ECV Hornets Veterans team had their second game of the season in the
National Veterans Cup and travelled to Winterbourne Bristol. Hornets
started slowly and went 1-0 down after just 3 minutes. Slowly, the team
started to work together and pulled level with a fine run and shot from
a tight angle by Paul Williams.
The midfield of Rich Mold, Dave Hoaen and Dave Squire broke up many of
the Bristol attacks and with the help of the wingers Simon Parish and
Chris Hucker, the hornets surged ahead. Fine pass from Hucker found
Williams at top of the D and his shot found the backboard. The game
flowed end to end and it was no surprise when Bristol equalised with
another well structured passing move finding a free attacker on the goal
line.
Shortly after in another attack, Williams was felled by the keeper whose
stick struck Williams on the head. Patched up, he continued on but sadly
had to withdraw with the pitch seemingly going round in circles.
Half time and 2-2 but with only 10 players, Hornets knew they were in
for a tough time. Sole attacker Grant Harrison ran tirelessly as Hornets
pushed their opponents back. A rare attack from Bristol produced a goal
and the lead again.
Undeterred, Hornets with Maurice Saltzmann, Al Sydenham and Andy Smith
defending and clearing their lines, the midfield powered their way to
provide Mold with the deserved equaliser with 15 mins to go..
Hornets pushed and would have won the game easily were it not for the
incredible heroics of the Bristol keeper. Saves from Hoaen, Mold and
Parish kept the scores level to the final whistle.
Extra time started and again Hornets started to pressure the Bristol
team. Then with just 5 mins gone, a quick attack and the goal was
conceded.
The Golden Goal dashed the hopes and spirit of the Hornets boys. Bristol
were a very r
23 March, 2012
would have knocked them out of the cup.
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