Sunday, 14 October 2012

HCR Match Report 14.10.12


AFC Hinksford  1  VS   Halesowen Community Rangers 2
Goal scorers:

Sam and Chris

The rangers made the journey to the picturesque setting for this away fixture with Hinksford. It was  a lovely playing surface  and there were wonderful rural  views all around. Despite the lovely blue skies we were without the inform Hamza Javaid, who was sidelined with an ankle injury, we were always going to miss his lethal threat in front of goal and on the wing.

The first half saw Hinksford having the lion’s share of possession and  forcing Javon into action on a number of occasions. Javon Bailey is a quality keeper and plays with a smile on his face, he is truly a pleasure to watch. He was forced to make a double save from a Hinksford free kick.
Halesowen whilst not playing to their potential in the first half had their moments; Chris was running up and down the left wing, winning balls and outpacing the defender, he created a wonderful chance for Marzouk who hit the post. When HCR put on the pressure it was impressive and this time Marzouk fed Chris who forced a save from the confident Hinksford keeper. Once again Chris and Marzouk combined with Marzouk heading just over the bar.

Javon was 1 on 1 with a Hinksford forward, Javon cleared the ball and within minutes Javon calmly made another  great save to keep the score 0-0.
Our new look back four, Matty, Sam, Paddy and Tarik were combining well showing organisation and commitment with Sam making a vital final clearance, great stuff Sam. AFC won a corner and Javon got his hands to it. Then Paddy made a committed and well timed tackle to cancel out the AFC attack.

AFC continued to put us under pressure with us failing to retain possession in the middle of the park.  Marzouk managed some of his magical play with his shot going just wide. Maien was energetic and causing all sorts of trouble, he was attacking in the box and was the recipient of a push in the back but nothing was given.  
Hinksford broke from a corner, a through ball split the Halesowen defence  allowing their forward a 1 on 1 opportunity with Javon. Javon had no choice but to commit himself to the ball, and his unintentional connection with the player left the referee pointing to the spot which was converted for 1 – 0 to the home team. It was a blow for the visitors to concede just before the half time whistle was blown.

Half time score AFC Hinksford  1   Vs   Halesowen Community Rangers  0
The half time team talk must have been inspiring as Halesowen Community Rangers entered the field of play with some more energy and belief. The midfield of Marzouk, Taha, Aaron, Chris and Zeyad were winning more balls and contending. Halesowen were awarded a corner which was taken by Marzouk and Sam hit sweetly with his left foot  into the back of the net, a quality finish from Sam .Sam has a knack of scoring hugely important goals for HCR,  as  was this one  – the all important equaliser that our improved play warranted.

Confidence and energy was up, Mohamed  was lively and shot just wide, he then set Aaron up with a great ball which Aaron did well to get to and his shot was collected by the keeper. Maien was a revelation upfront, busy, threatening and skilful and he  forced a great save.
The game was end to end with both teams pushing hard for the winner, AFC won a corner which Taha cleared, Sam then made  a crucial challenge with Javon gathering to make sure the ball didn’t cross the line.

Zeyad was playing with renewed energy and making great forward runs but shot over the bar, nearly grabbing the winner, on another day it would have sailed into the net. He didn’t give up he kept going and crossed an exquisite ball into the area, Maien unselfishly left it for Chris to smash into the back of the net. His team mates proceeded to swamp  him in a pile on to show their appreciation. Halesowen had audaciously grabbed the winner ahead of the final whistle, no doubt a blow to Hinksford but sheer joy to the rangers as their improved passage of play deserved this outcome.
There were many candidates for Man of The Match, Javon saving the day on many occassions, Paddy with his last ditch tackles, Zeyad with his no nonsense football which elicited the killer cross for the winning goal.

Today’s Man of the Match goes to Chris for his industry in the first half and for scoring the all important winning goal and opening his HCR account. Well done Chris.
A very entertaining game of football with Halesowen not at their best but showing great character and determination to come back from conceding a goal before half time to take home all three points and we look forward to moving up the league table.

Well done to everyone !

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