Haddenham United Vs Cheddington
Sheffield Jackman Cup Quarter Final
5th March 2011
Haddenham hosted Division 2 promotion hopefuls Cheddington in the quarter final of the Sheffield Jackman Cup. Having reached the semi final of this competition last year Haddenham were looking to at least each the same stage and hopefully better this season.
Both teams started well and it was refreshing to see them trying to play flowing football despite the pitch looking like it had recently hosted the local tractor pulling championship.
Although possession was fairly even throughout the first half Haddenham were creating the more dangerous chances and were rewarded for their pressure shortly before half time.
A James Ward free kick on the left from 10 yards inside the Cheddington half evaded everyone except Richard Surnam, who ghosted in at the back post to volley the ball into the back of the net for his first goal of the season.
The second half carried on in much the same way with some promising moves from both teams being thwarted by random bounces. The main threat continued to come from Haddenham and after 15 minutes they doubled their score.
The ball was played into Rolo who teased the defence (and spectators) with one of his “will he, won’t he shoot” routines before dispatching the ball beyond the Cheddington keeper to put Haddenham two up.
Cheddington responded well to conceding and mounted their most consistent period of pressure in the game with keeper Morris being called into action on a number of occasions and pulling off three fine saves to maintain Haddenham’s lead.
Finally the visitors got the breakthrough they deserved when following a good move Morris pulled off a great save only to see the ball rebound to their attacker who calmly slotted home into the empty net.
Haddenham responded by upping the tempo of the game and applying more pressure to the visitor’s goal. The final goal of the game came from the resurgent Phil Heggie. Jake Rea delivered a pinpoint free kick from the right and Heggie timed his run perfectly to head in at the back post.
The game ended with the final score of 3 -1 and Haddenham deservedly progressed to the semi final stage of the cup where they will play Wingrave (again).