HAMBLE UNITED reserves
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30/01/2010
AFC Regent Vs Hamble United Reserves
At half
time we knew we had to continue our great passing game and keep hold of the
ball. As the second half started we were once again on top. Regent were putting
no pressure on us so we continued to slip the ball around well. Again this
resulted in a number of good opportunities mostly falling to the feet of Dan’s
lethal left foot. However it was a day when the keeper was getting the better of
him as Dan saw all his chances smothered or saved and on one occasion the bar
also intervened. Further into the second half Regents poor defence condemned
them to defeat when one of their defenders scored an own goal from a corner.
Darren would have been on hand to convert but the defender got there first and
turned around in embarrassment after he saw it go in. With a healthy three goal
lead we pushed on and our football was getting better and better. The confidence
of the passing was the best we have put together all season. Sunnah in
particular was enjoying some great one touch passing and mazy runs.
Regents chances in the second half were confined to counter attacks and the
chances they did create were well saved by Matt in goal. A moment of controversy
came when their number ten confronted Rich running the line and after pushing
him complained at some unfair decisions. However the claims were refuted by the
ref who booked him and it was clearly his teams poor performance that was
causing most of the anguish. Just before the final whistle blew Regent had a
corner and after a flick on at the front post their player managed to sweep the
ball in for a consolation goal. After the game we walked away knowing it was one
of the best performances of the season. Phil decided that a lot of players grew
up and as a team we showed exactly how good we are. We have known this all
season and the hard work we have put in at training is finally paying off.
Final
Score: AFC Regent 2 – 4 Hamble United Reserves
Scorers:
Joby, Mike, Dave, OG
Line Up:
Matt M, Colin (C ), James, Nathan, Dave, Darren, Lee, Joby, Sunnah, Mike, Dan
Subs Used:
Bjorn, Gareth. Subs Not Used: Neil, Ian, Rich.
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12/12/2009 AFC Station Vs Hamble United Reserves With only one game played and little training in the last month due to the extremely wet weather it was great to see clear blue skies on a Saturday once more. It was a local derby against another Hamble based team AFC Station at Riverside Park. As not to confuse things Phil started with a simple 4-4-2 welcoming back Lee into the starting line up for the first time since last season. We started with purpose and quickly made our physical presence felt all over the pitch so it was clear we were all up for this one. We were dominating possession and were finding particular success down the left wing but when we tried to put through balls for Mike and Dan their keeper was quick to smother any danger. When Station attacked they tried to come straight through the middle but Darren and Lee were doing a great job winning balls in the midfield. Anything that did come through the back four were dealing with easily because Station’s small forwards were no match for Nathan and James physically and Ian in particular was playing with a new confidence. Mike found himself though on goal after more good work down our left flank but their keeper came out and closed down quickly and Mike could only blast into his chest. Shortly before half time Mike was put through again and finished well over the keeper with his usual confidence for a deserved lead. We then kept focus until half time to ensure we preserved the lead.
At half time we were told to keep the pressure on them by continuing to push up and try and spread the ball down each wing. The only change was Joby coming on for Neil on the left hand wing. Joby was quickly into action working well with Ian on the left to craft some good chances from crosses. One in particular nearly fell to the head of Will but he couldn’t make contact. As our pressure continued Dan found himself through on goal from a ball over the top, his pace was too much for Station’s defenders and he slipped it past the keeper for two nil. We were clearly on top however Station had a short spell of pressure in which Matt had to make a great point blank save after their forward found himself through. Dave came on for Colin and Sunnah came on for Will and it was Sunnah who was quickly involved in the action after he was found in space on the right. He nutmegged the defender and after a one two played a fantastic ball across the area for Dan who from a tight angle slid it home with his trusty left foot. At 3-0 there was now no way back for Station but with 10 minutes left we wanted to finish the job and keep the clean sheet so we kept our discipline and saw the game out.
A very satisfying performance all over the pitch, defensively we were very organised and didn’t put a foot wrong. We dominated the midfield and showed how deadly we can be in front of goal. Special praise for Ian who had by far his best game in a Hamble shirt showing how well his development is coming on.
