Hinton Reserves
7th May 2014
Brimfield 4 v 3 Reserves
The last game of the season had trip to Brimfield for 6.30pm kick off, so it was a fairly mixed team, but again not a bad squad. The opening exchanges again saw the aggression of the opposition see a leading dominance, but Harry Wright and Steve Saunders were battling hard in the centre of pitch that was seeing a lot of robust action. The youthful reserves were bolstered by veterans Kev New, Steve Gosling and Andy Taylor and with average being reduced by Jake Cooper, Jack Trattell, Jordan Mussell, Andrew Richards, Tim Edwards and rare start for the spritely Jack Harris, the desire to play good football was strong.
The opening goal came from the home side that had previously beaten Tenbury, the league champions with aplomb, when a swift attack saw Edwards and Trattell beaten and low cross saw the striker aim high to also beat Taylor. Against a strong wind Gosling and Mussell were rarely seeing the ball, but then Gosling protected the ball with guile and drew a free kick, from which Saunders curled the ball into the top corner with the keeper grasping into the air. This was well deserved, but soon forgotten, when Trattell was caught up field and the locals best players closed on Edwards following a long wind assisted punt, to drill into the net 2-1.
The lads then sussed that there was a great opportunity to be taken by holding onto the ball and drawing fouls from Brimfields keenness, and following a Kev New free kick the resulting corner flew into the net unassisted, although I expect young Harris by contest his positive influence on this?
Half time, broke the play and a positive attitude flowed at the restart, but was soon gone, when the lively Brimfield player again broke free to race through and shot low into the net, and within five minutes a similar event followed? A flurry of changes by Andrews and Trattell followed and young Tom Landon and Kyle New entered the game, and the introduction of raw speed and talent pulled the game into the reserves favour. The home side were very lucky to have 11 on the field when young New was kicked blatantly late and high but only a yellow was shown, and from this point the style of game changed and stronger challenges were plentiful and with Kev New and Richards marshalling the back four, Edwards, Trattell and Cooper advanced up the pitch and frequently Landon and New, breached the home defence and this resulted in a high count of corners and free kicks cause frantic defending by Brimfield. It was from one of the corners that Saunders scored his second goal of the season, with swift exchange of feet positions to secure a firm shot into the net.
As the game closed, the reserves continued to dominate, and suggest a clear intent on what could be possible next season with this group of players. Andrews and Trattell must be happy to have developed this group, and with the rejuvenation of Kev New, the experienced guile of Steve Gosling, the emergence of several strong U17s now in the squad and supported by the previous U18 players this a good indicator how well the previous and current Hinton youth development as been a success with its young players, and despite some of the results, this group has strong squad mentality which by staying together is sure to bring silverware back to Broomy hill soon. After the game Steve Gosling suggested that this may have been his last game? Stevie has been a true Hinton player for many years, and hopefully will remain involved to help develop the young forwards gain the skills that have seen Steve be a potent goal score for many years
Come on Hinton!
3rd May 2014
Reserves 1 v 4 Holme Lacy
A re arranged fixture to allow the visitors to field a team, proved a bad move for the reserves as several influential reserve players were unable to play due to other commitments, and few injury carrying players had to move into to the squad, but again this was still a good squad and capable of building on recent successes, and it looking as if success was on the cards as Jordan Mussell pounced on an early opportunity to shoot from distance within first five minutes and was unrewarded as the ball grazed the outside of the post
The back four was filled with a returning Ben Toye, but Toye was left without fault when Lacy took the lead with freekick that the defence left unchallenged and allowed the Lacy player a free effort on goal to score. Buoyed the country side then pushed the game and soon created the second score with well taken free kick that resulted from a careless tackle on the corner of the reserves penalty area. Finally the reserves woke up into the game, and a piece of stunning one touch football from Mussell and Jake Cooper provide a cross for Brad Matthews to score his fifth goal against Holme Lacy this season. The score then brought the 12th player in Lacys starting line up into play, and the dubious flag work kept the visitors in the game with flurry supportive raises, as the linesman controlled the back four with strong decisive flare.
The strengthen back line allowed the Lacy attackers to stay up the pitch and from a lively right side a third goal was conceded by the Reserves as strike went from front post to back post to nestle in the net. The game was a fractious event with a clear tactic to get swiftly about Mussell with strong challenges in place, this soon resulted a return to an injury status that saw Mussell withdraw from the game before the halftime whistle.
