17^th Feb 2008 Holmesdale 1 - GroundHoppers 3

Hoppers moved into the quarter final of the Bill Braisted Memorial Trophy with a disciplined performance against a young enthusiastic Holmesdale side.

The early exchanges were to set the pace and format for this entertaining game. The ball being worked well by both sides, both defences strong in the tackle and difficult to get behind. It was GroundHoppers who were to enjoy the better of the possession; although the game was played on probably the biggest pitch in the league, space was limited as both teams worked hard to close their opposition down.

Hoppers patient while in possession, created the greater number of chances in this game, but it was thirty minutes into the first half before they were to break the deadlock. A sweeping counter attacking move, running the full length of the field found Andrew Huggins in the right wing position, his cross found the diving head of Vinny Kenneth, to nod home at the near post.

Holmesdale, were never out of this game and had chances of their own, but found David Rose’s cool head and Steve Canfields grit a difficult pairing to get behind.

The second half took on a similar pattern as the first, Hoppers creating slightly the better chances. Matt Searle was introduced for Barry Gadsdon, following a superb performance on the left hand side of midfield; forward Stephen Wright dropping into the midfield position. This change was to bring the biggest sigh of relief for Hoppers, another right wing cross, was met by Stephen Wright, ghosting in at the far post, to tap home.

With the pressure off a little for Hoppers, they could relax a little and try to enjoy the game. David Rose, restricted to playing in defence this week, started to get forward a little more. One such excursion, presented himself with a shooting opportunity, from the edge of the box. The shot caught the Holmesdale keeper by surprise, as the ball slipped under his body and into the back of the net.

3-0 up and Hoppers thinking the game is over, Holmesdale reminded Hoppers, why they had to concentrate as hard as they did throughout this game. A snapshot from the edge of Hoppers area, went in off the post, for a consolation for Holmesdale, but even with five minutes on the clock, they were not going to stop pushing to try to get back into the game.

TEAM: Greig, Eames, Canfield, Rose(1), Burgess, Huggins, Gadsdon(Searle), Brown, Kenneth(1), Allen, Wright(1). Unused Sub: Hinchion. Takan