Hornchurch 2 Hemel Hempstead 2

[Urchins]

An action packed first 15 minutes saw two goals and couple of very near misses. Craig Cripps uncharacteristically missed a golden opportunity in the first few minutes but on 5 minutes Hemel's Richard McDonagh made it 1-0 to the visitors by heading in unchallenged from a Marcel Bruce cross. Within 5 minutes we were level. A Steve Jones shot could only be parried by keeper Darren Bonfield and Danny Benstock followed up to score. Hemel nearly took the lead again 6 minutes later after piling on the pressure, Kevin Marsden clearing off the line from a Richard McDonagh shot and Paul Wood somehow getting back to save Bryan Hammat's header from the follow up.

 

A better performance from us in the second half and on 74 minutes we took the lead. Steve Jones laid the ball off for Danny Cowley who got between two defenders into the penalty area and unselfishly squared the ball for Craig Cripps who turned it in. Hemel though pushed forward again and after a 5 minute spell where we couldn't hold onto possession Bryan Hammatt poached a chance to equalise. It could have gone our way in the final few minutes. Steve Jones got clear of his marker with a minute to go but was met by a sprawling save from Bonfield and in injury time a great move ended with a superb far post ball into the box from Benstock for Fox whos stretching effort came back off the post.

 

Line-up:-Wood, McGowan, Kimble, Gooding, Jopson, Marsden, Cripps, Cowley, Jones, Elder (Fox 71), Benstock. Subs not used:- Carter, Martin, Lowery, Kharine.

[Guest]

Another draw but much more pleased with this one. At least we had a go and created chances. Jonah looked good and the big man little man partnership gives us yet another option. Looked better when we went to a back four a foxy came on.

 

Well done lads! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Guest]

Won't be too disappointed with the draw, just as long as we can win all three of our next 3 homes matches against lowly opposition. I did think we would get 10 points from these 4 home matches, only 9 to go!!!

[Guest]

Considering that these were no mugs, particularly when coming forwards I thought that we did well to stick on a draw.

The Foxy sub seemed to giving us the substance in midfield that we seemed to be lacking at times.

 

Shame about the [****!!****] up at the beginning but Kevin has been so good this season that I think that's best forgotten.

 

I think our finishing line up will get us what we need in the upcoming home games against what should be less 'dangerous' opposition.

 

Craig again showed his quality...and commitment to the cause.

[Guest]

what [****!!****] up?? Kevin who??

[Guest]

Always a danger when you go for a formation with only 2 midfield players. Agree with you that we did get over run at times in midfield, personally I'd have changed things a little earlier in the game. That said, against lesser teams such as Tilbury and hopefully the 3 matches we have coming up, the starting line up we had out last night will easily do the job!

[Guest]

Just a few observations after having attended last night and watching the videos on the website.

 

Hemel's first goal. What a shocker - where was the defence ?!

 

Hemel's crowd. Seemed a pleasant enough bunch. Plenty of singing right up until we equalised after which there was hardly a peep out of them at least for the rest of the first half. Try and keep it going lads.

 

Our second goal. Watching the video it looks as if a Hemel defender checks his run expecting offside when quite clearly Crippsy was onside. He might have got back to clear otherwise. Obviously glad he didn't but there's a lesson to be learned there....

 

Overall. Hemel probably the best side we've played this season. We were a different side once Foxy came on. I will look back on Foxy's shot coming back off the post should we fail to go up this season...v unlucky. (is this on video ?)

[Guest]

i agree - kev's mistake should be forgotten - he is by far one of the best players on the team - a great defender - and a great team captain. Anyone agree?

[Guest]

derrr - it was Jopson not Marsden that made that mistake! - get it right fan!!!!! - agree - Marso is awesome!

[Guest]

Bugger me, looking at the Video clip you are right!

Sorry Kev.....Easy mistake to make though, Joppo, you'll have to part your hair on the other side so that I can tell you two apart!