First of all fantastic crowd considering the usual Keys Park temperature and Champions League being on the box and they were treated to one of the best halves of football played at Keys Park in years. Che was once again a class above and his days in midfield continue to shine through in his calmness on the ball and willingness to take it forward if there's no immediate pass rather than launch it forward.
Always nice to score 4 and spread the goals around and, while the first one was a touch fortunate in that we were playing against a team whos goalkeeper's gloves were sponsored by Lurpak, the last 3 goals were all fantastic. Great Elliott run matched by a pure strike on the angle past a keeper who didn't know whether to go for the ball or hide behind his post, a trademark thunderbolt by Clements and a brilliant move finished off by a sublime finish by Jevons.
Can't really comment on the Pedro yellows as I couldn't have been further away from both incidents if I'd stayed at home.
The Platt fanclub behind the goals were in full voice, aided by a completely inept performance by their villain of the hour...and a half.
Re: MATCH REVIEWS - HTFC v Rushall Olympic
Posted: Wed Nov 23 2011 11:18 am
by Glyn
Thoroughly enjoyable, the more so after what happened at their place (and the League Cup meeting will be fun!)
Credit first to Rob and Larry for yet again surprising us with team selection and formation, but they were spot on; Hay as lone striker was again terrific until withdrawn (injured? knackered? had to go to work?!)... Jevons showed us what a great acquisition he was, his first real chance to shine, topped off with a sublime finish; and indeed from 1 to 11 (excepting poor Pedro, victim of a muppet referee who hasn't heard of Law 19, Common Sense) everyone put a shift in - correction, the three subs also did a great job, especially Bails who didn't put a foot wrong at a time when it was crucial that we didn't undo our good work
Pics failed dismally to make the extra man count (as, to be fair, we did against Matlock the other week) because their sole tactic was to hit the ball in behind for the pacy strikers to chase (as it was at Dales Lane). In contrast, the workrate and team spirit of our ten men (and of course eleven until Pele's dismissal) was fantastic
Used to give marks out of ten for each player when I was watching my football in Wales - lots of 8s last night and several 9s, Dunkley, Clements, Denny, Jevons and Durrell all competing for my MoM nomination. I'll have to see if the MoM poll will let me vote 5 times....
Awesome 1st half and some cracking goals! Gotta send love out to Gary Hay and Elliott for doing the celebrations in front of my camera too. I'll upload my photos to FB this evening.
Re: MATCH REVIEWS - HTFC v Rushall Olympic
Posted: Wed Nov 23 2011 1:02 pm
by Supahednesford
Yet another fantastic result. The wing play of Danksy and Elliott was exceptional throughout the majority of the first half. Poor old Platty and their right back just had no answer.
As we lined up just before kick off, looking through the starting line up, bearing in mind Jamey and Marv were both out injured it struck me how strong a side we have at the moment. And with players like Wellecomme and Jevons, who definately had his best game for us since signing last night, competing for a starting berth we are certainly well placed.
We let Rushall back into the game with their consolation goal just before half time but, even with ten men, I would have been astonished had we let them seriously back into the game.
Echoing the sentiment regarding the superb attendance considering the other football on offer last night.
With Northwich on the horizon would'nt it be great to get within touching distance of them before our game on December 10th. Taking one game at a time, lets get another win on Saturday and look forward to another attacking expansive performance by Matlock next Wednesday.....
Re: MATCH REVIEWS - HTFC v Rushall Olympic
Posted: Wed Nov 23 2011 4:13 pm
by TerryMc
I also thought that it was another fine performance last night, the last few games we have looked really strong throughout the team, everyone 'on their game'!
I expected a cagey start last night, ensuring that we did not concede an early goal, ensuring that we did not give the visitors anything to defend. When I saw Rob and Larry's team selection, I started to think otherwise! The team started at a ferocious pace and for the first half hour we looked as though we might run up a big score. The rather soft goal conceded and then the untimely dismissal of big Pedro took the wind out of our sails a little but we re-composed ourselves, crafted out an excellent fourth goal for Jevo and got the deserved result.
The result from Northwich Victoria v Chorley made it a very good night for the Pitmen.
Re: MATCH REVIEWS - HTFC v Rushall Olympic
Posted: Wed Nov 23 2011 6:51 pm
by Scramble Harry
We continue to create chances, we continue to score goals and we continue to pick up great results. Without being over confident or cocky about it too. We have a stratospheric record at Keys Park and if we keep playing like Tuesday night then long will it continue.
To start with, Rushall let us play the ball about and do what we enjoy doing. Basically they helped us do our job for us by not really turning up! Infact a little bird told me that Dacres was still en-route for them when the match kicked off.
We tried to stop them playing and passing the ball by rushing them into things and especially in the first half that worked in our favour. We defended very well and I think shocked them with 3 goals in half an hour. I like the fact Rushall didn't come to Keys Park for a draw, like so many other teams before them appear to like doing, but they struggled to get out of the blocks and never got going.
We were helped by a nervy goalkeeper and top class finishing and goals are coming form all over the pitch too. Pedro was stupid to get a yellow for what was more like petulance than dissent, and even sillier to make a challenge the way he dead for his second booking. No real complaints from me about that, although I doubt that Pedro will be sponsoring him to climb Everest now!!
The games continue to come thick and fast and we are going to need all of our players to step up to the plate and keep winning. We have a solid squad with dependable players, but we do need to be careful on discipline and it was very encouraging to see Brad get on the pitch too.
Re: MATCH REVIEWS - HTFC v Rushall Olympic
Posted: Wed Nov 23 2011 6:55 pm
by Perton Pitman
Thought I'd posted last night, but evidently not!
Thought we played well last night, but were troubled from corners and knock downs from long balls. Obeng was a dnager all night, but Chey turned in a fine performance.
The big concern for me is injuries and suspensions - all coming at the wrong time!!!
Having reviewed the highlights again it is easy to see why Pedro collected his second yellow, but what puzzles me is why the Rushall number 4 escaped his second booking at the end of the game with a late tackle from behind near the touchline.
I thought at the time that the ref was guilty of inconsistency and this confirms it
Re: MATCH REVIEWS - HTFC v Rushall Olympic
Posted: Thu Nov 24 2011 7:36 pm
by Glyn
Glyn wrote:Highlights here
... great goals from Elliott, Clemmo and Jevo (what a through ball from Clemmo!)
... and in case anyone thinks it was a stroll in the park, some heroic defending at 3-1 up, especially when we were down to ten men
And I'd love Mr Gratton's explanation as to why their no 4 wasn't shown a second yellow for that late challenge on Elliott. Looks like persistent infringement of the Laws of the Game to me
614.
