COUNTY LEAGUE DIVISION 5
Hodgsons F.C. 4 (Hastings 37, O.G. 54, B.Wallis 80 (Pen), Daniels 87)
Patrington Stanley 1
After last weeks stalemate, perhaps one thing on Billy Steele’s mind was a team reshuffle in order to find that killer instinct. Changes were made, and Steele introduced utility player Daniel Piwinski into the heart of the defense along side skipper Karl Wallis.
Ian Daniels started in the centre of midfield replacing the injured Scott Moody who watched from the stand. A further change up front gave defender turned striker Chris Newsam an opportunity to use his abundance of ability to tease the opposition, and Stuart Fleming started his first game for a couple of months on the right wing after recovering from an old injury. Incidentally Stuart’s younger brother Vinnie has been very much the ‘talk of the town’ with a potential move to a rival club. Let’s just hope that Hodgsons FC can maintain his services.
With both of these teams potentially challenging for honors this season, a cagey start was to be expected. However, the opening 10 mins was all Hodgsons. The home team was creating chances but the Patrington defense stood strong and blocked the attempts on goal, the Patrington keeper dealt comfortably with the rest.
Although the away team attempted neat football this was broken up by a strong defensive unit consisting of Suffield, Piwinski, Karl Wallis and Robinson. Goalkeeper Matt Dexter looked confident and took charge of any balls in and around the box.
As the game began to take shape and settle down Hodgsons started to penetrate the away defense. After 20 mins of play a corner swung in by Hastings caused mayhem in the box. Newsam turned and drove a shot on goal which was parried away, and then Ben Wallis had an attempt saved.
There was a certain amount of frustration in the crowd now, as it seemed no matter what the home side did, the ball just wouldn’t find the back of the net.
The on 37 mins the oranges were celebrating there first goal of the season. Left back Robinson launched a ball forward, Hastings latched onto it and drove forward from the half way line, and he cut inside and slid the ball under the keeper. A well deserved goal for the home side.
This spurred the home team on, the result of which was a fantastic effort from the right foot of Daniels which crashed onto the post and out for a goal kick.
At one nil with only minutes remaining, the away side produced a killer blow to level matters. The final piece of action for this half saw Silvester on the left wing linking with Robinson who switched the ball inside to Hastings, he shielded the ball before releasing a quick shot, and the keeper did well to save.
Half time 1-1
At half time Billy Steele made a change, top scorer last season Jordan Dexter replaced the Chris Newsam after he picked up a knock.
Hodgsons regained the lead on 54 mins after some great work by substitute Jordan Dexter. He hassled the defense and managed to pinch the ball and running the right hand side he whipped in a cross which was turned into the back of the net by the Patrington right back.
Still a further goal was required to make a certainty of those 3 points, as Patrington still looked dangerous on the counter attack. Daniel Piwinski continued to dominate at the back but unfortunately for his defensive partner Karl Wallis he could take no further part due to a ham-string injury, so he was replaced with the tenacious Jon Helyard who was effective in the midfield with some strong challenges, nobody gets a second on the ball with Jono around!
A third goal came on 80 mins. Ben Wallis dispatched a penalty following a sieving challenge on Daniels, the away team just couldn’t cope with his trickery and decided this would be the best way to stop him.
Steele made a 3rd and final substitution, Robbie Whiting entered the fray replacing Stuart Fleming who had grafted hard all game.
The icing on the cake came from the industrious Daniels. Upon receiving a ball from Ben Wallis he strode forward rounded the keeper and tapped the ball into an empty net.
A professional performance from the men in orange against a difficult side to break down.
Man of the match: – Daniel Piwinski
Match sponsors: – Hodgsons, Lane Rental Services and Just Gentleman Barbers
