Hasland CFC U18s - Matlock Gladiators

Under 15s League Div 2

This morning the majority of games could not beat the weather, however with an away game against Matlock Trojans and a 3G pitch booked at Lady Manners School the game went ahead. This was a top of the table six pointer as 1st played 2nd and was the first meeting of the teams this season. 

Matlock Gladiators are another of those teams that historically we have never beaten before however a 1-1 draw in a friendly before the start of the season gave us confidence that we can compete. 

The game kicked off in some of the harshest conditions we have played in (up in Bakewell in sub zero temperatures, with an occasional blizzard chucked in to the mix). Hasland however started the game quickest and found themselves with more of the possession and causing Matlock some trouble.  

In the 8th minute a great through ball from Joe was inch perfect and with striker Jack timing his run to perfection he finished nicely to put us 0-1 up. The next ten minutes or so Hasland were well on top and had two further one on ones but on those occasions the keeper made good saves.  

Then with around 10 minutes before the break Matlock had settled into the game and were starting to dominate. Their efforts paid off with an equaliser in the 34th minute. 

Half time 1-1

Matlock came out in the second half quickly and forced a corner after only 2 minutes of the half played and a mix up in the box allowed Matlock a tap in to take the lead. Nine minutes later and Matlock extended their lead with a well taken goal despite Hasland seeing plenty of possession. Following the third goal we changed formation and went three at the back and this saw Hasland to start playing more in the Matlock half and when Cole went through on goal, his chance smashed against the bar and came out- so close!  

As Hasland pushed on we looked vulnerable to the counter attack and Matlock killed the game off with a fourth with the final whistle only seconds away. Final Score 4-1

This was a great game to be involved in and the Hasland lads can be proud of the performance even if the scoreline didn't reflect it. The team that took their chances today came away with the points.  

Man of the match today went to captain and centre back Evan who marshalled the back line really well and made Matlock work for their goals.

Before the season started, if anyone would have told us we would lose our first league game of the season towards the end of February we would have thought they were mad but these Hasland lads keep going week in week out putting into proctice what we train for and what we discuss before the games.  

Well done fellas on another good performance, on another day the scoreline could have been very different. Now it's time to try to warm up!