A great performance from the Under 10 Warriors at the HRI on Saturday morning, in what seemed our first home game for ages!
Hillmorton are new entrants into the league, with this being their first match and it was a thriller with strong, committed performances from both teams, played in a friendly atmosphere.
In an end-to-end first half, Corey was called into action early on, with Hillmorton hitting the post within the first 5 minutes, but our defence of Joe, George and Lachlan(c) did well to quell their advances, supported by Will J-W and Josh from Midfield. The Warriors grew into the game more and more as the half progressed and, after a few chances from both teams, a super through ball from Will J-W fed Will J on the left hand side of the box who gave us the lead with a calm, accurate finish. Harry’s movement up-front created the space for Will J, pulling their defence apart and shouldn’t be forgotten! All in all, some great play from both sides in the first half, with some crisp, accurate passing, good movement and good awareness.
The second half saw George in goal with Corey moving to right back and Will J-W taking his place in the centre of defence. Lachlan carried on the excellent work he did at left back in the first half.
The Warriors continued where they left off, quickly adding a second goal with some fantastic build-up play from Corey, Joe and Josh ending in a lovely left-foot finish from Will J. 2 real team goals whilst making it increasingly difficult for Hillmorton when they had the ball.
However, our lead seemed to spur Hillmorton on, and the pace of their attacks grew and grew as the game became more stretched. The Warriors defence valiantly blocked, shepherded and tackled everything they threw at us, including a fabulous double-save from George in goal. You got the feeling a goal was coming and two came in short succession with a third soon after from a corner we failed to clear…. One for some work at training on Friday!
However, having gone behind the Warriors seemed determined to get the game back on an even keel, taking advantage of the game opening up with some fabulous play. Will J went close with an excellent free kick and Hillmorton followed that by hitting the post until, with only 6 minutes remaining we got the equaliser the lads deserved with Josh providing the finish. Defensively, both teams had decided they’d let enough goals in and the resilience showed by both defences in the last few minutes saw the game end in a result both sides can be proud of.
Corey was this week’s team player of the week after a great display in goal in the 1st half followed by some excellent drive, determination, passing, pressing and defending in the second! On to next week and another home game…. WELL DONE BOYS!!