Haddenham United Vs FC Spandits
12th March 2011
Back in league action Haddenham faced FC Spandits. The last four games between the teams have produced an average of 7.5 goals per game with honours even at two wins each. With that recent history a goal fest seemed certain with the match report to consist of a brief description of the many goals and scorers and little else.
Spandits had to rearrange their starting line-up just before kickoff when they realised that one of the starting 11 wasn’t signed on and they’d accidentally put him down under the wrong name in the team sheet. Hopefully the introduction of ID cards next season will help managers who have problems matching player’s names to players.
The first half got underway with both teams playing neat and tidy football. There was little to separate the sides in terms of possession or chances, although neither keeper had very much to do.
Half time 0 -0.
The second half continued in the same way with some flowing moves from both sides but with no real cutting edge or clear cut opportunities.
Spandits broke the deadlock with a typical quick, sweeping counter attack with the sharp finish giving keeper Morris no chance.
Haddenham’s response was immediate. 30 seconds after conceding the home side won a free kick 40 yards out from Spandits goal on the left hand side. Matt ‘Barry’ Tatum swung an inviting cross into the box. Phil Heggie, leaping like a salmon heading for it's spawning grounds, rose majestically above the defence to head the equaliser into the net for his second goal in two weeks.
Both teams went looking for the winner, and although neither could get the vital goal, the remainder of the half was an entertaining affair with good quality football being displayed.
The final score of 1 -1 was a fair, if surprising, result and an accurate reflection of the balance of play throughout the match.