After the bitter disappointment of losing on pens in the County Final Hill returned to League action. The league looks like it will be impossible to complete 8 fixtures in 20 days, and with a certain team trying to orchestrate a position for themselves through "old boys acts " to win a league the odds on unbeaten Hill have lengthened. But they will attempt to ensure the league is won on merit and not by default... so Hill traipsed off for a midweek fixture at Writtle College.
With 6 squad members absent only 11 brave souls could take the field. Even today's reporter was a substitute and players gad to adapt to different positions and formations. However bonus for Hill was the full match return of King who had been absent for 6 long months . A creditable display and a solid return.
The first half saw Hill encamped in City's half for the first 20 minutes but despite strong pressure the cutting edge of a regular forward was missing. The result was no shots on target so no goals ....,thus saw City grow in confidence and a corner not cleared after 3 attempts saw them smash a shot in from the six yard box . 1-0 and Hill looked concerned and lost momentum allowing City to finish the half in front and on top.
Time for Big D and Big R to review the tactics at Half Time and even if I say so myself it worked perfectly. Players could not be changed but position , awareness and attitude could. Hill reverted to a. 5 man midfield and squeezed the game and the life out of a Brave City Team. A special mention for their Keeper Jacob who pulled off at least 5 superb stops and one special double save to keep rampant Hill at bay.
However the tide had turned and increasing influence of Harris was now showing as on 15 minutes in the 2nd half he controlled and slotted a ball inside the back two for Fitch to run onto a smas home.
The game returned to a midfield battle with neither side giving ground and the game knew it would be something special to break the deadlock . We were not disappointed ....
With. 3 minutes to go Johnson found time and space to release Harris just inside the opposition half, he traversed with the ball and 3 trailing defenders but to the surprise of everyone elected to smash a shot from 35 yards straight into the top right hand of the goal. Even wonder keep Jacob could not ge near it. The celebration of the whole team showed how much that goal meant...
So Hill continue to attempt to reach the pinnacle and I for one will be coming along for the ride !
Special thanks to Chelmsford who are a great team who epitomise all that us good with youth football.