Haywards Heath U18s – 3 v 3 – Ringmer U18s

AET (HH win 4 - 3 on Pens)

03/02/08

Match Report by Rob Hawkes

 

The previous encounters between these two sides meant this was likely to be a fairly even contest with the outcome difficult to predict. Once again the Hanbury Park surface was cut up and heavy going with the uneven surface threatening to spoil the game.

 

Ringmer started well and dominated possession, but due to a couple of defensive mix ups both Davis and Taylor were required to make two last ditch goal line clearances to prevent HH taking an early lead, but both of these attempts were against the run of play. However in the 39th minute HH did take the lead as Ringmer failed to clear a corner and the ball was driven home, low and hard at the back post. It looked like HH were going to go into the half time break ahead, but Ringmer drew level with virtually the last kick of the half. Two minutes into injury time James Novis delivered another of his many quality corner kicks, which Stonell met at the back post and headed down for Lawrence to blast home from 6yds out, for a well deserved equaliser.

 

The second half progressed with both teams battling it out in midfield with attempts on goal and possession shared equally. In the 74th minute Bob made his only substitution of the game, bringing on Andy Smith for Andy Bonnicci up front.

 

Hayward Heath regained their lead in the 80th minute while Ringmer were down to 10 men as Lawrence was off the pitch receiving treatment. A scything tackle in the Ringmer area by Stonell who was covering for Lawrence at centre back, left Mr Miles no option but to award the penalty kick, which was duly despatched to make it 2 - 1. Fortunately Lawrence’s injury wasn’t permanent and he was able to regain the field of play for the restart. Three minutes later Bob’s substitution proved to be inspired as Smith fired home from close range to make it 2 - 2. The goal came from another Novis corner which Smith got to first, but it was Lawrence’s antics on the goal line, which kept the HH keeper and two defenders busy, allowing Smith space to fire home unchallenged.

 

The game concluded 2 – 2 after 90 minutes and went into extra time.

 

Ringmer restarted the match and took the lead within a minute thanks to a great solo effort from Sowter who zigzagged his way through the HH defence and blasted past the flailing keeper. The remaining 29 minutes of extra time were fairly even as HH pushed forward to get the equaliser, which they eventually got from a deflected shot that bobbled just inside the post.

 

With the score line 3 – 3 after extra time the match was settled on penalties, which Haywards Heath won 4 – 3; their keeper making himself the hero of the hour by saving three of the six Ringmer penalties. Ringmer were arguably the better side throughout the 120 minutes of open play and created enough chances to win the game, but now pay the price for not being able to take them. Congratulations go to Haywards Heath who progress to the semi final stage, thanks to their more clinical penalty kicks.

 

 

 

Please note: The above report is a personal view by the writer, Rob Hawkes and should not been seen as necessarily totally factual or accurate. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the contents no liability rests with the writer and the contents should be studied and approved by the editor and Ringmer FC in general prior to publication.

 

 

	Player	Goals	Comment
1	Dan Davis	.	(GK)
2	Scott Taylor	.	.
3	James Earwicker	.	.
4	Josh Lawrence	45(+2)	.
5	Paul O’Donnell	.	(Capt.)
6	Jesse Stonell	.	.
7	James Novis	.	.
8	Josh Hawkes	.	.
9	Ryan Betsworth	.	.
10	Jayson Sowter	91	.
11	Andy Bonnicci	.	.

 

	Substitutes	Goals	Comment
12	Amro Shaker	.	Not used
14	Andy Smith	83	On for Andy Bonnicci (74)
15	Justin Wood	.	Not used
16	Jake Buckle	.	Not used
17	.	.	.

 

Manager	Bob Munnery
Coach	Louis Munnery
Physio	.

 

Referee	Gerald Miles
Linesman (Ringmer)	Ryan Storrie