5th April 2008 - Lighthouse turn Hedge End’s lights to Dim?

This had an end of season feel to the game, what with the sun shining and Hedge End struggling to raise 11 men. This was helped by Keith having taken charge (this is used in the loosest possible term) and not knowing how many players were going to turn-up. Still, by 10 O’ clock we had 9, or was it 10? At this point praise must go to Lighthouse, who not only allowed Keith to play and ref, but lent us a player ( a rather young and skilful lad who played extremely well for the 2 minutes he guest apeared for Hedge End. Having realised the talent available to him, he quickly changed sides, and played a blinder. The cavalry arrived in the shape of Rory, and Hedge End were now up to 11 players.
 
With Bernard on European duty, Ali visiting his distance cousins in Argentina and Andy away doing his Marshall arts, we were down to desperate measures. Thus Lee came back to the centre of midfield with Doug! Why the captain decided to let 'Pinky and Perky' amble around the midfield is anyone’s guess! Chappers went in goal and the new centre half pairing of Andy and Keith were looking at their young forward line thinking for the best but anticipating the worst.
 
Hedge End played against the wind in the first half and were soon under pressure. It was obvious that Hedge End would have to play well and after a couple of early scares, they were actually playing some reasonable football. We seemed to be playing with some width with Luke on one side and the ever youthful Steve on the right. 'Pinky and Perky' were competing well in the centre of the midfield and we were starting to create a number of half chances. Still the treat was always there, and having defended competently, Hedge End conceded a fine goal after an excellent cross avoided anyone with a red and white shirt on. Still, as the first half went on we grew in confidence and continued to pass the ball around until after further good work by Lighthouse, a scramble in the penalty area, and some neat footwork by Rory and we were 2 nil down. In Rory’s defence the goal was expertly taken and had our forward line been able to show that same level of composure in the second half, the result might have been different. As own goals go sorry Rory, it wasn’t the best, we have had much better one’s
 
Half time review, played some great stuff, some lighting fast runs from everyone but special praise must go to Steve’s 60 metre dart the right beating 3 players and still having enough oxygen to make it back to the half way line within 10 minutes! Hedge End just needed to keep playing like a unit and score. Who was Andy Mays – didn’t he used to play for us!
 
 
Second half looked promising, plenty of possession and we started to create a few half chances. The forward line were looking dangerous until they attempted to shoot. Power drives they were not, more like tickles back to their keeper. Still we looked good and after some sustained pressure, the goal came. An excellent corner from Dave and up pop’s Hedge End’s in-form goal scorer Doug to ghost into the six yard box and head in. We were looking the stronger side with Matt forcing a good save from the keeper and defensively we were looking in control, but then it all fell apart. To continue with the ghost analogy, Doug continued to spend the rest of the half pushing forward and was rather invisible coming back. On the rare occasions he did help out, Hedge End suddenly found themselves 4-1 down. A little hash I hear you cry, maybe, but he’s not writing the report and being partisan to the back division it wasn’t their fault ( maybe just a little).  But Hedge End were still looking for goals and perhaps on a better day might have had more. With 20 minutes to go we had a shuffle around Steve and Rob took it in turns to come off and back on and off again and sometimes even at the same time!  Lee went in goal, and much to Andy and Keith’s amazement, we suddenly had Dave for company!!  Why he came back I’m not sure. Had he had a bang on the head and thought we were still in the first half or just got bored? We were slightly worried as the last time he helped out, he gave the ball away and they scored but he actually played well. Still there was still one more gem to come. With seconds on the clock our keeper came to collect an easy, simple, soft, no power, no one around type of innocuous cross. Rising like a salmon he went to catch the ball, but alas proving that he is no fisherman, and unable to catch a cold, the ball ended in the goal. It didn’t matter accept 4-1 would have sounded better than 5-1. It’s a funny old game.
 
An enjoyable game and the score didn’t really do justice to Hedge End's play. Our home form at St Gorge’s continues to be terrible ( yet to win)  One game to go - lets finish on a high.