It had been raining heavily since the middle of Saturday night and our Nahanton field was heavy for Sunday's game. Our opponents, Hudson Benfica, came prepared for the wet weather conditions. As we huddled on a bench in the rain, the Hudson team erected a small marquee to cover their heads. The referee had also taken measures to stay dry, and ran the whole game wearing a baseball cap and an anorak - with the hood up. Needless to say, more than a few infringements during the game went unseen.
There was a cautious opening period, and Hudson adapted more quickly to the slippery conditions, showing good some good ball control and precise passing. In the opening 20 minutes there were few real chances from either side, then the game opened up a little. Andy took a square pass from Peter at the top of the area but hit his shot over. Then Peter connected with Andy's deep cross from the right but couldn't keep his header low. Benfica broke out and a striker hit a ferocious first-time shot from the right side of the box. The ball was heading for the top corner, but Mike got across smartly and dived high to his left to block the shot. Shortly afterwards Karsten powered a shot from a narrow angle on the right that skimmed the left post.
With about fifteen minutes left in the half Joe played a diagonal ball from the right to Karsten on the left. He drove into the box and played a low shot/cross aimed at the far post; Bardot ran in for a simple connection to give us the lead.
For the last ten minutes of the half Hudson exerted lot of pressure, searching for the equaliser. After some scrambles on the edge of the box Hudson had a good shot from the right side that Mike got down well to block but couldn't hold, the ball skidding across the face of the goal. The striker on the left post sized up his shot, but Ivan managed to get a leg in front of the ball and block the shot from hitting the gaping goal.
Hudson equalised early in the second half. A cross in from our right side wasn't cleared and their centre-forward collected the ball on the penalty spot with his back to goal. He turned quickly and drilled a low shot between Tim and Mike to level the game. Hudson continued to probe for openings in our defence, but the boys at the back did well to contain them.
Mid-way through the half we had a good shout for a penalty when Victor's shirt was pulled as he jumped for a high cross. Shortly afterwards we took the lead again after an inspired run by Andy. He collected the ball on the edge of the box, drove to the left-side by-line and cut back a wonderful cross. Samuel looked like getting there first, but the ball slid past him and Bardot, almost surprised, ran it into the goal.
Hudson were tiring now and gaps were opening up on both flanks. Bardot was set free on the right and was fouled as he passed his defender. Andy's free kick was met sweetly on the volley ten yards out by Steve Shea, and the ball flew into the top right corner.
The two goal cushion took some of the pressure off, but Hudson were always dangerous. A free kick right on the edge of our area was worrying, but it was hit high. With five minutes left we put the game beyond their reach. Karsten played Samuel down the left side, then met his low cross in the centre, leaving the 'keeper no chance with a low shot into the left of the goal.
This wasn't our best passing performance of the season, but the goals were top quality.
Squad: Mike O, Kirk, Tom, Pap, Tim R, Steve S, Andy, Karsten, Victor, Peter, Ivan, Joe, Steve G, Christer, Bardot, Samuel
No comments:
Post a Comment