WE ONLY WENT AND WON OUR FIRST EVER COMPETITIVE GAME DIDN'T WE!?!
Stunning.
Saying that, the scoreline actually doesn't do us justice, it should have been AT LEAST 5 or 6 nil but we can save that for next week when I hope we can put in a similar wonderful performance.
OK, now I know that no-one will ever read this but I'm going to try and get all geeky and tactical when giving this match report.
We lined up for the first half in a basic 4-4-2 formation (or 4-1-3-2 if you're being picky) with a flat back four, (Ralph) Stansfield in a deep laying playmaker role between the defence and midfield, (Kev) Newman as the engine room, (Chris) Nobbs and (Phil) Kimber providing the width, (Thom) Wilkinson playing the withdrawn striker role and link between the midfield and attack, and finally (Stu) Morgan in the forward position just off the last man.
The defence dropped relatively deep throughout the game in order to prevent us from being caught out by the ever present long ball with Ralph picking up the ball from our defensive third and driving the game forward with well timed runs. Kev's physical presence in the centre of the park caused the opposition a number of problems and we found ourselves being able to dominate in this area and be able to look for our attacking outlet.
On the left flank, Chris and Jon (Grant) played a more defensive role, subduing the opposition's attacks down their right side and allowing the play to flow at a greater pace down the opposite wing.
Dan (Burgess) and Phil provided much more attacking threat down the right flank with the Right midfielder often joining the attack in the wing position.
Up top Thom dropped into the midfield in order to have more of an influence on the game and Stu made sure there was always an option by keeping in line with the opposing centre-backs.
The first 10 minutes of the game were relatively shaky as we were getting used to the pitch and the pace of the game, one we had the ball on the ground we were able to finally control the game and play a short passing style and be prepared to be patient in our search for the opener.
We took the lead just before half time when a throw deep in the final third made its way to Thom who was unmarked on the left side of the goal close to the by-line. He had the time to carry the ball close to goal before slotting the ball into the right corner and through the legs of the onrushing keeper from a tight angle and HHAFC deservedly took the lead just as the whistle was blown.
At half time the goal scorer came off and our pacey striker (Joe) Hill came on in his place and subsequently the shape of the team altered slightly.
After a poor first 15 minutes to the second half we finally regained our sharpness and adapted to the altered shape of the team and changed our play accordingly.
Although we lacked the same degree of fluidity and possession as the first half, we now had the threat of a much more attacking system often with five men looking to attack the ball and surge into dangerous positions. The threat paid off when a long clearance from (Callum) Foote in defence went all the way through to Phil who was unmarked at the edge of Romsey's penalty area and was able to slot the ball home from close range.
Things went from good to great when a few minutes later some nice play in midfield led to Stu being released and able to casually fire in a shot from the left hand side to make it 3-0.
We continued to threaten for the remainder of the game and were unlucky to win by a bigger margin when the final whistle went.
Overall we found ourselves playing the kind of football we were happy with and being able to adapt to slightly different systems in the two halves.
Callum Foote was named Man of the Match for constantly preventing any ariel threat whilst also being calm with the ball at his feet.
Next week we find ourselves away to Braishfield Reserves and we hope for another successful performance!
HHAFC x
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