(26-Oct-13) North Warnborough Knights (H): 2-1

The talk before the game was all about North Warnborough’s Knights attacking prowess having scored 27 goals in their opening 7 games. Facing a Headley side in fine recent form and with one of the meanest defences in the league it was always destined to be an intriguing game and both sides didn’t disappoint.

Harriers welcomed backed Charlie Morris who missed last week’s 1-0 win and with Charlie B missing a reshuffle of the pack saw Noah pushed up front.

It was clear to see why North Warnborough are riding high in Division 1. The away side moved the ball well and looked dangerous on the counter attack, but for the Harriers once again showed a great commitment and work rate to contain the Knights to few clear cut chances. Despite Harriers excellent work rate, goal scoring chances were few and far between and it would require something a little special to unlock the North Warnborough defence. It came on 17 minutes. Jack Brown picked the ball up on the left hand side and played in Noah who shifted the ball onto his left foot and lashed the ball home from 12 yards.

North Warnborough continued to look dangerous and Headley had Oscar to thank for preserving the home sides lead. Headley’s number one pulled off 2 excellent saves that had both sets of supporters applauding. The first was from a snap shot from North Wanrborough’s captain which looked destined for the corner until Oscar stuck out a firm right hand to divert it for a corner. The second was even better, keeping out North Warnborough’s lively number 10 with a crucial low save to his left.

The second half was a continuation of the first. North Warnborough pressing for equaliser and Headley competing for every ball. A foul on Joe G 12 yards out gave Headley some welcome relief and up stepped Noah for another speciality free-kick curling the ball over the hapless Knights keeper to put a little daylight between the two sides. 2-0 Headley but there was still 13 minutes on the second half left. The next goal was crucial and it was North Warnborough that claimed it to set up a nervy last 10 minutes. Max ST was harshly adjudged to have obstructed Knights centre forward and the resulting free kick gave Oscar no chance as it was fired in through a crowded penalty box. Game on, but once again the Headley defence of either Euan, Max ST, Ollie and Charlie backed up the superb Oscar demonstrated that Headley’s defensive record is no fluke.

In the final minutes Headley could have extended their lead. From a Noah corner Max I rose superbly at the far post to send a terrific header against the crossbar. This was to be the last piece of action in the game and continued Headley’s fine recent run of 10 points from a possible 12.

A great battling performance by the boys. There were some great individual performances. Noah deserves recognition for his two great goals and Oscar was rightly voted the MoM award for two outstanding saves and his all-round commanding display in goal. However, the whole team should be congratulated for a spirited performance against a very strong North Warnborough side.

Harriers are now up to the dizzy heights of 3rd in the league. There’s still a long way to go, but what a promising start so far.

Match Reports (updated 28-Oct-13) - Download / Open