Reserve Div Two West

20 August 2011

Cricklade Town Reserve: 3 V Hook Norton Reserves: 3

Hooky travelled to Cricklade for their first game of the season and came away with a deserved point after a thrilling second half performance.

A minute silence was observed before the kick off in memory of Jay Wills who we all solely missed.

The game went under way with Hooky playing neat football, passing the ball around nicely and looking solid across the park. Ollie Barlow suffered an injury in the 15^th minuet and was replaced by a 16 year old debutant – Chris Perrott who had an outstanding game at right back.

Cricklade scored the first goal of the match against the run of play on 20^th minute from a across met by M. Cox.

Hooky continued with their passing football and come close on three occasions to level but without luck.

Half Time: Cricklade Town Reserve: 1 V Hook Norton Reserves: 0

Hooky started the second half on the offensive and could have levelled in the opening minutes when Scott Dunn broke free with the keeper to beat but keeper collected. A few more chances followed but Hooky still could not break the deadlock. Hooky were rewarded when debutant Will Harvey was brought down in the six yard box after collecting a rebound of the cross bar from Scot Dunn’s shot. S. Dunn stepped up to take the penalty and made it 1 each.

Cricklade broke free from the restart to take a 2:1 lead. Play continued with both sides trying to stamp their authority on the game but chances came and went.

Reve Basanti delivered some quality crosses from the right flank but the home gaol keeper made some good saves. Hooky equalised on the 80^th minute when another debutant - Alex Jennings finely slotted home at the near post after a beautiful play on the right side between Chris Perrot and Reve Basanti.

It looked as if both sides will settle for the points at this stage but Cricklade were gifted another goal when Hooky failed to clear and it looked like Cricklade were heading to claim the three points.

However, the young Hooky team with majority from the under 18’s squad fought back and levelled the match 3 all with five minutes left on the clock.

Hooky were pleased to have got something from the game and credit to the lads for their resilience and perseverance. Hooky have players to come into the side and if we continue to play as we have started through the preseason and this first game, we will win a fair share of games.

Hook Norton 2^nd Team: S. Cooper, D Knight, Ollie Barlow (Chris Perrott 15), Mike Taylor, Simon Feary, Ollie Brotherston, Matt Carberry, Alex Jennings, Will Harvey (Craig Kingham 75), Scott Dunn, Reve Basanti. Sub (not used) Layi Olubaji