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The Hurricanes strolled into Round 2 of the County Cup with a resounding win over AC Finchley on a chilly, sunny Sunday morning in deepest North London.
Mill Hill Park was the venue and, with the Hurricanes kicking uphill on a sloping pitch, it initially seemed this was going to be a tight, tense affair. AC used the slope to their advantage and, during a goalless first ten minutes, had the lion’s-share of possession. The Hurricanes looked dangerous on the break and came closest to scoring when Alex grazed the outside of the post after a terrific run and cross from Joel. Joel then forced a great save from the AC keeper after a swerving free-kick.
The boys gradually settled and began to take control of the match and 3 goals before half-time put them firmly in the driving seat. Alex kept up his goal-a-game record, arriving at the far-post to convert a dangerous Joel cross. Joel raced from the half-way line, past 2 defenders before firing home to make it 2-0. Finally, an audacious Bergkamp-like flick from Alex released Sam Hart and he made no mistake with a thumping finish from just inside the box.
Kicking down slope, the second half was all-Hitchin. With the game in the bag, they played some lovely football and it became a question of how many they could score. Joel surprised the AC keeper with a looping right-wing cross-shot to make it 4-0 and then repeated the trick from a slightly narrower angle, a free-kick completing his hat-trick. William prodded home a Joel corner from close-range to make it 6 and Joel himself made it 7 after capitalising on a defensive mix-up. A super run and unselfish pass from Will was finished by Sam for 8-0 before Joel completed a hat-trick of long-range efforts with another stunning shot from well outside the box. A great left-wing run and cross from William fizzed across the box and Sam completed his hat-trick at the far post to make it 10-0.
A record win and fully-deserved – this was an impressive all-round team performance. Sam Hen had a quiet second half in goal but was alert, safe and secure when called upon. Kane and Patrick formed an excellent defensive partnership, intercepting, covering and making tackle after tackle - a deserved first clean sheet of the season. William was, as always, a powerful and tireless presence in midfield and Alex was committed and skilful, scoring one and setting up Sam with a memorable assist. Up front, Joel and Sam were in devastating form and will have given the Finchley defenders nightmares last night.
Next stop on the “Road to Letchworth” (the final is at the Herts FA County Ground on Baldock Road) is an away trip on 22nd November against the intriguingly-named World Soccer Solutions. From their website, it looks like they are linked to the Arsenal Soccer Schools but with no ground location and with a bye in the first round, so no form, it looks like another trip into the unknown.
Man of the match – All seven players contributed to a magnificent team performance but the star of the show was Joel – not only for his 5 goals but also his pace, trickery and unselfish passing – a virtuoso display!
Team – Sam Hen, Patrick, Kane, William, Alex, Joel, Sam Hart.
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