NW Phantoms 2 vs 3 Beacon Hill

Well that was one very exciting game of football from two committed teams in quite tricky conditions. Performance was brilliant today from the boys. There is so much character and determination in this team to respond when heads could easily have dropped. First half was a close affair with beacon hill looking sharper than us and we relied on the counter. We were too narrow on the left side and struggled to get the ball to stick to the front man. However our counter-attacks opened up Beacon Hill and we could have been winning. Phantoms were even awarded a penalty, before a change of heart, probably right outcome. Beacon hill were dangerous on set piece and that is how they opened the score. A soft free kick conceded out wide, a floated ball straight at the keeper who unfortunately missed it and beacon hill tapped in. Second half we started slightly under the cosh, unsurprisingly looking nervous in defence. We then started to play and realised that we were a good footballing team. Our football passing was really quick and clever. JC, OK and HD linking so well on the right side, a lot of passing quality between OK and JC and then HD putting on the burners. Unfortunately too many players drifted that side leaving no-one in the box. EHE and JF combining on the left side, causing problems, very effective and deserved more! Eventually we got an equaliser, a rebound that eventually dropped to GW to tap in with the left foot. Tails were up and ready to push on for the 3 points. Beacon hill were playing the territory game with the long throws. One of those throws going into the box but not dangerous, resulted in another error and another tap in. It was interesting to see the response from the boys at this stage. They looked in despair at what had happened. Changes were made, switching to just 2 in defense. Phantoms deservedly equalised and were ready to go again. Phantoms got a penalty, this time taken by EHE but saved well by the keeper. As is football, beacon hill went from saving a penalty to getting a very good winner with the last kick of the match. Roy of the rovers stuff. Lost 3-2. EH was really missed this week to play in midfield and for the dead ball situations. It also limited our options to rest players in the defensive 4. Get back soon EH...

We look forward to the return match.