After the break, Steve Gosling also had retired from this game, and unfortunately Hinton never really got to grips with the changes despite Jack Trattell now moving to a central position with Saunders, and young Trattell then producing a workman like performance to earn a man of the match from his colleagues, with a continued to drive to play an expansive football game. The game was then sealed with a fortunate mishit shot that cleared Taylor early on to make the score 1-4. The game had gone, and as the reserves continued to battle for a foothold, the fleet of foot visitors continued to press for victory and with some great defending and saves from Taylor, Toye,Lee Markam, Kev New and Tim Edwards the game fizzled to a close.
29th April 2014
Reserves 3 v 1 Wellington Colts
Another mid week game for the reserves, and with a few late drop outs Callum Ditchfield, Ben Toye and Matt Aubrey joined the ranks for the visit of the colts, in Wellington FC's only game of the evening. The warm up Dave McCutcheon pulled out of the game, but buoyed by the spirit in the team, the strong visitors were soon behind when Aubrey, calmly turned inside the centre back and chipped the keeper. the confidence flowed and soon the visiting keeper was busy again with several good saves to deny Gosling who was rolling back the years with this weeks display, and was rewarded with a goal when he closed on a saved shot on the keeper and the resulting fumble was slotted home 3-0. The second goal was a bit of a mystery, when following a series of freekick and corners an OG was conceded.
The colts changed a few players obviously displeasured as the change in the form book, collected a score when a rash challenge gave them a free kick and the resulting punt was flicked into the net past Taylor in the Hinton goal.
The second half saw a lot of players exchanged due to fatigue, and this changed disrupted the Hinton, and at times frantic defending was seen, but mainly the coolness, of Kev New, Andy Richards, Ditchfield and Toye eased any worries and the three pointes were secured
24th April 2014
Ewyas Harold Res 1 v 1 Reserves
Here we go with the start of the evening fixtures, and straight up Harold with no first team game and Hinton first team playing Lads club, so who with they field?
A cagey straight by both teams was settled down when Harry Wright unleashed a thunderbolt of a shot the boomed against the crossbar and caused chaos in the Harold penalty box, with the lads now settled a following free kick was again scrambled clear by the home team who were looking shaky. This was again highlighted when Jordan Mussell put Steve gosling through on goal only to see the keeper push the shot around the post.
On a rare attack Harold gained a corner that was taken short and weak cross/shot dribbled across the goal mouth and despite a swing to clear by Tim Edwards the ball nestled in the net.
Undeterred, the lads kept to their guns and with Mussell, Gosling, Kyle New and Dan Staverly a constant threat, and with the solid back five of Andy Taylor, Lee Markam, Kev New and Edwards allowing Steve Saunders and Wright to boss a midfield. The team work created the equaliser just before the break, when slick passing move saw the young defender fail with a clearance and the ball bulge the Harold net 1-1 Come on Hinton.
The second half saw a change in formation with a more attacking style, and with multiple chances being left wide of the net, the referee blew up a little early, but as the light faded the countryside were happy, with the point as the Broomy team, dominated the final stages.
12th April 2014
Reserves 1 v 0 Kingstone Rovers
Game on, with a healthy squad to select from for the visit of Kingstone, who also had healthy numbers that enabled them to have two keepers in the squad? The game unfortunately will be remembered for the injury to Geoff Banham who suffered multiple fractures to his lower leg following a strong and slightly late tackle in the first 45 mins in which young Kyle New opened his senior goal scoring account with a close range shot.
Generally the now normal pattern of Reserve team games applied again this week, with long periods of pressure on the opponents goal not being converted into goals, but the whole game play was good, with Tim Edwards rarely called to duty in the Hinton goal until the final minute when an excellent tip over the bar was completed by Mr Cool hands.
The defence of Kev New, Rew Richards, and debut boy Lee Markem were solid and allowed right back Jake Cooper to venture forward frequently, to support Jordan Mussell, Dan Stavely, Kyle New and the rotating front men of Stevie Gosling and Jack Davies. The central positioning of Harry Wright and Banham was superb, and when Steve Saunders came on to replace Banham, the consistency remained.
The second 45 minutes saw Adam Herbert replace Kyle New, and Herbert was spot of form with some great running off the ball to create space for Mussell, Davies and Gosling to exploit, however the second goal eluded the Broomy boys time after time and when Stavely attempted a long range shot after spotting the adventurous Kingstone keeper off his line the lanky keeper just made up the ground to tip the ball over the bar.
