HCR Match Report 21.10.12

Halesowen Community Rangers   3  Vs  Bearwood Sports   1

Goal Scorers:

Marzouk

Sam

Hamza

Halesowen kicked off their 5^th league game of the season against Bearwood Sports, who took us to the final game of last season in order to decide who would claim the Division 3 title.

Both teams started brightly, Bearwood looking to avenge last season and HCR hoping to record a 3^rd successive victory over their local rivals. Marzouk and Hamza, who was back in the team after recovering from an injury, were both looking to test the opposition keeper early on with Bearwood  endeavouring to do likewise, although Javon was equal to any Bearwood attempts.

HCR were finding it difficult to establish themselves and make an impact on the game as normal slick passing was thwarted by the boggy conditions of the Hurst Green Pitch. Looking to capitalise on HCR’s misfortune Bearwood attacked in their numbers looking to play through their striker, but the back 5 of Javon, Matty, Sam, Paddy and Tarik were able to deal with the Bearwood attacks.

The first goal came, however, midway through the first half when a miscommunication between the 2 centre-backs Paddy and Sam saw the opposition’s forward break through on goal and he was able to slot it past the oncoming keeper. Finding themselves on the back foot HCR battled to try and get back on level terms but the condition of the pitch meant the midfield  of Chris, Marzouk, Taha and Aaron found it hard to move the ball around, with the 2 forward men finding themselves becoming more isolated from the play forcing them to drop deeper in search of the ball.

As the players acclimatised themselves to the pitch HCR began to mount some attacks on the Bearwood goal, with Taz and Chris linking up well and Taha working hard to retain possession. Aaron and Marzouk combined well only to see the Bearwood defence deal with Aaron’s inviting cross. Just as HCR were beginning to play and the 2 forwards were becoming more involved in the play, the referee blew for half time. Rangers went into the break trailing 1-0 although there were positives to build on in the second half

Half time score

HCR  0  -  1  Bearwood Sports

The second half saw HCR mount several attacks only to meet the committed work of the Bearwood defence who were clearly working well and did not want to allow the HCR forwards any chink in their armour. Bearwood were being well dealt with in the middle of the park and Zeyad, Taha, Marzouk, Aaron and Hamza with  new signing Brad were working well and creating some good chances. Taz knocked a well placed free kick into the area, Sam chested it down, it hit off the keeper only for  Marzouk to pounce on it and lash it home for 1-1. This was encouraging and revved up the whole team, play continued in a positive and determined fashion.  

HCR won a corner and Zeyad’s delivery was nearly met by Aaron who competed for it, however Sam curled it into the back of the net allowing the home side to take the lead for the first time in today’s proceedings.

HCR played out the rest of the game with confidence with Bearwood making a fine forward attack which was cleared by Aaron who had tracked back to clear the danger. Marzouk won the ball in the middle of the pitch and sent Hamza through 1 on 1 and Hamza finished neatly to bring the home side’s tally to 3 for the day. Play continued until the final whistle with no further goals recorded.

A tense game but a fine finish against a good side in Bearwood. Character shown to come back from a one goal deficit. Today’s man of the match goes to Sam for his energy, persistence and strong role in defence.