After last week’s meek performance against Charvil Rangers Mike Terry would have been forgiven for making wholesale changes to the side but instead he opted to given them a shot at redemption. There were two changes however with the two Tom’s dropping out of the starting XI. Joe Hare and Warren Cheng were available again (the latter squeezing in the game before rushing off the catch a plane to Hong Kong!) and there was also the added bonus of having record scorer Rich Paine on the bench for the first time since the opening day, against, ironically enough, FC Woodley. That opening day fixture was Hobnob’s only win of the season going into the match and going up against a side that they knew they could beat, there was a sense of a few players wanting to prove a few points.
Back in their traditional blue and white as FC Woodley took to the field in a new fluorescent yellow, highlighter kit, Hobnob started the game with real intent. Straight from kick off the looked to work the ball around and lovely long passing move almost created a chance before the opposition had even touched the ball. It set the tone for the half as Hobnob imposed themselves on the match impressively. The three attackers playing behind Pulfer of Miles, Davies and Walker were interchanging superbly and the Woodley defenders were struggling to pick them up, the only thing lacking was the killer pass. The play was all around the Woodley penalty area but chances were still few and far between and it was beginning to frustrate the home side. Cross summed up the feeling when he got cross when his cross sailed straight out of play. Woodley were forced into playing on the counter and weren’t creating much themselves, their opportunities being limited to a few set plays. Just as it was looking like Miles’ speculative efforts from range were going to be all that Hobnob had to show for their dominance, they finally found the break through, and like the win at the start of the season, it came from a long throw. It was Miles who launched the ball into the box where it was flicked on by Cheng to Pulfer. Last season’s top goalscorer had his back to goal but was able to hook the ball over his shoulder and into the back of the net to double his tally for the season.
As the second half got underway Hobnob knew that the sun and wind would be against them but right on cue, the wind went from a strong breeze to a gale. The change in weather conditions and the intensity of the first half left the home side a little worn out and they struggled to replicate the possession after the break. Instead they were having to resort to balls down the line and into the channels and as a result were opening themselves up more to the counter attack. That was no excuse for almost gifting Woodley an equalizer. The normally reliable Cheng completely misjudged the position of the striker and headed the ball straight to him rather than the his goalkeeper. Chapman did quite brilliantly to get something on the ball to put it wide and was soon called upon again. Terry misjudged the bounce of the ball and the Woodley striker went clean through. Chapman again did brilliantly to deflect the shot and it took enough of the pace off it for Walker to scramble back and clear off the line. Woodley then had another effort cleared off the line, this time it was Cross on the far post who did well to get his head on an effort that was creeping inside the post. Hobnob were really riding their luck and eventually it ran out. Woodley won another corner on the right hand side and the away swinging delivery was met with a thumping header to make it one apiece. Hobnob responded by bringing on Rob Walker, Dan Hare and Rich Paine but the subs weren’t able to lift the hooped side and both sides had to be content with a point.
More positives than negatives for Hobnob. Whilst it was frustrating to throw away the lead, the first half was an excellent display of controlled football, albeit without really being able to make the break through. Given that this came of the back of such a poor performance last week, credit has to be given to whole side but Joe Hare’s man of the match performance certainly helped lift the side. An away trip in the cup is next up and will hopefully see the side find that elusive win.