Final Score: AFC Station 0 – 3 Hamble United Reserves
Hamble Scorers: Mike, Dan (2)
Line Up: Matt M, Colin (C), James G, Nathan, Ian, Darren, Lee, Will, Neil, Mike, Dan. Subs Used: Joby, Sunnah, Dave
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21/11/2009 Hamble United Reserves Vs Athletico Romsey. Going into the game Romsey sat top of the league but we knew that they were beatable as in the previous game we dominated them on their home ground and were unlucky not to get anything out of it. For once we started with real purpose and took hold of the game, we were first to every ball and were finding good passes in advanced positions. We turned the pressure into a goal and took an early lead as a cross came in from the left wing to find Gareth who arrived right on queue. He drilled it low across the keeper and it nestled in the bottom corner. We continued our pressure with Dan, Sunnah and Darren having pot shots at goal. Our dominance didn’t continue though as Romsey won a free kick in a dangerous position outside the area. We had everyone marked however they curled in a great ball between goalkeeper Matt and our back line and their shortest player lost his marker and rose to nod home. Romsey then had the momentum and pushed on putting pressure down both wings. Next they managed to break down our right hand side, Nathan had to go over to close the man down leaving one on one at the back. As they centred the ball it looked like James could cut it out before their striker got to it but James mistimed the kick and it bobbled into the path of the striker who took one touch and drilled home to give Romsey the lead. Romsey came straight back at us from the kick off and Colin was unlucky to lose possession on the right hand side, they slid the ball down the wing to their short striker who clipped in a great ball for his strike partner to head in from two yards. The flag on the far side had gone up during the move but the ref waved it away and gave the goal. We later found out the ref didn’t think their short striker was offside, how he made this decision when he wasn’t in line with the incident is baffling. Anyway the goal stood and Romsey went in at half time 3-1 up.
We knew that despite the opening 15 minutes our defensive sloppiness has caused us three silly goals. The second half started and heavy wind and rain drove in making conditions more difficult. We did manage to cut out the defensive errors and once again got a foothold in the game. A good move down our right wing enabled Gareth to cross in from the right, but the cross caught their defender on the arm from point blank range. Fortunately the ref gave us the benefit of the doubt and blew up for a penalty to us. Dan stepped up and side footed it down the middle to get us back in the game. In the last quarter of the game we were as determined as ever to get the equaliser but we simply ran out of ideas. We started to lose discipline position wise and this enabled Romsey to hit us on the break a few times. Matt had to make a number of good saves and they also hit the post from long range.
Romsey held out for the win and we all trudged off after the final whistle knowing we just were not good enough on the day. Romsey will probably thank their lucky stars we gave them three easy goals. It seems like we need a win both for confidence and to keep us in touch with others in the league.
Line Up: Matt M, Colin (C), James G, Nathan, Will, Liam, Darren, Mike, Sunnah, Gareth, Dan. Subs Used: Big Matt, Ian
Final Score: Hamble United Reserves 2 – 3 Athletico Romsey
Hamble Scorers: Gareth, Dan
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24/10/2009 Banjo’s FC Vs Hamble United Reserves. Another away game saw us travel over to Millbrook Rec to play Banjo’s FC. We started with a familiar 4-4-2 formation, welcoming back Dan who partnered Sunnah upfront but the back line was changed from its usual look with Neil playing alongside James G in the centre and Matt at left back. It was a disastrous start as Banjo’s main striker found himself through on goal who confidently cut inside before side footing it home. It was the usual opening minute sloppiness and the back four looked like they needed some organising. We did have a chance to equalise straight away as big Matt found himself through on the left hand side but their keeper was grateful to see him side foot the effort and he gathered it up. During the half there was more evidence to suggest holes in our back four as Banjo’s kept getting in behind, they were also winning the balls in midfield which contributed to the pressure on us. Towards the end of the half we lost the ball over on the left wing in our half and it was three on two in the middle. The winger played a perfect front post centre which the unmarked striker converted with a great diving header for two nil.