The finishing touches to the general good play, is missing, the quantity of chances to score is increasing, but now the quality in front goal must appear. With points secured this week, its a good result, that we must work with, as we think about Big Geoff, and take forward his enthusiasm to be the best in every game.
30th March 2014
Reserves 1 v 3 Ewyas Harold Res
Another week and another shuffle of the squad as three players called and dropped out Saturday morning resulting a several late call ups for some players, and produced a line up that saw Jack Harris partner Steve Saunders at centre back? The prematch message was clear from Andrews and Trattell, dominate the game, shoot and bring back three points. In two of these, the lads were successful with, and again collectively showed another week of improving on these requirements, especially the younger players who are gaining in confidence, and in Kyle New there is great example of the development as Kyle was voted Man of The Match, by his team mates. Well done.
The match ended with two concerning injuries, one to Tim Edwards who clashed heads with Saunders and had to leave the pitch and then swiftly exiting from the game was Callum Meale who took a strong clearance straight on the eye, both players are ok now. The Reserves goal came from Dan Stavely, who demonstrated a desire to win all aspect of the game and chased down a through ball, to poke the ball past the advancing keeper, but at this stage it was only to make the score 1-3, as the Reserves were chasing the game from a first half deficit of three goals. The visitors found themselves three goals clear through three attacks that the reserves didn't take control of and resulted in disappointing goals to concede. This said it was a one way game with the Broomy boys, really taking the game to Harold, and throughout the game Dave McCutcheon provided a beautiful delivery into the box, but unfortunately Steve Gosling, Stavely, New, Adam Herbert, Jordan Mussell and Geoff Banham, were all unable to find the finishing touch to bulge the opposition net.
The second half continued as the first, and with Jack Davies replacing Gosling, the momentum continued, with Mussell unlucky some driving runs, and Banham on several occasions when a goal looked certain! Adam Herbert looked to have grasped the game and was running the right hand side of the pitch with Meale supporting with a great authority, but this week it was again not be a victory for the reserves, however the players who attended showed a better determination, but the killer attitude to win all the aspects of the contest remains less than what is required with some players, we need to collectively have this next week. Come on Hinton!
22nd March 2014
Reserves 0 v 3 Orleton Colts
Orleton avenged the victory that the Reserves gained earlier in the season in a game that saw little in the way of goal mouth activity for Tim Edwards, who this week was again starting in goal, but it did see Edwards face his second penalty kick in a week, and unfortunately collect the ball from inside the Hinton net three times.
The reserves had a change to the line up again this week, with several regulars not available, and an opportunity to take some first team players to bolster the gaps. The first half was a messy affair that settled down a little towards the end, but not before the visitors crafted a goal through a slick passing move. Chances were at also created by the Reserves, when Steve Saunders saw a header cleared off the line and the another occasion the ball seemed to in the six yard box for ages before being cleared
The second period opened with a greater sense of purpose by the Reserves and finally saw the red and black shirts running through the Orleton defence, but despite a string of corners, free kicks and open chances, only two shots looked goal bound, but drifted wide in the last metres. The visitors were being pressed into their half well, but were always strong on the counter attack and it was through one of these a penalty was gained, and then in the final minutes a long range strike secured the final goal.
15th March 2014
Reserves 1 v 3 Tenbury United
The league 1 leaders arrived at Broomy hill for a 2pm kick off, and with an unbeaten record in hand for this season, Tenbury United were going to provide a testing challenge for the reserves who were down on numbers, due to the First team needing some players and others being unavailable. The lads were in good spirits though following the last match performance, and with Kev New returning to the starting line up following a lengthy injury.
The opening ten minutes, proved to be the decisive period of the game, as despite looking settled the Reserves were punished twice in this time by the visitors, once with a cleverly work free kick, and then with an act of sloppy defending when row Z should have been populated with the ball, but the tippy tappy clearances were punished when the ball was hammered home past Tim Edwards who had again stepped up to go between the sticks for the team
Managers Andrews and Trattell swiftly moved some player positions, but kept the formation that saw Mussell go into midfield, and Steve Gosling partner Jack Davis up front. This looked a better set up and soon Hinton were pegging the visitors into defending for long periods of time, in which Mussell had a shot go just wide, and Liam Powell developed the wing back role into attacking wing back and was scorching the ground around the Tenbury right back. This success on the left was bringing a reward of a host of freekicks which Dave McCutcheon delivered with aplomb, and regularly found Kev New to create chaos in a Tenbury defence, but no goals. During this time Edwards was redundant on the Hinton goal except for one fine save from a long shot just before the whistle blew for half time.
