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Everyone wants to win 10-0 every week and play dazzling, fluent football. Sometimes, you need to “win ugly” and the Hurricanes did this on Saturday, grinding out a narrow victory over St Neots after their toughest test of the season so far.
Set against the high standards they have reached so far this season, the boys were under-par – their passing lacked fluency, they got in each others’ way and generally made things difficult for themselves. Much credit should go to St Neots who were difficult and competitive opponents – they recently beat Letchworth Reds, who are the only team to have beaten the Hurricanes this season.
The Hurricanes dominated possession and territory during the first half but struggled to create any clear-cut chances against a well-organised St Neots defence. It looked as if the half would be goalless until Sam K broke the deadlock with 4 minutes to go – he chased down the ball, dispossessed a defender and shot past the St Neots keeper.
St Neots looked more dangerous on the break in the second half and pulled level, pouncing on hesitant defending to shoot past Sam. Hitchin went 2-1 ahead minutes later, when Joel, released by Sam K, raced into space and hit an unstoppable finish in-off the right-hand post. St Neots equalised once more when their skilful striker turned inside Patrick and shot across Sam into the left-hand corner. With the match in the balance, it took a moment of magic to win the game. Sam K controlled a long Patrick clearance and hit a looping shot from well outside the area that deceived the keeper as it dipped in under the cross-bar – an early candidate for goal of the season!
St Neots continued to press for an equaliser but Hitchin’s defence held firm to see out the match and claim a deserved, if difficult, victory.
Sam Hen had a busy game in goal this week and was very confident and assured. His handling was very good, given the wet conditions, and he made a number of very brave dives at the feet of opponents to claim the ball. Patrick and Kane had their hands full with some tricky, mobile forwards but showed determination, particularly to close out the game at the end. William was tireless and influential, ably supported by Alex in the second half and Joel and the Sams needed all their skill and speed to get the better of the outstanding St Neots defence.
Man of the match – A full-time fixture in defence since the recent departure of Max, Kane has been a consistent performer in recent weeks. Here, he covered well, made tackles and interceptions and continued to support the midfield when Hitchin were on the attack.
Squad – Sam Hen, Patrick, Kane, William, Alex, Joel, Sam Hart, Sam King
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