At half time we knew we had to step it up and try and create more chances otherwise they would soon put the game beyond reach. We noticed we were not getting any favours from the ref and he genuinely seemed to be giving everything to them. Almost straight away we got a goal back as Sunnah turned and struck a great long range effort on target. The keeper tried to tip it over but he only got a weak palm on the ball and it bounced in behind him, we were back in the game. We battled hard all round the pitch and the game was becoming more and more physical. Banjo’s were getting increasingly high tempered and the referee did not seem to be protecting anyone from the tenacious challenges going in. There were also a number of dubious offside’s given by their linesman which the referee didn’t even question. Just as we were getting a foothold we shot ourselves in the foot again. Banjo’s won a corner and it looked like we had everyone marked, they whipped a great ball in and one of their players ended up with a free header which he finished well past Matt and men on the line. We all stood there trying to work out who was marking who and when you are in that situation you know it’s not your day. This seemed to end hope of any kind of result so in the final minutes we just played for a bit of pride and ensured we kept battling as hard as they were, eventually the referee booked their persistent fouling number 8. Matt and Will came on and got stuck in straight away with the stud-marks to prove it. At the end on chances created 3-1 was probably a fair result. In the final third they were much more clinical and in the end that won them the game. They went in hard before we realised we needed to so another lesson to learn. The referee made our lives hard but that’s amateur football and if you are going to win you shouldn’t hope on help from the ref. We know that we must start transferring our qualities from training onto the pitch on a Saturday otherwise hopes for achieving anything in the league this season will slowly fade away.
Final Score: Banjo’s FC 3 – 1 Hamble United Reserves
Line up: Matt M, Rich, James G, Neil, Big Matt, Gareth, Joby, James H, Colin (C), Dan, Sunnah. Subs used: Will, Matt
Hamble Scorers: Sunnah 1
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17/10/2009 FC Wellington v Hamble United Reserves. We headed over to Queen Victoria Park for an away game against FC Wellington. They had picked up some impressive results this season so we knew they would be no pushovers. We stuck with the same formation as the previous week. Phil instructed us to use a high defensive line and push up to put pressure on them at every opportunity and to the attackers to shoot on site. The game started at a frantic pace with both teams using their physical presence. The defence pushed up as planned and this led to a number of offside’s for Wellington. The majority of these were co-ordinated well by us and were subject of their hard looking number 9 who was getting increasingly frustrated. He made his frustrations clear to the Spanish ref which led to a booking and then final warning. It was clear the more wound up he got the more Wellington were suffering from playing any football. In terms of chances the half was fairly uneventful and both teams couldn’t find any rhythm. The main chances came from corners which FC Wellington had the better of but Nathan nearly got a header on target at the back post just before half time but it bounced wide.
At half time we knew we needed to continue to apply pressure and create more chances in the second half. They took off their number 9 at half time which proved to be the turning point of the game for Wellington. Into the second half Wellington started to get the ball down and play some dangerous balls through and they were also more alert to our offside trap. In an attacking sense they looked a lot more likely to score. Soon their striker found himself through on goal and slotted it past Matt for a one nil lead. Usually going a goal down spurs us into action but this time it had no effect. We managed to put a few more balls in to dangerous areas but this only provided Sunnah and Gareth with half chances. It was clear we had run out of creative ideas. Wellington got their second goal by pushing us all the way into our box from throw ins on the right. They knocked the ball down on the edge of the area and one of their players drilled it in for two nil. Our heads dropped at this stage and although we had the last 15 minutes in their half we still couldn’t create any decent chances. It was a disappointing result from a match which in reality we could quite easily dominate and win on another day. The plus points were the effort as always was there and all the lads put in 100% all over the pitch, closing down was good and tactics were adhered to. However we were not able to craft any good chances which is something we may need to think about going forward this season.
Final Score: FC Wellington 2 – 0 Hamble United Reserves
Line Up: Matt M, Rich, Nathan, James G, Neil, James H, Joby, Colin (C), Gareth, Mike, Sunnah. Subs Used: Will, Matt
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10/10/2009 Hamble United Reserves V London Airways Reserves. Despite a miserable week of weather Saturday provided us with yet another sunny match day. The pitch was still hard despite the previous day’s rain with only one goalmouth needing some attention from Colin and Matt who engaged in some pre match forking to release some of the standing water. We knew this would be a tough match as Airways had picked up similar results against the same teams already this season. We started with a 4-1-4-1 formation with James H sitting in front of the back four and Mike playing just off new signing Sunnah. The game started very evenly with both teams seeing what the other had to offer. Despite Phil’s call for keeping the ball down and playing to feet all too often the ball was being lofted up in the air. Airways seemed to thrive on this tactic winning pretty much every defensive header or every challenge in the midfield. Soon this gave Airways the edge and they pushed forward into the Hamble half. Their little man/big man combination up front created a couple of half chances and but on the whole the back four were coping well. As the half went on it was becoming more apparent that Airways were first to every ball, especially in the air. We were starting to find each other better but Airways always managed to get the important challenge in. Airways pressure finally broke through and they got the reward for their hard work. A tame cross came in from the left which made its way through everyone to the back post where their player poked it back the other way past Matt and into the net. Everyone was flatfooted and they ball should have been cleared and it was another poor goal to concede. We had few chances in the first half but as it was drawing to a close we did show some hope as Sunnah stroked a long ranger towards goal only for it to be tipped over by the keeper.
