There was almost an embarrassment of riches for Hobnob as they headed to Mapledurham today with a full 16 available for selection making picking the team a tricky job. Off the back of a 5-0 win it was perhaps surprising that there were a number of changes made but there was no questioning the quality of those who came in. Matt Bolton had not been well all week and so dropped to the bench in place of Joe Hare while Daniel Cross and Rob Walker also made way for the returning Warren Cheng and Dan Hare.
The side knew that they had started slowly against Prince of Wales and there was an emphasis on getting straight into the opposition and the message was well heeded. Dan Hare scooped the ball across the area and the on rushing Paine hammered in the opener with barely a minute on the clock. If Mapledurham saw it as a big setback then there was no evidence in their play and they continued about their business well. The next half an hour was very open with the ball flying back and forth across the pitch but the best chances were coming from set pieces. Dan Hare saw his header well saved at the fast post but Mapledurham came even closer, firstly seeing a corner cannon off the bar and the Tiltman was perfectly positioned to clear off the line. Having weathered the storm though Hobnob began to impose themselves. As soon as they started to get the ball down and moved they looked really dangerous and Plant was integral to it. Picking up the ball in his own half he linked beautifully with Pulfer and Paine before getting the ball on the edge of the box. He shifted the ball on to his left foot and placed in perfectly into the top corner. It was a wonderful move with a classy finish at the end. Pulfer could have extended the lead further if he’s been able to keep his shot down whilst one on one but it remained a fairly even half. This changed just before the half time whistle, and again it was from a corner. Dan Hare again got a good shot in at the far post which was well saved, Phillips’ follow up smashed back off the goalkeeper and it dropped to Joe Hare who struck the ball so sweetly into the top corner. A truly great strike to open his Hobnob goal account.
At half time the players were under clear instructions to not get ahead of themselves and to secure the win before any thoughts of pressing on. With Phillips and Plant dominating the middle of the pitch Mapledurham were forced to use the flanks more and more and it was from here they created the first opportunity of the half. Countering down Hobnob’s left from a throw in the ball was worked in the near post where their forward got a toe to guide it at the near post. Chapman’s reactions had to be razor sharp to turn it over with a combination of hand and head. It was a bit of an alarm but didn’t knock Hobnob off their stride. Again it was plant at the centre as he played a lovely one two to send Dan Hare through on goal. Hare’s first effort was well saved but he kept his composure to take a touch on the rebound and play it safely into the empty net. The chances were now starting to come as everything went through Plant. He set up a half chance for Paine which was well saved and Cheng saw a decent header fly wide. At the back things were rock solid and it was this base that was allowing the midfield to play and create these chances. It was perhaps only a matter of time until the next goal and substitute Luke Walker’s lovely through ball allowed Pulfer to break and roll the ball under the goalkeeper to make it 5-0. Bolton’s deep cross almost gave Pulfer his second but it was soon 6-0 when Luke Walker’s floated corner curled in the wind straight into the back of the net. The debate will rage as to whether the winger should be credited with the goal or if in fact the defender nodded it in but I’ll allow others to make their minds up! The game was all over and Tiltman clearly fancied a goal as he randomly decided he’d play up front. Maybe his presence was enough to unnerve the Mapledurham defence when Paine’s backheel nearly set up Plant for his second but when the roles were reversed it was a different outcome. Paine’s movement at a free kick was brilliant and Plant’s pass found him perfectly for Paine to volley in to make it a remarkable 7-0.
Comprehensive and clinical Hobnob really did serve up a performance to be proud of. In goal Chapman spent most of the game shivering (although not as much as the subs who apparently looked like penguins!) which must be a good thing. Mapledurham chances from open play were pretty limited whereas second half Hobnob looked like they were going to score at will. It was good to see the goals spread out and especially pleasing to see Joe Hare grab his first goal, although apologies that this was the moment the camera gave up! Onwards and upwards please Hobnob.