The second period witnessed another slow Hinton start and from another freekick Tenbury scored another goal through the head of player that is playing well below the standard he should be at, but other than this Saunders and Mussell contained the player well, and due to this workrate a great flow of attacking football was created by Hinton, as Powell continued to work his way into becoming a potential man of the match nominee, and with Meale, Richards, and Harris all defending solidly the Hinton goal came, following a great volley by Gosling, that was blocked, the resulting follow up play produced a Hinton corner that New headed goal ward, only to be saved by the keeper and then Meale fired the clearance goal bound only for the ball to strike the post travel across the goal line hit the other post and then goalkeeper pull back the ball from over the line GOAL!!!!!! Come On Hinton
Tenbury shuffled their players and looked stronger, and this was when Edwards commenced the process of becoming the man of the match and potential Hinton legend. A penalty was awarded to the visitors, and as most were expecting the net to bulge with a fourth goal Edwards selected to dive the correct direction and with a solid wrist pushed the ball clear of the goal. This action lifted the lads hugely, and the final ten minutes were end to end, but Hinton were playing high up the pitch and sometimes exposed to the counterattack, and for the closing minutes Edwards successfully dealt with all challenges with skills that normally only befit a regular keeper, not the outfield player Edwards normally is.
Another solid performance except for three errors, against a very good Tenbury side, but thats all the top teams played this season, now lets start collecting some well needed points!
Come on Hinton!
8th March 2014
Reserves 1 v 2 Woofferton
The first game of 2014 finally, after all the wet weather, saw few changes as Andy Taylor had been promoted to the first team keeper so stalwart Tim Edwards stepped in the breach once more. Young Harry Wright and Dan Stavely also made starting debut for the visit of second place Woofferton.
Woofferton started strongly and Edwards was soon called into action with a good save, and this pushed some life into the outfield players who the created multiple chances before striker Jack Davies found the net to open the scoring. The Broomy hill boys were looking good for the lead and Woofferton were having trouble getting a foothold in any part of the game, until a deflected clearance fell to the visiting striker to poke home 1v1.
The game continued to be very balanced as the visitors now with a goal for encouragement, pushed hard, and the following several forced substitutions Edwards was gaining unfortunately picking the ball out of the Hinton net in the final moments.
So, a tight game, that so easily could have been turned into victory
14th December 2013
Reserves 1 v 0 Brimfield
A home at Broomy hill! Most of the players needed a Postcode for this fixture, so they could find Broomy hill as its only the third game of the season were the Reserve have been at home. The visitors Brimfield are newly promoted into Div1 this season and have a winning pedigree so a top performance was demanded by Andrews and Trattell. A few changes were required to accommodate working and holiday commitments of some regular players, but the incoming players were more that suitable.
A more than healthy wind was driving across the pitch throughout the game, and Hinton chose the option of being wind assisted for the first 45 mins, but this was no an advantage when in the first minute the Brimfield Number 9 rose unmarked to crash a header against the crossbar. Slowly everyone adjusted into the positions requested this week, and Trattell demonstrated to all that you never lose ability, when he produced some instant control when a stray ball arrived into the technical area which was deftly controlled on the knee and that trapped with panache. Now get on and do that on the pitch!
And Hinton promptly did, and with a forward line of Haslam, Matthews and Mussell, they set to work on a Brimfield defence that didn't enjoy being run at or being played through and Matthews was unlucky to see a shoot go over the bar. It was only going to be a short time until the goal arrived and Meale found a perfect ball to Matthews who sprinted past the left back, to square for Mussell to fire home. Instantly Brimfield strengthen their play and Hinton changed formation, and then a rare footballing moment arrived, when the referee couldn't decide which side should be awarded a free kick and decided on a Drop ball? Chambers won this and continued to be the brunt of some heavy tackles through the game, but this didn't prevent a dazzling display of control and delivery which on two occasions found the ever hard working Marsden with heading opportunities, but with each was unlucky not to have been on target with either. Haslam was also testing the visiting keeper, and was also very close to increasing the goal tally. This game was not all one way traffic and a lively Brimfield attack was being well marshalled by Saunders, Meale, Cooper, Fox and Ditchfield, but it was a great block by Taylor in goal that saw the halftime whistle with Hinton in front.
