Kynan Kirlew-Wright remarkably smashed five goals past the Muntham House goalkeeper as LVS Hassocks FC narrowly defeated Muntham House in a close encounter. Liam Pope grabbed himself a brace as LVS FC recorded a 7-5 victory in an enthralling match in Barns Green.
LVS Hassocks travelled to Muntham House keen to eradicate memories of their recent defeat against Newick House. The hosts were not to be underestimated however, as it was quite clear that they had some talented players who would test the Hassocks side.
The rain greased up the surface and made life difficult for both sets of players in the opening stages of the match. The ball was difficult to control, and passing moves were rare as a result. Chances were limited as both defences seemed to cope with the conditions with more ease than their attacking opposition. Jack Duxbury-Watkinson and Cameron Ellis settled comfortably and made good interceptions and clearances. Joe Bedding was agile and solid when question were asked of him.
LVS Hassocks settled first, and started stringing passes through the midfield, with Kynan Kirlew-Wright and Liam Pope linking up well. Their creative play opened up chances and after several decent saves by Muntham House's goalkeeper, the deadlock was broken. Duxbury-Watkinson found Kirlew-Wright who tucked his shot into the bottom corner showing great composure.
The goal was a blow to Muntham House's confidence and a ten minute spell of LVS dominance proved pivotal in the match. Liam Pope went on a great disecting run after he was found by Cameron Ellis, and then powered his shot past the keeper to double his side's advantage.
Charlie Ries-Coward was linking the play well up front, and his accurate passing led to chances. Kirlew-Wright was the first to profit from one, when he powered the ball home from outside the area to make it 3-0. The game looked beyond Muntham House even though it was only the first half.
Complacency may have set in, or perhaps Muntham House shifted up a gear, as they started creating decent chances of their own. Bedding made some fine acrobatic saves to keep them out. Ben Raven and Lee Tarron also added to the side as both players rotated with their team mates and were full of energy and effort as they looked to maintain LVS' advantage.
The lead was cut to two minutes before the half time whistle. A foul just outside the area, presented a goalscorign opportunity to Muntham House's marquee player, Jimmy. He struck powerfully into the bottom corner of the net to grab his side a lifeline.
Half Time Score: Muntham House 1-3 LVS Hassocks
After the half time drinks and oranges the battle resumed. The pitch was now supremely greasy and the game seemed to take an age to get going again, as no player for either side was given any room for error on their first touches. Credit goes to both defences for the tight marking and closing down. Jack Duxbury-Watkinson was on particularly good defensive form, making great tackles and interceptions.
LVS saw their grip on the game challenged when they conceded. A quick attack saw Jimmy round Bedding and pass the ball into the net. The game was on, and Hassocks needed to respond.
The players in purple had received the wake up call they needed and it didn't take long for them to restore their two goal cushion. Kynan Kirlew-Wright linked well with Liam Pope, and the latter calmly slotted the ball into the net to calm the anxious away supporters. His second goal of the game was his 29th of the season, a fantastic return for an attacking midfielder.
Pope perhaps was arguably the player of the season, but their was no doubt who was the in form player of the day for Hassocks. Kirlew-Wright was mistifying defenders with his footwork, and had the Muntham House keeper worried for his safety everytime he shaped to shoot. It was the powerful striker who sealed his hat-trick. A neat one-two with Pope allowed him the freedom to convert his chance and make it 5-2.
Muntham House refused to give up, and they galiantly kept attacking the LVS goal. Ben Raven and Cameron Ellis continued to provide a difficult challenge for them to overcome. When the defence was breached, Joe Bedding often pulled off ridiculous saves to frustrate them further.
The LVS goal was breached however, when a spectacular scissor kick flew into the bottom left corner of the net. The technique required for the strike was tricky to say the least, and for the quality of the strike the goal was well deserved.
Muntham House were chasing the game and gaps appeared in their defence. The LVS players looked to exploit this, and they scored again, when Pope found Kirlew-Wright who emphatically smashed the ball into the net. Pope and Kirlew-Wright consistently combined during the match creating huge problems for Muntham House.
The game seemed to be over as a contest, but two minutes of madness severly threatened to spoil the purples hard work. A through ball was latched onto and then tucked into the net, to reduce the LVS lead. Then a stray pass at the back was easily tapped into the net to make the score 6-5 with just five minutes remaining.
The kick off, produced a rare and quite brilliant goal for LVS. Pope touched the ball to Kirlew-Wright who caught everyone by surprise. He smashed the ball from inside his own half into the bottom corner of the net to all but confirm the win for Hassocks. The fantastic strike was a great way to mark his twentieth goal of the season as well.
The final signalled the end of a pulsating match full of goals and fair play. Muntham House showed great sportsmanship throughout, and the LVS Hassocks players represented the school brilliantly away from home. Handshakes and compliments followed before the Hassocks players could return to school with a win under their belts.
Final Score: Muntham House 5-7 LVS Hassocks
Jack Duxbury-Watkinson played his final game for LVS Hassocks as he moves on to play college football. He spoke with reporters after the game and was pleased to have played his part for the team over the past season. Jack, "I have enjoyed playing with the team. We have played some really great games, and today was another one of them. We got the win, and so it is nice to leave on a high."
Man of the match Kynan Kirlew-Wright was asked about his spectacular strike after the game. He explained, "We had just conceded and I looked up and saw the opportunity and then told Liam to roll the ball to me. It was great to see the ball hit the net. We played well today, and to score so many good goals was a great way to end the school year. Hopefully we can have more games like that next season."
Coach David Jones was proud of players after the game. Jones, "The players have worked hard all year and I have seen them improve as individuals and more importantly as a team. Each of the players can be proud of the way they have conducted themlselves in all of the games they have played, and their efforts in training. They have been a pleasure to coach, and I can see that the players and the team have a bright future. We would all like to wish Jack the best of luck for the future at his new college and we thank him for his efforts playing for the team."
