Having set off in the middle of the night most boys looked a little bit tired as players and parents unfolded themselves out of the cars after a long journey…A12 versus M11…high road versus low road…..but Hill were definitely in Scotland before the opposition despite the early start. Kicking with the slope in the first half Hill pressed hard, got out of the traps early and had the game closed down at half time. Despite a spirited fightback in the second half from the hosts Hill were good value for their 6-2 win.
The scoring was opened after a couple of minutes during which Hill had threatened down both flanks. On 3 minutes Redhad slotted a ball through for Dackombe on the right and a good low cross into the near post was deftly flicked home by EMERSON. 1-0.
4 mintes later and the advantage was doubled after a Hill corner broke to EAVE in the box. He took one touch to control, turned and rifled home from 12 yards. 2-0.
Hill continued to press and play well using the full width of a good sized pitch. The pitch though was proving a tricky surface very slippery and for those without proper studs (and there were a few) not easy at all. Such was the trickiness of the surface that both teams went high for a good few minutes. However after the big fella Brookes had dominated aerial battles for a solid 10 minutes the home side went back to playing it on the deck. On 19 minutes they wished they had kept it in the air after a three pass move and finish of lethal quality cut them open. Harris gained possession in the middle and lifted a superb 30 yard ball into the wide left area. Brookes turned on the turbo, eased clear of the full back and played in a lovely cross. EMERSON was on hand with a fine header past the keeper. 3-0.
One minute later and it was 4-0 after Johnson took a free kick from the edge of the box which found HARRIS who turned from provider to scorer with a 6 yard finish.
That brought the half to an end and one in which Hill had by far the better of the play. The hosts having a slow start to the game.
After both sides went in for half time instructions, it was clear from the off of the second half that the Needham Manager had had some strong words. His team came out all guns blazing and looking an entirely different outfit from the first half. They started chasing and closing down much better and the game really warmed up. They got their break after 5 mins when after a sustained amount of corners which Hill failed to clear, they turned the ball in from close quarters. 4-1.
Hill responded really well to the upping of the tempo, particularly in the middle of the park where additional resources and rotation was used to good effect. A combination of Redhead, Johnson and Harris all battling well. 5 minutes later and the 4 goal advantage was restored. A high clearance from the home defence put their full back under pressure. Dackombe stole in and won the ball then struck a strong shot from 20 yards which the keeper couldn't hold. EMERSON was awake and alert and pounced on the loose ball to notch a real poachers hat trick. 5-1.
On 20 minutes it was nearly another when Dackombe beat two players in the box and was brought down. Eave stepped up and struck the penalty well but the Needham keeper made a super save down to his right. Needham then capitalised on this a few minutes later when a mix up in the Hill defence saw the ball fall to a Needham striker who slotted home from 15 yards unopposed. A soft goal maybe but 5-2 it was.
However, Hill never looked threatened and on 30 mins put the game beyond reach after a Redhead free kick was well finished by EAVE for 6-2.
A fairly comfortable and well deserved win, despite the home side making a good strong game of it in the second half. Hill now go into the christmas break very handily placed and still undefeated in all competitions. They've earned their xmas day sacks….and hopefully a few of those sacks will involve a pair of proper football boots!.
Happy xmas all.