Lads Squeeze Through To Rnd 3 Of The Cup

<p>Today we faced Easington Milan for the 2nd time in 3 weeks, this time in Rnd 2 of the League Cup & it was another closely contested match. We took an early lead in the 6th min when Owen Crossley slotted a nice pass through to Sam who rifled in a great effort 1-0. The lead didn't last long though as Easington equalised a minute later 1-1. We were playing some nice football and were the better side in the 1st half and our efforts paid off when James put us back in frnt on 15 mins, a great pass from Lewis which Jame slid the ball past the keeper 2-1. The Easington made a couple of great saves which prevented us from gong further ahead and then Easington had a goal ruled out for a push - to be honest, I felt it was a perfectly good goal, as did every other hfc & easington spectator & so this was a let off for us as this would have made it 2-2. Shortly before the half time whistle, we extended the lead when James grabbed hs 2nd of the match 3-1.

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<p>A few changes at the break to share out the game time for the lads but we kept the same formation. Easington piled on the pressure from the start of the 2nd half and quickly pulled a goal back, a bit disappointing to concede so early in the half and the lads know they should have done better as they had 2 or 3 opportunities to clear the danger. There were chances for both sides, Alex made 3 good saves to keep Easington at bay & at the other end we had a freekick that just inched over the bar and Aaron put Joe clean through with just the keeper to beat but the keeper saved Joe's effort. We eventually regained the 2-goal cushion when Aaron's precise through-ball found James who rounded the keeper & slotted home 4-2. The action wasn't finshed though as Easington were awarded a penalty for a push in the back & the takerslotted it into the bottom corner 4-3. It was a definate penaltyso no complaints, however this is something we'll ahve to have a chat to the lads about as the amount of fouls that were awarded for pushes in the back was crazy & they are very cheap un-neccessary fouls to give away - the lads need to keep their hands down. I was a little nervy for the last few mins but the lads held firm to claim the win.

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<p>Man of the match - Alex -no chance with the goals but produced 3 great saves just hen we needed them - well done.

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<p>In Summary - another good performance from the lads and another good match. We just need to work on a couple of things for future games but nice to end 2015 with a win.