Match Report Holyport FC

Saturday 17th December 2011

Uhlsport Hellenic League

Slimbridge 0 v 0 Holyport

Attendance – 37

HT – 0 v 0 

Holyport Stop The Rot 

With the game getting the go ahead at Slimbridge, Holyport made the trip with a bare bones squad due to suspension and unavailability.  With only 12 recognised players travelling it was going to be an uphill task but Holyport were left disappointed not to return with all the points but would have taken the draw if offered before hand. 

Holyport started well with a 451 formation, although this left Handscomb slightly isolated it meant that Slimbridge were offering very little attacking threat as the back four with Rolfe in front and Sturgess and Ackerman alongside him hunted in numbers to break up Slimbridge's attacking play. 

Holyport slowly started to get the ball wide and use Jerrum and Rapley.  It was Rapley who was getting the most joy from his full back.   Ports first chance fell to Handscomb who’s free kick from 25 yards was spilt by the keeper but he managed to grab it at the second attempt.  Jerrum then hit a weak effort wide and Rolfe also drove an effort at the keeper from a Rapley cut back. 

Sturgess who was having a good game in the more attacking midfield roll also broke free and with two defenders closing him down his effort was saved by the Slimbridge keeper.  Carter in Holyports goal had a quiet half and apart from a few crosses to claim he was well protected by his side with the back four of Ovens, Crawford, Bailey and Britnell.  Half time came and with Port attacking down the slope during first half they knew it would be a difficult second half going up the slope. 

Slimbridge came out and started the better side and used the slope to their advantage but as the half progressed Holyport once again grew into the game with Rapley and Jerrum causing trouble on the flanks.   Jerrum hit a dipping volley that had the Slimbridge keeper beaten but the crossbar came to the keeper’s aid.   Slimbridge came back and pressed but Carter pulled off a fantastic reaction save it keep the scores level.   

Slimbridge then had a series of corners and from one it took a combination of Ovens and Carter to keep the ball out.   Holyport continued to push for the goal they deserved and Britnell had a volley from point blank range somehow blocked when it was goal bound. 

The final whistle came as the game was opening up.  Sweetman was delighted with his sides determination and desire throughout the game and they can look forward to the away game to Flackwell Heath on the 27th December. 

Carter, Ovens ©, Britnell, Crawford, Bailey, Jerrum, Rapley, Ackerman, Rolfe, Sturgess, Handscomb