With the friendly against Gosport Borough in early January cancelled due to bad weather and having not played since early December 2009, the RN Senior side were delighted at the prospect of getting their boots back on, for a competitive fixture against the Prison Service. In what has historically been a gruelling match, the RN side were keen to extend their unbeaten run which had lasted since early November 2009. This fixture also heralded the debut of the striker, Mne Husbands (45 CDORM).
On what was a pristine looking surface, the RN side mounted their first attack only two minutes after kick off. A delightful crossfield ball by Mne Boere (ASC Bovington) landed at the feet of AET Thirkle (Sultan) on the left wing. His cross was scrambled away for a corner by the Prison Service defence. Only 2 minutes later, Mne Hill (40 CDORM) played a loose ball which was picked up by the Prison Service midfield allowing them to counter attack. With the RN looking slightly short of numbers at the back, both Mne Carns (UKLFCSG) and LOGs Benjamin (Nottingham) managed to lunge and achieve a combined block on the Prison Service Strikers shot. Both defenders were left nursing wounds as a result of this desperate act of defence.
In the 8th minute, LPT Horsman (Nelson) received possession in the central midfield area, just over the halfway line. Driving forward in possession, he delivered a thunderous strike from distance to dramatically hit the crossbar. Only a minute later, AET Ardley (Heron) headed a deep AET Thirkle corner, back across the box, for Mne Boere to blast over. The overwhelming early pressure being placed on the Prison Service defence by the RN was to pay dividends in the 11th minute. An AET Thirkle corner flicked on at the near post, was bundled into the net by the ever dependable CSgt Hope (CTCRM).
RN 1 – 0 Prison Service
For nearly 15 minutes there was minimal goalmouth action, until in the 26th minute the Prison Service dug out a long distance shot which was superbly saved by Cpl Murphy (45 CDORM). Again, the game lapsed into a gruelling, physical midfield battle until the 40th minute when the RN side conceded a free kick outside the box. Fortunately, Prison Officer Kilbane, brother of the Hull City premiership player, was inaccurate with his strike, which sailed over the bar. Minutes later, the RN mounted a blistering counter attack. Another beautiful ball by Mne Boere found AET Thirkle in acres of space. AET Thirkle delivered an inch perfect cross to find the head of Mne Hill who guided the ball inches wide. With only 1 minute to go until half time, the RN had their final attempt on goal. AET Thirkle, who by this point was looking magnificent, played a one-two with CSgt Hope on the edge of the Prison Service box, his subsequent shot was valiantly saved by the Keeper only to be spilled out to Mne Saunders (CTCRM), who slotted the ball home. RN hearts were broken when the referee adjudicated Mne Saunders as offside. Half Time Score
RN 1 – 0 Prison Service
The second half started with the RN Senior Team Coach Capt Steve Marr (Excellent) bringing on Mne Hebditch (40 CDORM) for Mne Hill. This was a like for like change, with Mne Hebditch coming on in a Striker’s role.
The highly vocal Prison Service coach has obviously given his side a bit of a roasting at half time since they began the second half very aggressively. The RN back four, which has remained consistent for the bulk of the season managed to comfortably soak any pressure the Prison Service were to bring. Indeed, having just defended a Prison Service attacking move, 17 minutes into the second half, a cross by Mne Saunders was brought down superbly by Mne Hebditch and struck narrowly over the bar.The Navy debutant, Mne Husbands, was brought on at this point to replace CSgt Hope.
The Prison service remained a threat and only 5 minutes after the RN strike, Mne Fowler (FPGRM) prevented a Prison Service headed goal, with a superb goal line clearance. In the 27th minute of the second half, Mne Saunders struck a direct free kick inches wide. Three minutes later, ET “TK” Joseph, was brought on to replace AET Thirkle, on the left side of midfield. Only minutes after joining the field and after an inch perfect through ball by Mne Hebditch, he displayed his usual blistering pace to find himself one on one with the Prison Service keeper. His shot flashed wide of the post.
In the 37th minute of the second half, Mne Husband’s, who was having an impressive debut, delivered a sumptuous flick to Mne Saunders whose shot was saved. The game ended with the RN side enjoying absolute domination.
Final Score RN 1 – 0 Prison Service