On a warm sunny spring afternoon (Thursday 28th March), Stretton Handley had a home football match against North Wingfield. It was the first time Stretton had played a home match since October!
Straight away North Wingfield started strong and began to attack the Stretton defence. A couple of early saves from MH settled the goal keeper down, however KH, GH and RJ looked nervous. A good run by an attacker had the defenders in trouble and eventually he was tripped to the ground. Penalty to North Wingfield. MH couldn’t save the powerful strike, 0-1 North Wingfield.
Stretton started to concentrate and play better once they were losing. Some good skill by LR left him with a chance to shoot and he smashed the ball towards the goal and it beat the goalkeeper but bounced back off the post. Half time 0-1.
GT came in to the middle of defence in the second half and it completely changed the game. He didn’t allow the attackers any space to shoot which meant that MH, LR and LH had more time to control the game. A long throw in from LH fell to MH who turned and shot. The keeper saved it but LR followed in and tapped the ball into the net, 1-1.
Stretton were full of confidence now and within 2 minutes had scored again to take the lead. Another long throw from LH saw the ball come to LR who turned and passed to MH who shot the ball low into the bottom corner, 2-1 Stretton.
North Wingfield tried to get back into the game and had a couple of attacks but GT made sure that goalkeeper MH didn’t have a save to make as he tackled or blocked every shot. GT also managed to get forward for one of LH throw ins, which seemed to cause problems for North Wingfield all game, and he shot low only for the keeper to make a good save.
Finally with 5 minutes left MH rifled a powerful effort from near the half way line into the roof of the net to put the cherry on the cake and seal the win, 3-1 Stretton.
A fantastic comeback from being 1-0 down at half time to win 3-1. Well played Stretton Handley!
Player of the match GT with a fantastic second half defending masterclass!
Next game Park House away on Thursday 11th April.