The second half we knew we had to up our game and be first to every ball, as usual it takes us a goal conceded to get us going. We started the second half excellently by closing them down all over the pitch. We also started to pass the ball better and began moving it from the back to the midfield and across the pitch. James H and Joby started to control the midfield allowing Mike time to support the front men better. This allowed us to play through balls for Gareth, Sunnah and Will who were starting to find gaps in their defence. It was one of these through balls that led to our equaliser as Sunnah showed great pace to latch onto it and take it forward towards goal. As the keeper came out he clipped it past him and it bobbled into the empty net. We continued this pressure and were camped in their half for long periods winning a number of corners that were obviously troubling their defence. We won a free kick deep in their half over by the right touch line. It was whipped into the danger zone and there was a mass of bodies going for the ball including Nathan, James and Sunnah. It seemed to come off one of their players then past the keeper who was too bogged down in the mud in the goalmouth to do anything about it as it bounced into the net. Although it was unclear who go the final touch the goal was later attributed to Sunnah who was in the thick of it put enough pressure on the defender to make the difference. Now we had the lead and we continued to push for another goal, the back four held a very high line in order to put as much pressure on Airways as possible. Airways did mount some counter attacks and one where they played a great ball to the back post which sat up nicely for their big striker only for Matt to make a point blank save to deny them. However Airways got a lucky break as they fed the ball down the left hand side to their most pacy player. Colin was the last man and as the ball was played it was clear their player was several yards behind him and offside but the flag stayed down. Everyone ran back as fast as they could but it was no use and all they had to do was square the ball for an easy tap in. We all felt a little hard done by on the decision or lack of it. Hardworking Will was then replaced by Ian who went over to the left hand wing with Gareth moving to the right. Into the final minutes Airways appeared to be settling for the draw so we pushed forward as much as possible. As the whistle was about to go Sunnah was put through again. This time he took the ball well into the area and as he pulled the trigger a defender slid in and took him out from behind for a blatent penalty. To add to their misery the defender was the last man and had to walk. As Joby stepped up the ref declared it the last kick of the game which may have put the pressure on a little. Joby played it hard and low but the keeper guessed the right way and saved it with his legs at which point the ref blew the final whistle. Airways celebrated like they had won and this was probably testament to the amount of pressure we put them under.
It was probably a fair result and an encouraging display against tough opponents. The performance was more evidence of our quality as a team but also more evidence of how we need to apply ourselves for 90 minutes not just when we go a goal down.
Final Score: Hamble United Reserves 2 – 2 London Airways Reserves. Line up: Matt M, Rich, Nathan, James G, Colin (C), James H, Will, Joby, Gareth, Mike, Sunnah. Subs Used: Ian
Hamble scorers: Sunnah 2
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03/10/2009 Manor Wasps V Hamble United Reserves. We knew we could not afford another defeat like last week so Phil did his best to prepare us mentally for the game. This week we would focus purely on our own game making sure we applied the basic rules of football where necessary but also to concentrate on passing and making the ball do the work. As we left the changing rooms and headed over to the pitch it was noticeable how short and narrow it was not to mention a very hard and uneven surface. Manor Wasps kicked off with the strong wind behind them. It wasn’t long before they used this advantage to push into Hamble’s half and put pressure on the back four. However Nathan and James were heading back every ball in the air and Colin and Neil were cutting out their advances down the wings. The first half an hour was very scrappy thanks mostly to the pitch and conditions which made it difficult for either team to get the ball down and play some football. The narrow pitch contributed to a lot of stops in play for throw ins so neither team could get a momentum going. When we did get the ball down there were a few half chances, Neil and Mike worked well on the left wing to provide a ball in for Gareth who couldn’t get the header on target but it was getting more encouraging. Just as Hamble were settling into the game Manor broke down their left wing, it was three on three at the back with more breaking forward. As the winger cut inside into the area instead of shooting he crossed it to the back post where their striker was unmarked and drilled it home for one nil to Manor Wasps. We were caught on the break maybe should have closed them down quicker but it was to be the only defensive error of the game for us though.
