A rare Thursday evening performance for the boys but it was certainly lovely weather for a game. It was an interesting start as the game kicked off with no nets due to a broken lock and 15 mins late as the ref's mum got lost! 

 

At first the game had a familiar feel as St Joe's played downhill creating constant pressure on the Headstone defence. Shope was immediately in the thick of it blocking and clearing. Jamie was busy with a succession of saves. It was over 12 minutes before a Headstone attack but what was surprising was a 0-0 scoreline. The boys had defended well and now Ben, Jon and Liam were combining passing moves and Daniel was chasing down the wing. The game was developing into a bit of a battle with all players involved as further St Joe's attacks were thwarted by Oliver and Hamza with Ethan sending the ball through to put pressure on St Joe's. The game was quite intense and getting physical but being played in good spirit.

 

At half-time the score was 0-0 with a game that was now wide open.

 

The second half was bit more frantic as St Joe's, having recently qualified for a cup final, now trying to be more creative and really taking on the Headstone defence with some very physical challenges. Tiernan and Marcus were working together on the left and trying to release the ball to Jon and Liam. On the right Ben, Ethan and Alex endeavoured to create space for the attack. The game was now end to end with space opening up for both teams on the attack. Shope and Hamza both made vital tackles to thwart St Joe's.  Jamie made at least 3 great one on one saves when a striker did break through.

 

Eventually something had to give and when the ball was lost to a pacey St Joe striker Jamie was left stranded with the resultant goal putting the opposition 1 up. An earlier goal had been disallowed.

 

Headstone fought on and Matthew sent Liam through on more than one occasion but a clear chance was not forthcoming. Near the end Ben had a great shot well saved and that was to be the closest Headstone came to scoring.

 

The match ended 0-1, Oliver making a great clearance right in the last minute.It had been a fine performance and an exciting match to watch. St Joe's were physical but relatively fair and did edge the game but this was definitely the best the boys had played in a while.

 

Player of the match - Shope Fambegbe

 

Team: Jamie John, Tiernan O'Kane, Daniel Kitto, Oliver White, Hamza Ahmed, Shope Fambegbe, Ethan James, Ben Brown, Jonathon Ruddell, Matthew SHeehan, Alex Muller, Marcus Shortland, Liam Rawson