So, second half defend or attack? With a bench full of forwards it was only going to be attack, so another change back to 4-4-2 which had the players looking a little bemused at the management team. The opening exchanges saw the visitors go long and our gallant defenders were solid, with Ditchfield leading by example and progressing to gain the man of the match award this week. The formation change was working and the two forwards were keeping the four Brimfield defenders so busy it allowed Chambers, Marsden and Edwards to advance on goal with unfortunately no net bulging success. The pressure was constant with the wind, and the visitors hit the bar again, before a deflected shot levelled the score line.
More changes as Gosling, Davies and Harris entered the game, and the game continued to go from either end with both keepers called into action, before the final whistle blew on this windswept contest. This probably a good league point for the reserves, as the visitors will definitely secure more points in the other fixtures.
Have you sold your raffle tickets? If not please sell them, the money goes back into your club HINTON FC
30th November 2013
Wellington Colts 1 v 0 Reserves
Football is a simple game, you play in one colour your opponents play in different colour, the aim is you keep possession of the ball and stop you opponents having the ball, except for kick offs when you have scored. To keep possession of the ball you move into positions to be passed the ball by your team colleagues, and then look to pass the ball onto another team mate. Easy?
Well not always, and this Saturday adventure was not a great advert for our marvellous game, as on a very grassy pitch, a low sun and a strong Wellington colts side all these seemed to provide a test for our Broomy hill boys. The opening minutes all looked good and the recent form of the Hinton outfit appeared to remain with the boys in red and black as Jordan Mussell ran through, to shoot weakly at the Colts keeper, and then Dave McCutcheon delivered a perfect freekick that Steve Saunders just failed to reach. The Colts finally caught up with the game and Andy Taylor commenced a game that saw multiple saves that kept the lads in the game. The locals hit a goalpost with a shot, and McCutcheon, Tim Edwards, Rob Henderson, Callum Meale and Jake Cooper were all called on to perform strong defensive actions to keep the scores level, and it looked as if the deadlock would be broken when Geoff Badham burst through to close on the colts goal, but again a weak shot was collected by the keeper. Unfortunately the Colts took a lead in the game, when a corner somehow sailed straight into the net despite the efforts of Taylor.
There was constant requirement for Trattell and Andrews to introduce substitutes during the first half Mussell, Meal and Adam Herbert all required some respite during the period, and the second half continued in this vane, as Jack Davies was replaced with Steve Gosling after a fruitless stint up front where the ball was rarely delivered with an accuracy to bring Davies into play. Pawel Pinecki also came onto the bench, and Jack Harries joined Gosling up front. The play continued to be scrappy, and following one period where the Reserves controlled the possession of the ball well Herbert was open on goal, but failed to deliver a solid strike on goal. The play was far from one sided and the Reserves were pleased to see the Colts pushed back into defending, after strong attacking play by the Colts. in a brief counterattack Mussell saw a long shot graze the Colts upright, but today was not a classic performance , and the unanimous voting for Andrew Richards as the Reserve man of the match more than reflects direction of the play, from which Richards provided another sterling performance.
This result, should provide a timely reminder for the Reserves that points are earned and require some desire from the players to be fit to play 100%, therefore perhaps Saturday nights maybe a better night to go out???
Have you sold your raffle tickets? If not please sell them, the money goes back into your club HINTON FC
23rd November 2013
Orleton 0 v 1 Reserves
They win when they want, was again being sung by the reserves this Saturday following a return to action after three weeks with no fixture for the Reserves. The management team were a little concerned with this Orleton game as earlier in the season the Villagers had left Broomy with a victory from a well organised team, so a 4-1-4-1 formation was selected.
Assembling in plenty of time before the match the Reserves were able to complete a good warm up prior to the kick off, and but were looking a little rusty in some positions in the opening minutes, until Pawel Pniecki grasped an opportunity to advance down the left wing and through Pawel's skill, aggression and desire to get forward several Orleton players were left in the wake of the marauding Pole, who completed the run with a pass to Adam Hebert who had a shot deflected into the path of an advanced Tim Edwards who shot wide of the goal. The attacking move seemed to wake the Broomy hill boys up and after a switch back to a traditional 4-4-2 Hinton looked stronger and dominated play.