Hamble kicked off again and seemed determined to get a goal straight back. Almost straight away we worked the ball into the area again from the left. As the ball came over it went past everyone and landed at the feet of Will at the back post. Will who nearly scored from exactly the same position last week took a couple of touches to steady himself and drove it hard and low across the keeper. This time he beat the keeper and the net bulged and Hamble had the equaliser. Even though the half was nearly over we continued this momentum and put more pressure on Manor. Soon we had the ball in the box again and as the ball was struck at goal it looked like it had beaten the keeper only for their defender on the line to block it with what appeared to be a combination of arm, shoulder and/or chest. As Hamble appealed the whistle happy ref blew up for a penalty to us which was maybe the bit of luck we have been missing of late. Manor seemed aggrieved at the decision but Hamble weren’t going to argue. Joby stepped up and despite their big number 8 trying to put him off by moving the ball struck a fine shot into the left hand corner that easily beat the keeper. The halftime whistle blew and we went in 2-1 up. At half time we discussed how we could push further up the pitch now to put them under pressure as we would have the wind behind us. We also knew we had to keep the pressure on them by closing down and winning every challenge we could. We started the second half much in the same was as we ended the first. For the most of it we were camped in their half and our determination to win this game was evident. Manor did try and make a few surges through but the back four especially Nathan and James held strong and were in good communication with Matt in goal who came out to claim any stray balls. In midfield Joby and James were enjoying more time on the ball and were linking up well with Mike, Will and Matt. Gareth was continuing to cause their back line problems by playing on the shoulder of the last man. But despite all this pressure Hamble couldn’t find that killer pass or cross and few clear chances were created. Matt came off for Rich who filled in at right back and Colin swapped to left back with Neil pushing on to the left wing. As the game was drawing to an end, Hamble felt confident of the win but were not taking any chances. As Manor tried to break through the midfield the ball came through to Nathan who from inside his own half connected with the ball in such as way as to take no chances and get the ball clear. But shortly after leaving his foot it was looking like a shot on target as the ball sailed higher and towards the goal. The keeper who was slightly off his line realised the threat on his goal started back tracking, as the ball dropped it looked like it might fly left and wide of the goal but the wind took it back in and it dropped like a stone straight under the bar and into the empty net. Seconds later Nathan was on the ground being mobbed by all celebrating the goal of the season.
The final whistle blew and Hamble had a good victory. We were the stronger of the two teams over 90 minutes and a two goal victory was about right on the balance of play. It was also nice to have a bit of luck for once with the penalty decision. The main positives from the game were a confident defensive display by all and committed play all over the park.
Line up: Matt M, Colin (C), Nathan, James G, Neil, Will, Joby, James H, Matt, Mike, Gareth Subs used: Rich
Final Score: Manor Wasps 1 – 3 Hamble United Reserves
Scorers: Will, Joby (pen), Nathan
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26/09/2009 Athletico Romsey V Hamble United Reserves. It was another hot and sunny match day as Hamble headed over to Hunts Farm in Romsey. The pitch was hard, flat and wide with newly cut grass perfect conditions for a passing game. Manager Phil was pleased to have a squad of 15 at his disposal and opted for a 4-2-1-2-1 formation. The main policy this week was to ensure we were wide awake straight from the kick off making sure we did not to concede any silly goals in the first few minutes which has been the trend in recent performances. Athletico Romsey playing in yellow started the better team, within minutes they had broke through the midfield and had a couple of long shots on goal. They continued this threat and soon forced several corners. While the Hamble defence was just about coping the ball kept going back to Athletico’s midfield so they could start again. Athletico soon made the pressure count and broke down their right flank, the winger put in an early cross which went curled perfectly between our back line and goalkeeper. As Matt came out to punch in a cluster of players their attacker managed to jump highest and only needed a small flick to put it in the back of the net for one nil to the home team. Athletico seemed surprised that they managed to get at us so quickly and easily in the opening minutes and it was hard to take. It was yet another early goal conceded due to us not going at it right from the start even though we have spoken about it pre match and in training. As ever the wake up call seemed to spur us into action. Soon we had the ball down and started to play as we had planned. With it being such a wide pitch we started using the flanks and Mike and Dan linking up well with wide players Neil and Will. Joby was seeing lots of the ball in midfield but at times seemed too isolated and did not have the supported he needed to maintain possession. Towards the end of the first half Hamble mounted the pressure and won several corners which came to nothing.
