Match Report - Pensnett Harriers v Halesowen Community Rangers

Sunday 11th March 2012

A bright, sunny afternoon with a slight breeze set the scene for a game that was always going to be a tight affair. Pensnett are a strong physical side and they started well.  Aaron’s early cross into the corridor of uncertainty was well saved by the Pensnett keeper. HCR won a corner and Tariq put in a great ball that no one was able to convert.

Up the other end Pensnett won a corner which Javon was able to meet and punch out in super style. Despite the small pitch HCR were trying to play football, Aaron, Maien, and Hamza were knocking the ball around nicely and Hamza’s shot went just wide.

Javon parried a decent shot but was unable to stop the 2^nd attempt to open the scoring 1- 0. Jack put in a fabulous free kick, Rawaz got his head to it, alas it went wide. HCR were punished when Pensnett got their 2^nd goal 2- 0.HCR continued to battle with Rawaz making a well timed tackle to take the sting out of a Pensnett attack.

Aaron made his way up the other end, passed to Sam who played in a great cross, no one was at hand to finish. Half time score -  2- 0 to Pensnett.

2nd Half

After what can only have been a tough and inspirational team talk from Rajab the 2^nd half got under way. HCR started to play with more composure and Aaron made a great decision to square the ball to Matty whose shot from distance was a corker and sailed into the back of the net 2- 1.This was the catalyst that HCR needed to execute a stylish comeback, congratulations to Matty as this was his 1^st goal this season from right back. HCR began to play more to their usual standard and won another free kick. Josh’s delivery was met by the head of Tariq who forced the ball over the line, a great headed goal which was well deserved as Tariq had been winning everything in the air.

With the equaliser under our belt, HCR were playing like a team that were seeking  the winner. We thought Zeyad had the winner when a great effort went over the bar. Pensnett had another attempt which Javon managed to divert across the front of goal.

Jack won the ball and went on a great run and won a free kick, he delivered superbly into the box and Sam attacked it making sure to score a very important goal, for the first time in this match HCR were ahead in the scoring 2- 3.

The excitement continued with Josh hitting the cross bar, Maien chased the ball down and his great effort was scooped up by the Pensnett keeper. Pensnett pressed, Javon was alert to the danger and eliminated any concern. HCR maintained their lead until the final whistle 2- 3.

This was not our finest 1^st half performance, however, in the 2^nd half we showed tremendous character to keep playing and grind out a result to retain our position at the top of the league table. Some great performances today, Rawaz was outstanding in the first half. Each of today’s goals were hugely important – Matty’s gave us the belief to stage our comeback, Tariq’s was the all important equaliser and Sam scored the winner and indeed a monuental goal as it was our 100^th goal of the season ! Man of the match was awarded to Maien who had an excellent game, pressed the ball, and contended everything and never gave up. Well done Maien for your effort and energy and congratulations to the whole team and coaches for another 3 points.

The Pensnett goalie made a number of great saves and played through an injury.