued to dominate the midfield it was only a matter of time before the killer blow came to make the final result [1-2].

Well, I suppose the Harriers had to be beaten sometime and Shefford really did deserve to win the game, it was impressive that the Harriers didn’t concede more goals given the amount of possession that Shefford had.

Harriers: Ryan Dickman; Daniel Jordan; Danny McConnell; Juan Andres Ward; Joe Henshaw; Elliot Willoughby; Matthew Warren; George Rodger; Luke King; Dean Semark.

Result: Harriers 1 – Shefford 2