At half time Phil decided the formation needed to be changed as the midfield looked a little unbalanced and this was the area Athletico (in particular the big number 12) were exploiting the most so we reverted to a simple 4-4-2 with Matt being replaced by James. It wasn’t long before the changes really started to work and we were keeping possession well and moving the ball across the entire pitch with short decisive passes. Soon we almost had the reward as James was put through after great passing from Mike and Dan upfront. James tucked it in neatly past the keeper only to turn round and see the flag up for offside. We all knew it was a tight call but we also knew that we had the upper hand and more chances would come. For the most of the second half we were camped in their half spraying the ball around trying to find chinks in the Athletico armour. To their credit their back four dealt with the majority of our threats. The best chance to grab an equaliser came from a corner on the left side from Dave. The ball was curled in to the six yard box but eventually fell to Will at the back stick who rifled a low hard drive back towards goal, their keeper save it magnificently but the ball came out again and we shot against their keeper and defenders on the line twice more until the ball was cleared. It was frantic goalmouth action but the ball just would not go in for us. We tried our hardest to grab the goal we needed and tried everything as we put in crosses from the by-line, diagonal balls over the top and through balls but no one managed to get on the end of them.
The final whistle blew and Athletico seemed relieved to hear it. We put them under so much pressure in the second half but didn’t get the reward for all the hard work. Everyone gave 100% effort in the second half and couldn’t be faulted. But we all know we need to sort out this problem with conceding early goals and want the game from the start. At the moment it’s only when we concede that we wake up and give our all.
On a positive note though it is evident that we have now come on leaps and bounds from last season. We have a large talented squad and there is good competition for places in every position. The fitness is improving, the team is starting to gel on and off the pitch and we are starting to pass the ball much better. We are also now in a position where we can dominate games such as this one and in time this will lead to winning results.
Team: Matt M, Dave, Colin (C), Nathan, James, Neil, Matt, Joby, Mike, Will, Dan. Subs used: James. Subs not used: Liam, Rich, Ian
Final Score: Athletico Romsey 1 - 0 Hamble United Reserves
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12-09-09 Hamble United Reserves V AFC Station.
The first home game for Hamble Utd Reserves. Weather sunny warm very hard dry
ground. After last weeks game we were in a very positive mood. Kick off and the
worst start again, a positive move by Hamble up the right collapsed quickly for
Station to stream down the right, luckily flip the ball over the top and fumble
the ball in after a minute. 1-0 down. This kick started us into the game but
again the ground undid us and a corner was conceived. Simple flick in , header
knocked on and pass all in the box. Hamble 0 Station 2 after 15 minutes.
At last a fight started to appear with some good movement in the middle and down
both flanks. Gareth was winning every header and Dan started his promising runs.
A ball flicked in over the top for Joby to control in the air with a knock on to
Gareth who perfectly knocked the ball for Dan to run onto and smash the ball
home 1-2 excellent. At last we were in the game and showing station it wasn't a
one way match. Hamble upped the antics and tried to control the game by keeping
the ball on the floor as much as possible (but with some difficulty). Station
were still pushing though and won a free kick near the edge of the box. The wall
was placed and the free kick completely missed the wall and went in the far
right netting, A simple free kick but effective. 1-3 down at half time.
Nathan had to leave at half time so major team changes afoot. Dan pulled back to
centre back, Neil subbed for Will, Dave moved to left back and Mike up front.
