Robertson screamer sets up win for Hobnob
After the disappointment of losing to Eldon Celtic two weeks ago, Hobnob were determined to bounce back today against Chalfont Park. Despite having Dan Hare, Rich Paine and Dan Robertson all available again, they stuck with the same XI who had been so unlucky two weeks ago. With some real quality on the bench and a decent sized crowd to support them, the side had no excuses not to work hard and get something from the match.
The game started very evenly with both sides looking to exploit the space in behind the full backs. Chalfont edged possession in the middle of the park but Hobnob’s wingers, and Davies in particular, were causing the most problems. With the game pretty even it took a bit of brilliance to open the scoring. Bolton’s long throw from the left was headed clear and found Turner who squared it to Robertson. He had enough time to take the touch and, deciding there was no pass on fired a speculative shot on goal. Maybe it caught the wind, maybe the goalkeeper was out of position and wasn’t expecting the shot, maybe it was just struck perfectly, regardless, the shot couldn’t have been placed any better. It looped in off the underside of the bar to give Hobnob the lead and Tom Robertson his first goal in 38 games for the club. The shock of the goal may have had an effect on both sides as the home side began to sit back and as the half went on, the defence began to drop deeper and deeper. Chalfont’s first opportunity of note came when their striker ran through on goal, lifting the ball over the on rushing Chapman. It was only some alert defending from Cross, who was able to cover across and clear, that prevented the equalizer. With the half nearly over however the visitors got their goal after they countered in numbers and their striker somehow evaded the challenges of Cross, Cheng and then Terry. With the defenders on the floor he was able to fire in from close range.
After the break Hobnob came out more organised with the defence under strict orders not to drop so deep. This higher line squeezed the midfield and Plant and Bolton were beginning to exert their influence on the game. The next goal however went the way of Chalfont who again caught Hobnob on the counter. When Robertson was caught in possession by the opposition area, they attacked in numbers and the winger’s cut back was coolly tucked in under Chapman. Never ones to lie down, Hobnob hit back straight from kick off. The ball was played wide to the left from the restart and Davies again ran at and beat his full back who clumsily stumbled into the back of him in the area. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and despite protestations of encroachment, Pulfer confidently slotted home the penalty. The equaliser was a hammer blow to Chalfont, coming as it did so soon after their second. Hobnob were in the ascendancy but some stout defending in the area prevented any meaningful chances. The third and winning goal was somewhat bizarre as Davies’ corner curled straight in at the near post with the goalkeeper unable to get through the bodies to the ball. After the goal the game became a lot more open and Hobnob should probably have secured victory by a bigger margin. Davies thought he’d done just that when he tapped in at the far post only to see the offside flag raised. Pulfer fired wide, Paine saw his close range effort brilliantly saved and Bolton had his penalty appeal turned down as Hobnob looked to put the game beyond doubt. A mix up between Cheng and Chapman at the other endalmost gifted a late equalizer but with Chalfont down to 10 men after their midfielder’s red card for dissent, the result was never really in doubt.
Hobnob should be rightly pleased with their three points today as they managed to win after scoring 3 for the first time since October. After two tough games which they undeservedly came away empty handed, the side showed good resolve to come through a potentially tricky game. There was some exquisite football played at times with Pulfer, Gale and Davies in particular linking up well and the chances in front of goal are beginning to come. The side also benefitted from having real game changers on the bench and with Paine, Dan Robertson and Tiltman returning from injury, the team can push on from this result.
