BUCS Western Division 1A Hartpury vs Marjons

Hartpury Football Senior 2^nd Team vs. University College Plymouth St. Mark and St. John 1^st Team – 4 – 1

This was Hartpury’s 4^th game at home for the season; a game that was a crucial fixture in Hartpury’s calendar, as Marjons were undefeated in their campaign. It was a beautiful winter’s day for football with the pitch in great condition. Hartpury were prepared and ready for a tough game that awaited them.

Hartpury controlled the game from the first minute, keeping the ball with their attractive style of play. Marjons set up in an organised 4-4-2 formation; however Hartpury soon broke through with a fantastic passing move. Hartpury’s midfielders made an intricate move within the centre circle, playing the ball out to Knott at right back. Knott then played the ball inside to Sankoh, after making an overlapping run to receive the ball back from Sankoh. Knott crossed a fantastic ball into the penalty area, where Etheridge was on hand to head the ball into the back of the net. Hartpury took a 1 – 0 lead within 3 minutes. From that point, Hartpury controlled the tempo of the game; having the majority of the possession and patience in attack. On the 7^th minute, Sankoh received the ball and took on the Marjons’ left back, only to be fouled midway into the opponents’ half. This left Hartpury to have free kick in a dangerous position. Knott stepped up and sent in a curling cross into the box. Similarly to the first goal, Etheridge found himself in space and looped a header over the Marjons’ goalkeeper. 2 – 0 lead to Hartpury. The second goal seemed to knock the stuffing out of Marjons, leaving them with an uphill climb to get back into the game. The rest of the half was dominated by Hartpury; nonetheless Marjons regrouped and defended solidly.                

Half time: Hartpury 2 – 0 Marjons

The second half began in the same manner as the first half, with Hartpury controlling the game. On the 54^th minute, Sheppard played a defence splitting pass to find Etheridge’s run between Marjons’ central defenders. Etheridge received the ball to find himself one versus one with the opposition goalkeeper. Etheridge calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper for his hat-trick; 3 – 0 to Hartpury. Marjons then had a good spell and began to test the Hartpury defence. Hartpury were soon back on top in the 65th minute, Etheridge again caused problems weaving through the Marjons’ defence, finding himself again in a one versus one situation with the Marjons’ goalkeeper. However, this time Marjons’ goalkeeper half saved the shot from Etheridge and the ball was slowly rolling towards the goal line. Two Marjons’ defenders ran back to clear the ball but unfortunately for them they comically collided and the ball rolled into the net. In the 86^th minute, Hartpury had a lapse of concentration and Marjons pulled a goal back; making the final score line Hartpury 4 -1 Marjons.   

Overall, it was a fantastic result for Hartpury leaving them in a challenging position in the table as we approach the Christmas break.       

Full time: Hartpury 4 – 1 Marjons

Team

Harrison, Knott, Sheppard, Humphrey, Chapman, Longford, Dingri, Sankoh, Baldwin, Prictor, Etheridge. Subs: Seeley, Broome, Denton, Gabbidon, Gittings, Nortei.