Match Report: Hartley Wintney v Hendon

Post by KOB - 28-10-2022, 11:21

Hartley Wintney v Hendon, Pitching In Southern League Premier Division South, Tuesday 25th October 2022
Report by David Graham

Hartley Wintney saw their mini revival come to an end as they went down by the odd goal in five at home against bottom club Hendon.

Having won their two previous matches, the Row started confidently and took the lead on seven minutes. A cross from Benjamin Purcell on the left saw Jacob Bancroft win the ball at the back post and PAUL HODGES reacted quickest to shoot home from 10 yards. (1-0)

The pace and movement of the Dons forwards created problems for the Hartley defence. On 9 minutes Arthur Iontton fed in Liam Brooks whose shot was saved by a combination of Row 'keeper, Adam Desbois, and the post.

Five minutes later, Josh Webb for the Row supplied Kingsley Eshun, who was unlucky to see his shot deflected wide.

Hendon pulled level on 17 minutes with a classic 'route one' goal. Goalkeeper Marcin Brzozowski sent a long clearance downfield which bounced over the Hartley defenders, leaving LIAM BROOKS a clear run in on goal. The striker showed composure and shot home the equaliser at the 'keeper's near post. (1-1)

The Dons looked the more likely approaching the mid-way point in the half, and on 31 minutes Joe White set-up Robbie Buchanan, who shot just over the bar.

A fast break down the right by the Row saw an excellent cross from Louie Paget from which Bancroft shot over the bar from close range.

Hendon resumed in the ascendancy and on 44 minutes a slick move ended with Rohdell Gordon bringing out a good save from Desbois. From the resulting corner the visitors went ahead. Gordon floated the flag kick in and Desbois seemed to misjudge the flight and could only get a touch on the ball. As it dropped behind him, the ball came off the shin of fullback Reese Jones and rolled over the line into his own net. (1-2)

On the stroke of half-time Hartley had a penalty claim as Eshun went down. However, Referee Jonathan Bolland deemed the infringement to be on the line and a free-kick was awarded. Purcell delivered the kick to the back post where Toby Nevile headed wide.
Half Time: Hartley Wintney 1 Hendon 2

The second-half started quietly, with a large number of throw-ins. On 54 minutes, a free-kick from Josh Webb found Toby Nevile, who was just wide with his attempted connection. Three minutes later, Webb and Zidan Akers combined down the left and the resulting cross saw Brzozowski spill the ball. Bancroft was unable to take advantage as his effort went wide.

On 58 minutes Hendon were reduced to 10 men. Eshun got free down the middle and was hauled down by the last man, Hendon defender Guri Demuria. A straight red card was brandished by referee Bolland.

Despite the man disadvantage, the Dons looked the more likely to score. On 67 minutes Gordon created space for White, who was unlucky to see his shot deflected wide. However, on 71 minutes Hendon increased their lead. Joe White made good progress down the right and his parting shot was blocked. With the Row defence seemingly all at sea, ROHDELL GORDON was able to collect the ball in the penalty area, turn, create space and shoot into the net from 15 yards. (1-3)

Hartley held territorial advantage but seldom looked like troubling Brzozowski in the Dons goal. However, the Row were thrown a life line on 83 minutes courtesy of an own goal from a Hendon defender. Paul Hodges found space to send in a dangerous cross from the right and the unfortunate Kieron Forbes sent a bullet header in his own net. (2-3)

Into added time and despite being around the visitors' goal, the Row were unable to get a meaningful effort on target. The last chance arrived in added time as Akers got free down the middle but the final shot went wide.
Full Time: Hartley Wintney 2 Hendon 3

For Hartley a very disappointing display with a considerable number of unforced errors. Hendon's win will have given them a lot of confidence but was not enough to move them off the bottom of the league. [D Graham]

Hartley Wintney: Adam Desbois, Reese Jones, Louie Paget, Toby Nevile, Matt Drage (c), Josh Webb, Zidan Akers, Benjamin Purcell, Jacob Bancroft, Kingsley Eshun, Paul Hodges.
Subs: Anis Nuur (on), Isaac Charles, Harry Cooksley (on), Harrison Bayley (on), Antonio Dembele

Hendon: Marcin Brzozowski, Dave Diedhou, Josh Dawodu, Solomon Sambou, Guri Demuria, Tarik Moore-Azille, Robbie Buchanan, Arthor Iontton, Joe White, Liam Brooks, Rohdall Gordon
Subs: Kieron Forbes (on), Bradley Shaw, Shaun Lucien (on) , Luca Allinson, Romey Meoded

Hartley Man of the Match: BENJ PURCELL
Attendance: 279
Entertainment 3/5