Game on. Hamble were basically camped in Stations half for the first 20 minutes
with Colin switching with Matt to the centre. Hamble kept trying to press and
started creating chances, however Station were always a threat
and almost pushed through on several occasions, and hit the goal post on
one occasion.
Final verdict, we lost the first half and probably won the second but it was too
late. Hamble will start from kick off next time. The team were all disappointed
and will will turn that into a positive and come back fighting.
It was great to see so much support from the guys who turned up to play and
couldn't even get named to play, thanks to them all and the support given, your
chance to shine will come.
Final result: Hamble 1 AFC Station 3. A fair result Hamble need to start
from the kick off not 15 minutes in.
Players. Ian, Will, Dave, Nathan, Bjorn, James, Joby, Matt, Colin (C), Gareth,
Dan, Subs used, Neil, Mike
Man of the match: Dan
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Saturday 05/09/2009 Riverside Reds v Hamble United Reserves
The first game of a new season saw us start away at Riverside Park to play new team Riverside Reds. Although we appeared to be pumped up and ready for the new season this was not evident in the first minute of the game. As we kicked off the ball was quickly lost in to the Riverside midfield. They passed and moved quickly through our entire midfield and defensive lines and as the ball came in from the right we were all slow to react and their striker pounced to put Riverside ahead. They were clearly as surprised as us how easily they got through. It was a shock to the system and gave us a much needed wake up call. It wasn’t long before we settled though and began to get a foothold in the game. Although Riverside had a lot of pace it was us who were able to apply a more physical presence. Soon we had a good chance to level with Phil turning well then crossing in from the left, the ball made it all the way across goal to the back post where Gareth connected well but it went wide. We continued to push for an equaliser and it was clear we were stepping up a gear with a couple of chances from long range and soon we had the goal. Gareth was put through on the right where he waited for the ball the settle before rifling past the keeper. The lapse in concentration and focus that led to the first goal conceded was back just before half time as Riverside pushed forward again, this time they came in on the left and their winger skipped through our left side to put a low cross in which again missed everyone on the way in before their striker scuffed it in at the back post. The halftime whistle blew shortly after that with the score 2-1 to Riverside.
We started the second half with the same line up but in our heads we knew we needed to be first to every ball, start winning the key tackles and organise our defence. We realised they would try and sit back on there lead so we could try and take advantage of that by pushing forward more. It was also clear that they were playing a very high defensive line so there could be opportunity for balls over the top. Our new endeavour seemed to work and soon we were winning every ball and keeping possession well. It wasn’t long before we got our second equaliser. Dan was put through with a ball over the top and finished past the rushing keeper. It was a much deserved goal and was the turning point of the game. After this Riverside tried to create chances but as they tired their main tactic seemed to be long balls over the top, many of which Nathan, Bjorn and Colin were winning in the air. Any that went through were mopped up by Dave and James or were offside. It was from one of these offside free kicks that we went ahead for the first time. Dave took the free kick from near the half way line and angled it over their back line to the back post. Dan who was playing on the shoulder of the defenders all game waited for the ball to drop, controlled it and stroked it past the keeper. We knew we had to continue our effort to keep the lead but it was becoming clear that Riverside were being troubled time and time again by a simple ball over the heads of the defenders. The next example was Nathans free kick which looped over their defence yet again and dropped at Dan’s feet but this time he wasn’t able to find the target. The final goal came as no surprise as this time James lifted another dead ball over the top which again Dan controlled superbly and then duly slid home. There was some debate from between Riversides own players what was happening in their defence and some accusations to the referee about offside which he waved away. We were just applying a simple tactic that seemed to be getting us the necessary chances to score. As the game drew to an end Dave and Gareth were replaced by Rich and Neil. There was one last chance for Dan who was through again but this time their keeper was thankful the shot was straight into his arms, the final whistle blew shortly after.
It was a much deserved victory and great start to the season. After a shaky start to the game we showed how competitive, organised and vigilant we can be. Everyone applied themselves to their role on the pitch, played to each others strengths and gave 100%. Compliments to the Referee for a strong performance and Riverside for giving a spirited display.
Line up: Matt, Bjorn, Nathan, James, Dave, Gareth, Joby, Colin (C), Will, Phil, Dan. Subs: Rich, Neil
Final score: Riverside Reds 2, Hamble United 4,
Hamble scorers: Dan (3), Gareth (1)