Match Report.. men’s over 50’s
Last night saw Hartshill take on Burntwood in an away fixture, for the WFA National Cup, regionals semi final.
A steady start to the game saw Hartshill comfortably in control as they passed patiently, pulling the opposition out of shape, before hitting front man Foxy, who’s control and movement caused no end of problems for the opposition.
Each time he laid it off, there was an option for a shot, and despite us peppering the goal with attempts it took until midway through the half before a sublime team move ended with Mark Henshaw picking out the top corner for a magnificent and well deserved lead. To this point Darrell remained mostly untroubled and with Paul Jefferies marshaling the back with the coolness of Virgil Van Dijk, but with less hair, things looked good.
However, as with all good opposition at this level, Burntwood changed their tactics at half time and stopped the supply into our forward maestro.
For 10 minutes, and with a hugely pedantic referee, the game got scrappy, and we lost our shape. This was the spell that Burntwood fumbled a messy exchange into the net and gave themselves a lifeline.
Credit where it’s due though, Hartshill regained composure, regained shape, and utilised Foxys tight marking to open up our wide men. Graham and Franko worked tirelessly to get us back in front, flooding into the spaces left, and eventually, the pressure told, and we were awarded a penalty.
With the referee deeming, we could only take a 6″ run up. Mark struggled to get purchase, and the ball came back off the post…so we went into a 3 player shootout.
Graham stayed composed and slotted our first home, all others were missed in such a difficult circumstance, put on us by the referee…but that didn’t matter because Hartshill took the glory, and well deserved too over the full game.
A final awaits us, then who knows it could be the national glory up next.
Brilliant team spirit by all of the boys, well done…onwards and upwards !!!!
