Windsor 2 v 1 Hanworth Villa

[Bins]

Great match this afternoon. Full of endeavour and skill from both sides. First half could have gone either way, but two excellent Windsor strikes within a couple of minutes gave them the edge by the break. Hanworth worked their socks off to get level as the second half wore on, whilst Windsor played more of their attacking style with width and pace on both flanks. No surprise when Hanworth did eventually pull a late goal back, but it was never going to be enough despite their good passing and swift attacks. Carl Dennison had another excellent game in goal.

 

Ref was doing well until the last ten minutes, but his caution for George Gould was weird - 'keeper ran out to kick ball upfield and hit George on the back (or was it even George?). 'Keeper was just moving faster, and the Windsor players were all facing their own goal. How can that be a caution? Apart from that, the match was well played by two very good sides. 

 

That's a superb 7 wins and 1 draw from the last 8 league games.

[Fuzzy Royal]

What a cracking game to watch, two decent teams, playing exciting attacking football. Had we gone in at half time 0-0, would we have been upset, probably not, but those two very good goals (the first was a pin point delivery from a corner and the second some superb passing) flipped the game on its head. 

 

Personally I thought we looked second best for a majority of the second half and Dennison made some match winning saves. I wonder if it was the physicality, they looked very strong and we seemed to just not quite be able to match them for that. But the work rate of all the team was what pulled us through.

 

I guess if I was a Hanworth fan I would be disappointed to have lost, but some of our defending was superb and Hanworth spurned their opportunities.

 

As for the ref, he made a few mistakes but I thought controlled the game well allowing the game to flow and even calling players over after the play has stopped. This was reflected in the fact here were no cards in  the first half (I don't think) and the first yellow was quite late. And yes the keeper spanked the ball straight into Hicks back, clearly George gets a yellow card!!!!

 

Entertainment wise, great match, such a shame so few were there, especially for the top quote of the season so far

 

We're in injury time, 2-1 up having just conceded and Windsor make a substitution with Laza having just kicked the ball away to waste time

 

"Why are we wasting time..?" comes the genuine question from a fan who shall remain nameless. Cue laughter and looks of disbelief, the perfect end to a cold but satisfying afternoon

[Don't Blame Me]

Perhaps someone can explain to me why Ben Harris was not allowed back onto the field of play WHEN THE BALL HAD GONE OUT OF PLAY?

[Windsor_Sec]

Perhaps someone can explain to me why Ben Harris was not allowed back onto the field of play WHEN THE BALL HAD GONE OUT OF PLAY?

 

Simple answer - because the referee said so and as you well know his decision is final !  Same reasoning behind George's caution - HE said it was for deliberately obstructing the keepers kick when WE all know that [a] it was Hicks that the ball struck and both Hicks and Gould were running away from the keeper with their backs to him so had no influence on what happened.  Strange that you can make a decision like that but can't get it right for deliberately stamping on a player ! 

[Don't Blame Me]

I said to Gouldy after the game that I thought that it was because he was moving towards the goalkeeper as he was looking to launch upfield. Had he stood his ground I wonder what the referee would have done. Just don't get me started on the two ridiculous offside decisions against Kyle Lucas.

 

To be fair, the referee had a pretty reasonable game and let play flow when he could and spoke to the players throughout. I think that he started to feel the pressure as the game wore on as Villa were doing everything they could to get back into the game. What affect did the timewasting by some of our players had on the referee's demeanour?

[mal316]

Perhaps someone can explain to me why Ben Harris was not allowed back onto the field of play WHEN THE BALL HAD GONE OUT OF PLAY?

 

It is all about where the ball is in relation to where the player is re-joining from.  Basically, if Ben had gone off on the other side of the pitch then he would have been allowed back on a lot quicker than he was.

[Rother]

Interesting... Didn't know that.

[Rother]

Love him for his loyalty and goals etc. but I do wish Laza would cut out the time wasting, ball moving to steal a yard or 2 at every opportunity (does it REALLY make any difference) and disciplinary indiscretions. He must have clocked up a good number of yellows this season but most / all of them could easily have been avoided with a bit more discipline.

[Don't Blame Me]

It is all about where the ball is in relation to where the player is re-joining from.  Basically, if Ben had gone off on the other side of the pitch then he would have been allowed back on a lot quicker than he was.

 

I can understand that approach if the ball was still in play but it had gone out of play - possibly twice. What if we wanted to make a substitution at that time if Ben's injury had prevented him from continuing? Would he have refused because play was too close to the benches? Bottom line is that the ref made an arse of the situation. I don't mind saying it of no-one else will.