Jordan Mussell, Steve Saunders, Jake Cooper, and Pniecki were winning the midfield battles now and Jack Davies and the fleet of foot Herbert were opening the Orleton defence up. It was a Davies pass the sent Pniecki through to deftly chipped the ball over the advancing goalkeeper only to see a scrambling defender clear the ball off the goal line. The locals are a well organised outfit and were causing some concerns of there own, but as we know the Reserves defence in front of the Keeper Andy Taylor, are a very relaxed group, and this week Edwards, Callum Meale, Rew Richards and Rob Henderson were living up to their reputation of not being too flustered, but they were grateful to Taylor, as Taylor was required to be alert on more than one occasion, to produce some great saves to keep the scores level.
The game was continuing at a swift tempo, and Mussell was driving the lads forward with a sustained ability to win the ball off the home midfield and from one these challenges, Mussell was through on the goal , but unfortunately unable to get the ball on his better striking foot and saw a shot saved by the keeper.
As the half time whistle loomed, Henderson launched a Free kick into the box that Saunders headed the ball goal ward, with an additional glancing touch by Cooper to produce a save by the keeper, by Davies was alert to the opportunity and crashed the ball into the net for a Hinton goal from a yard. The game was alive and the Orleton players lifted their performance, but again Taylor was in good form, with a brace of fine saves and solid catch from a corner to calm any nerves Hinton had.
The second half started with the expected onslaught from Orleton and the Reserves found themselves deep in their own half and defending a series of corners, which on a whole caused no problem until Saunders found himself on the back post unchallenged, and with a slightly misjudged clearing header the whole game watched in slow motion as the ball striked the inside of the goal post travelled across the goal to the opposite post for Cooper to clear. The pitch remained motionless for while as all took in the freakiness of the original clearance. The game continued with Hinton being extremely dangerous on the break, and unlucky not to have had more success on these attacks. The final changes were made by Trattell and Andrews, which saw young Harry Wright enter the fray, to bolster the midfield with his normal mature performance, that defies his age, but Wright was robbed of some playing time by the referee, who must had a keenness to watch the Chelsea game, as the final whistle seemed to be blown, with a good 10 mins left to play?
Nevertheless the victory was Hinton's, with the cornerstone of this display being the team spirit, and desire to leave the field with a victory. This was the demonstrated by the joint man of match displays by Richards and Henderson as centre backs being recognised by the players, but this could have gone to any of the 14 players involved.
They win, when they want! Remember Training Weds, and SELL those raffle tickets
26th October League
Kingstone Rovers 1 - 3 Reserves
They win when they want, these Hinton Reserve players and this week was another week, when from the prematch gathering the ambition of Hinton was there to seen, and that returning from Kingstone with three points was the target for these players. The squad remained mainly unchanged, with the exception of Dave McCutcheon, and Steve Cuss drafted in to replace the unavailable Meale and Henderson.
Conditions, were bright, with a firm wind and ground that took a stud with ease The opening minutes saw the Reserves again look to be a footballing side, with good movement throughout the passages of play. Kingstone were a little more direct with a lone target man and a midfield that looked to be available as often as possible. It one of these knock backs to the midfield off the forward that opened the chances in the game, and found Andy Taylor in fine early form to push the low shot around the post for a corner. The match settled down a little and until the Reserves applied a little more pressure that saw Brad Matthews head just wide from a Jordan Mussell freekick, and Adam Herbert line up a shot that home keeper saved well down low to his front post.
The experience in defence of Cuss and McCutcheon was being youthfully supported of Tim Edwards and Rew Richards, who again bot displayed a calmness and confidence that provides plenty of opportunities for strong attacking moves to start at the back of the team, and it was from these solid defenders that the opening goal arrived when Mussell received the ball from them, to release Matthews down the left who after riding a few challenges crossed the ball to the edge of the box for Herbert to place a shot into the net with the keeper stranded.
The restart was a strong reminder of keeping focus, when a speculative shot was pushed high over the bar from Taylor, who looks to have found a huge bag of confidence again and continued to provide a solid performance again this week. Returning back to attacking play Jake Cooper, Steve Saunders and Jack Davies, gave constant reminders to Kingstone that every challenge was going to be contested, and a high sequence of corners for the Reserves was unfruitful in a score, but expressed a dominance in the game. The score was not increased at the break, but Cuss was unlucky with a well struck shot, to see the ball cannon off the Kingstone defenders head and just go over the bar.
