Match Report Holyport FC

Uhlsport Hellenic League
Sat 3rd December 2011
Holyport 0 v 1 Highworth Town (90 + 4)

With Holyport missing six players before the game started and only having two regular subs it was always going to be a backs to the wall performance.  Holyport can be proud of the team spirit shown today, three injuries resulted on all the subs Flint, Ackerman and Coach Maye being used and they show nearly got a fantastic point.

The first half started brightly for Holyport as Jones pick up where he left off against Wokingham in protecting the back four and breaking up the play allowing Riddell and Jeffries to push on.  The first chance of the game fell to Sturgess whose shot was saved and then Wrights goal bound volley was blocked by a Highworth defenders leg.   

Highworth begun to show their ability with their movement and good passing and Carter in Holyports goal had to be at his best to deny them on several occasions.   As Port dropped deeper to deal with Highworths attacking options this meant the clearances kept coming back and Holyport held on until half time to keep at 0-0.

The second half was a real back to the wall effort from the side.  Wright and Jones had to removed after 60 minutes as recent hamstring injuries reoccurred.   From the whistle it was Highworth who had all the play and looked dangerous.  Once again it took some great saves from Carter or last ditch tackles from Bailey or Rolfe to deny them scoring.

As the half wore on Holyport slowly got forward and had some half chances.  As the clocked ticked down it looked as though the points would be shared but a cross was spilt by Carter and after clashing with the forward to recover the loose ball the ref adjudge that Carter had fouled him.  With the last kick of the game Highworth scored from the spot.

In truth Highworth deserved the points but it was a hard result to take as the side had battled so hard and thrown everything on the line.  Man of the match was Carter who pulled off a series of fantastic saves.

Carter, Ovens (c), Britnell, Bailey, Rolfe, Sturgess, Butler (Maye), Riddell, Jeffries, Jones (Ackerman), Wright (Flint)

Next game is Saturday 10th Dec at Summerleaze V Witney.  15.00pm Kick Off.