Match Report

09/12/06 Bedouins 1 Market Harborough A 3

When their backs are against the wall, Harborough's character seemed to shine on. No subsitutes available, and being run ragged by Bedouins for 15 minutes after half time, the watching spectators were worried that Bedouins' fresh legs might prevail. But Harborough dug deep and at the end of the match, captain Rob Smith Superstar was heard to be shouting "I'm Loving It" despite some heavy hits.

Harborough showed determination and dedication from the start, passing the ball crisply into the Bedouins' half and penetrating with every attack. Neil James (now 17 and looking forward to the day when he can buy us all a drink) was imperious in his ball control, setting up chance after chance from the right wing, combining well with Lauren Hand, and one of these resulted in the ball fizzing through to the far post, where Alice Philips lurked with intent, and shot past a despairing Bedouins keeper for her first of the season. Darren Edwards seemed to scoop up every ball played through the middle, and worked tirelessly. and Harborough were in control for the majority of the half.

The only other highlight of the first half was watching Lisa Coe (out of position at right back) not able to sing "I'm Still Standing". Half time came and Harborough were on top and playing well. However, the second half started with the Bedouins applying some heavy pressure to the Harborough goal, which the defence and keeper Baz worked excellently at repelling, ably supported by Rob Smith Superstar and Darren Edwards. Attacking chances were at a premium, and with no fresh legs to bring on, Tim Chapman was seen diving for the lucozade mid-match. He should use that tactic more often, as it was his fabulous cross from left wing that allowed Bobby Read to slide in with complete commitment at the far post to take Harborough 2-0 up, all be it against the run of play. The support went wild (all four of us) and left this simple bystander speechless at one point. However Bedouins pressed hard again, making it difficult for Harborough, and won a few short corners, from one of which they scored their goal.

And that was the extent of the Bedouins' threat. Harborough raised their game, Darren Edwards, Neil James and Lisa Coe running the ball hard at the Bedouins midfield, Tim Chapman a constant threat down the left and Rob Smith Superstar and keeper Baz Liddle snuffing out any possibility of a Bedouins comeback. Tim Chapman finished them off with a exorcet shot from a tight angle, leaving his girlfriend on the side to declare, thank heavens, he has still scored in every match. Neil James wrapped the match up by simply denying Bedouins any sniff at the ball.

An excellent game, away from home against opposition who were in form, no substitutes, and hardly a foot wrong (unless you have to count Rob Smith Superstar's apology to Mrs. Read at the game's close), lets just hope Harborough can take the same attitude into their next match.

Gk - Baz Liddle

Men - Rob Smith Superstar (capt), Neil James, Darren Edwards, Tim Chapman, Bobby Read

Ladies - Anna Birch, Lisa Coe, Alice Philips, Lauren Hand, Ellie Hand

Best Away Support Ever - Mrs Read, Racheal Read, Heather Wiseman, Darryll Gillard

MOM Neil James
 

from Darryll Gillard