Tim Edwards doesn't get many shooting opportunities in his new full back role, and his second half strike was a timely reminder to the players in front of him, of what can occur, as Edwards unleashed a drive the saw the superb Kingstone keeper complete a great diving save to tip over the bar. It was only the fore runner of what to come and the Reserves continued to dominate the game, with Mussell, Saunders, Cooper and Herbert all running the central area strongly, the defence was solid again in this 45 minutes and despite Matthews seeing the majority of the ball, the work rate of Davies up front was providing the space for Matthews. The second score was a corner by McCutcheon that Matthews powered home on the back post, the game was over, and Trattell and Andrews started the changes that saw Jack Harris, Christian Herritts, Harry Wright and Tom Harris, replace, Davies, Mussell, Edwards and Herbert who was denied his opportunity of a Hat trick following his second score of the game and the Reserves third, when he was ran through the home defence to collect a flick on by Matthews to coolly chip the keeper.
The incoming players all continued the spirited approach that was in the game, chances fell to Christian Herrits and Jack Harris who both in future occasions will probably score? Whereas Tom Harris and Harry Wright provided a renewed strength and focus to win in the defence and midfield, and with performances like these occurring the selection problems will be with to management team very soon? The spirit in the squad is now growing with each week, and it was great to see the team support for Dave Mc"Cwtch"eon in one brief altercation that Dave embraced!
The game as a contest was over when the home side breached the reserves defence, with a corner in the final minutes as the flight deceived many and was poked into the net
The performance continue to improve as does the team in every way.
Man of Match Adam Herbert
20th October League
Holme Lacy 0 - 4 Reserves
Some one famous once said that "you cant win anything with kids" and Holme lacy must have been left backing away from their statement that they were looking to "bounce back against Hinton reserves" in the Hereford times last week, when the only things that were bouncing at Holme Lacy this weekend was the ball in the Holme lacy net and the Reserves celebrating a well deserved victory!
Trattell and Andrews kept the majority of last weeks team, but gave a debut to Rob Henderson at Centre back and Brad Matthews was placed alongside Jack Davies in attack. The opening minutes from both teams were cautious, with a game pattern that looked as if we were going to see some football being played and not the long ball game that seems to be the preferred route of many teams this season. It was the excellent passing by Hinton that swiftly unlocked the home defence and resulted in a free kick by Adam Herbert crossing the area with Steve Saunders and Matthews lining up to apply the finishing touch to score. Unfortunately neither were successful at this point, but it did start a running commentary of Saunders performance by the Lacy linesman, who throughout the remainder of game supplied regular updates for everyone.
With confidence growing it was soon rewarded when Herbert passed through the defence for an advancing Matthews to open the scoring, this was then doubled when Tim Edwards won a great tackle, Jordan Mussell ran through the midfield with the ball to release Matthews again to score. Heads were now up and Mussell closed down the home centre back and again gained the ball to release Matthews to secure a first half hat trick.
It was not all one way though as, Andy Taylor although mainly remained un used in the game, he was required to produce a save from a low Lacy shot, but then the dominance of the reserves returned to the game when Davies won a freekick which Mussell fired into the net for clear lead 0-4.
The half time break was welcomed, as the weather became horrid with heavy rain, and the game restarted with the expected reply by Lacy, of a stronger challenged approach, but the resistance, strength and character of the Rew Richards, Henderson, Callum Meale and Edwards remained and chances continued to be created. The frustration of the locals was showing, and then spilt over with the dismissal of a Lacy player, the loss of player seemed to open the game up and Lacy had a second on target shot saved by Taylor, but the majority of the attacking play was with Hinton. Pawel Pniecki, Tom Harris and young Harry Wright were all introduced as Hinton closed on the victory, but no further scores appeared mainly due the performance of the Lacy keeper, who saved a Mussell penalty, and prevented multiple other goal bound attempts.
A fantastic and well earned performance that was won by the complete squad of players, not just in this game, but in the previous games, at training and with the loyalty these players have in each other, and there is no better example of this team spirit, than demonstrated by Jack Harris this Saturday, who must be owed a game by the management team now?
Come on Hinton!
