|
The Hurricanes continued their unbeaten start to 2009 with a well-deserved draw in a competitive, hard-fought contest. St Neots are a strong, physically big team and made an impressive start, putting immediate pressure on the Hitchin goal. The front-four of Kane, Will, Joel and Sam struggled to get their usual fluent passing game going and were well marshalled by two giant centre-backs, one of whom looked, with his shaven head, like Nemanja Vidic’s younger brother. At the other end of the size scale, St Neots also had some nippy little forwards who were a constant menace. Kane was a blur of activity, running and tackling and covering well and Max and Patrick continued to develop their burgeoning partnership in defence. Sadly, it was a rare defensive lapse, which led to St Neots taking the lead. A ball was crossed into the box and was not cleared. A St Neots forward guided it goalwards and despite Sam and Patrick’s acrobatic attempts at a last-ditch clearance, crossed the line.
Fired up after a half-time team-talk, the Hurricanes were a team transformed after the break and really took the game to the home side. Will and Kane began to dominate midfield and Joel and Sam found gaps and began to threaten an equaliser. The boys deservedly drew level with a goal of real quality midway through the second-half. Kane’s throw found Will in space and a twisting, turning run and pass released Joel. He sprinted into the area and unleashed an unstoppable shot from the right that rocketed into the top left corner. Hitchin were well on top now and good work from Sam sent Joel through again minutes later. This time, his chipped finish beat the keeper but drifted just wide of the left-hand post. The match finished all square; probably the right result in the circumstances and another creditable comeback from Hitchin.
Team: Sam Hen, Max, Patrick, Kane, William, Joel, Sam Hart
|
