Holywood v Immaculata Wedderburn park 09/02/2013 10.00am
Today Holywood fc, without their coach, had their first test against league leaders and undefeated Immaculata fc in the SBYL FIRST DIVISION.
The wet conditions didn’t seem to effect the opposition; within 2 minutes they scored their first goal from long range in which Joshua had no chance of saving with the shot high and powerful into the net. This set the tone of the match, with the defence of Adam, Patrick, Cameron and Josh Burford struggling with the pace of Immaculata’s front two. 5 minutes played and 2 nil down. Holywood struggling to put any passes together and get to grips with midfield, even with Tom Wilson putting in a high work rate to close them down quickly. Holywood had a good chance to score on 10 minutes when Euan was through on goal, only to square it to Jamie, and giving their defence time to clear the danger. On 13 minutes Immaculata made it 3 nil when running through the middle of Holywood’s defence with good work from their left side again. Josh Burford had his work cut out with the pace of their little number eleven up front, but managed to head clear from a cross and keep him of the score sheet, Josh worked hard to keep track of the number 11 with his cutting runs. 15 minutes and Holywood made their first substitution, Dozie Ajeh making his debut replacing Euan to add some pace in midfield. Holywood just couldn’t get their passing game going, struggling to beat their markers. Tom Wilson was trying to keep the team going with some great tackling and closing down, threading some balls forward for Jamie, but the defence was too strong for young Jamie. Even with a great through ball from Josh Burford, the defence always seemed in control and had the better of our front men. The next two goals came from Immaculata on the 20th and 25th minute with some great powerful runs from their left.
HALFTIME: IMMACULATA 5 HOLYWOOD 0.
Second half started with 3 substitutions. Ben Murray making his debut for Josh Burford who asked to come off after feeling sick, Tongai replaced Cameron and moved to the right wing while Adam moved into centre of defence, and Jack replaced Thomas Wilson.
The changes seemed to make a difference, Holywood started to battle in midfield, and Patrick keeping their front man quiet, Patrick was getting his foot on the ball more through the second half and trying to drive the team. Tom Wilson continued to keep working hard. 5 minutes of the second half and Adam picked up the first and only yellow card of the game, but this was no bad thing as Holywood were showing more grit and aggression. 13 minutes played in second half and no goals conceded, Holywood made two more substitutions bringing Euan back on for Jamie and Thomas Wilson back on for the impressive Tom Wilson who was the stand out player for Holywood. For much of this half Holywood were keeping Immaculata quiet, but a free kick was awarded to the opposition on the 15th minute outside the box, and their powerful forward struck the back of the net with a great free kick. This was the last goal to be conceded in this game, neither team really threatening the goal keepers up to the final whistle. Fulltime: Immaculta 6 Holywood 0.
Better second half from Holywood, out muscled and out paced today by a strong team who showed why they are unbeaten this season.TEAM: Joshua Johnston, Adam Collins, Patrick Crookshanks, Cameron Alexander, Josh Burford, Niall Grimley, Tom Wilson, Thomas Wilson, Euan Morrow, Tom McIlhatton, Jamie Owens, Jack McNiell, Dozie Ajeh, Ben Murray, Tongai Watson. MOM Tom Wilson.
