1st December 2007 - Reality check for the Hedge End

After three games unbeaten, and knowing that they drew with Eastleigh away earlier on in the season, Hedge End were in a confident mood.  Unfortunately for them they didn't reckon on a Eastleigh side being really in the mood for scoring.  There was a rumour that many of the Hedge End players were not up for the game and just focusing on the curry and poker night later on in the day....

Ali was out of action for this game and Keith had to step in to ref the game.  Josh moved into midfield and Paul and John made returns to the first team.

After only 5 minutes Eastleigh broke the deadlock when their striker latched onto a through ball and placed it into the corner.  Very soon after that a cross came in and big Andy headed it into the path of Matt who volleyed it in to make it 1-1 and get his 7th goal of the season to become joint top scorer. 

Eastleigh's big number 14 caused the Hedge End defence a massive head ache as his pace, power and skill meant he had quite a few runs on goal.  It was no surprise that Eastleigh took the game to the home team and at half time where already 5-1 up.

Hedge End still kept trying to grab another goal but in going forward the back four were left the horrible task of trying to keep the fast and skilful Eastleigh attackers at bay.   The second half was a great improvement but they need to think about what went so well against Meon Valley and try to replicate that again.

At the end of the game 9-1 did seem to flatter the visitors and this result means that the pressure is on Hedge End to pick up some points again soon as all of the teams below them are winning.  Cosham next Saturday haven't won a game all season and will be really up for it - Hedge End need to make sure that they don't slip up.

PS. I know that this is a short match report but for most of the game I had my eyes closed dreaming of the Meon Valley game.