Hedge End Town v First Team

Despite being early in the season this was the second time we had faced Hedge End Town in the league. After a confident victory in the home tie the team were keen to put right the mistakes from the previous week and bag another 3 points. Holidays, injuries and work commitments meant there were further changes to the side and only 2 players on the bench meaning the pressure was on the team to work hard for the win.

Bishops Waltham started bright and set the tempo for the first half. The midfield three were dominating, the back line were organised and the front three were all lively. Bishops Waltham were winning the ball high up the pitch on regular occasions but the front three were unable to get on the end of numerous through-balls played from midfield. a couple of half chances went begging but on the 11th minute deadlock was broken. A ball across from Dan Cooper, who was making his first competitive start for the club, found Nathaniel Sherborne who moved it onto his left foot and slammed it into the back of the net. Bishops Waltham continued to pressurise the Hedge End defence with carving runs but weren't able to create too many golden opportunities. The lead was extended in the 25th minute as a Chris Flood corner was met at the back post by Elliot Braund who's header fell to skipper Martin Buckthorpe and his swivelled shot found the bottom corner. Bishops Waltham were playing with some real confidence and began to move the ball around well and the pressing game made it very difficult for Hedge End to get out of their half. We didn't have to wait long again for the next goal. Chris Flood broke the Hedge End back line and got on the end of a great through ball and he was then chopped down in the box, penalty awarded. Chris then stepped up and smashed the penalty into the bottom corner to make it 3-0. Bishops Waltham continued to controlled the game seeing the half time score stay at 3-0.

The second half began much differently to the first. Although Bishops Waltham continued to apply pressure Hedge End were having a little more joy with their direct play and managed to get themselves higher up the pitch. A couple of moments of lapse concentration from Bishops Waltham allowed Hedge End to create a few opportunities, none bothering keeper Fin Taylor although a dropped cross could of ended with a Hedge end goal but the shot was put over. The remainder of the game was quite balanced with no team dominating possession or creating any clear cut chances.Nathaniel had a couple of difficult chances, one grazing the bar. The best chance of the hall fell to Harrison Moore after the Hedge End keeper over committed himself leaving Harrison a free shot from 30 yards which he put wide. Dan Cooper had a half chance as he blocked a keeper clearance but that too bounced wide of the goal. The Bishops Waltham defence was in control and managed to keep Hedge End at bay for the 90 mins resulting in their 4th clean sheet. FT 0-3