13th October League
Reserves 3-6 Ledbury Res
The spirits were high for the reserves before the game, as the team faced Ledbury for the second time in 7days, and hoped to build on the good showing in the last encounter.
Half-time 0-4 If you want to know what happened in the first 45 mins find a player and ask him, as words fail me at this moment in time!
With some strong words ringing in their ears, the second 45 mins, boys in red and black stripes started stronger and looked a lot more interested in the competitiveness of the contest, and following the introduction of Jack Davies, the Ledbury net finally was populated with a ball, as Davies chased a ball into the right side corner to cross deeply and the Ledbury keeper was finally exposed under pressure from Jordan Mussell, and the ball hit the far post to caress the grass in the net. This seemed to provide some confidence and it was not long until Davies was released through the visiting defence to chip the advancing keeper for a second score.
Again the spirits lifted and finally some control of the game was grasped by Hinton, and from a corner supplied by Dave McCutcheon, the now nervous Ledbury keeper was beaten by the flight to see a third goal register for the Reserves that had now decided to contest the match, and looking to have the upper hand, but it was not to be as a final decisive goal arrived for Ledbury in the final minutes.
This was a game that the Broomy hill lads never really got to terms with, following the errors and lack of cohesion of the play in the first 45mins. There was an element of hard luck also, but good fortune is earned, and with a personal pride in performance this will be another lesson to learn for the players
5th October Jock Hanley cup
Ledbury Res 3 -0 Hinton Reserves
A return to Ledbury for the Reserves this week, and season debuts for Jamie Combe, Christian Herrits Josh Whitlam and Adam Herbert, as the squad had yet another assorted feel to it. With Trattell and Andrews's words ringing in the players ears from last week, and the prematch team talk the Broomy hill team took to the field with assertive intentions, and it was clear to Ledbury from the start that this wouldn't be a repeat of the previous encounter this season.
Hinton looked lively from the whistle with Jordan Mussell and Steve Saunders marshalling the midfield, and Christian Herritts and Pawel Pinecki calling the local defenders into immediate actions with runs into the box. It was the home keeper that was called into action first as Herbert headed on a goal kick from Andy Taylor into Mussells path to cross for Steve Gosling to challenge the diving keeper, but the ball was cleared off the line frantically. The positive nature continued, and opportunities continued for Hinton, and Pinecki and Gosling had additional chances with no luck and the pace of Herbert and Mussell was a constant threat. The opening goal came from freekick where the referee adjudged that Pinecki had fouled the Ledbury "Fellini" while challenging for a header, and the resulting free kick was placed beyond Taylor. Taylor had been on good form previous to this with an excellent double save, but in another attack Taylor suffered a raking injury to his shin, and the temporary immobility was supported fantastically well, by the forever cool Tim Edwards, the energetic Tom Harris, a speedy and hard tackling Callum Meale, and a strong solid Combe, who at one stage was on call for a fantastic goal clearing header.
At the turn the Broomy boys remained focussed on the task, and game continued to be even with the Ledbury back line looking suspect, but again this week saw some heavy handed tackling taking place, which even in the Hereford Prem would not be permitted, but regardless everyone was still involved in the game, and the introduction of Josh Whitelam looked interesting as the physical presence of Whitelam changed the defenders approach and Whitelam was unlucky not to score with dipping volley that just cleared the bar with the keeper watching on. The Ledbury keeper was the busier of the two, and completed an excellent save from a rasping shot, while Mussell, Saunders, Pinecki, Whitelam and Herbert were all unlucky not to find the equalising score.
Chances were being created at either end and the Hinton defensive actions were strong and as the final 10 mins started Hinton continued to look good for the equaliser, as the game turned ugly for few minutes, when hands were raised, and off the ball events occurred, all of which evaded the officials eye line. Into the game came Jack Harris and Liam James to provide some more attacking options, but it was Ledbury that found the additional scores when Mussell was pushed over by a very "handy" player who then supplied the pass that saw the striker beat Taylor, the final attack then saw the young Hinton players, perhaps get a little to involved in the non game activities and freekick saw a third goal just before the final whistle.
The improvement in the team is good to see and it will only be matter of time before the luck will turn our way and success will Hinton's. The team is made of young lads and your support and encouragement would be fantastic as they in some cases are in their first year of senior football.
Man of the Match was Callum Meale, who delivered a strong defensive presence to the attacking flair we have already seen