Seniors Squad 2013

Seniors defeat Middlesex

The Middlesex Southern Counties Championship men’s team entertained a lively Royal Navy side at AFC Hayes on Wednesday evening and eventually lost...

The Navy made the early running and a drive from LPT Steve Young (PGHQ Northwood) smacked against the Middlesex cross bar in the 10th minute.  

10 minutes later, a good run by Mne Liam Campbell (43 CDO RM) finished with his cross just eluding Steve Young.   However, the Navy took the lead within a minute, through Cpl Dave Carns’ (CTCRM) glancing header from CPO Andy Todd’s (HMS Kent) cross. The Royal Navy doubled their lead after half an hour when CPO Phil Archbold’s (HMS Nelson) centre was headed home by Andy Todd. Middlex were fortunate when Navy defender, LAET Tom Ardley (HMS Heron), reduced the arrears by heading past his own keeper.

The Navy twice went close to restoring their 2 goal advantage during the 5 minutes leading up to the interval.    Andy Todd was tripped just outside the penalty area and the resultant free kick by ET Jacko Jackson (HMS Montrose) hit our cross bar.   Then Middlesex keeper, Kieron Jimmy, saved full length from Steve Young, diving to his right.

Half time score:  Middlesex 1   Royal Navy 2

Middlesex put the Navy defence under pressure in the early stages of the second half and were near to scoring, when Navy keeper POPT Matt Short (HMS Nelson) turned a free kick from Michael Murray around his post. Nevertheless, in the 53rd minute, Liam Campbell restored the Navy’s 2 goal lead by converting a pass by LPT Lee Foxhall (HMS Collingwood). Lee Foxhall then had a further scoring chance but headed wide and soon afterwards Middlesex striker Ryan Upton headed Michael Murray’s corner over. In the 75th minute, the Middlesex keeper made a great double save.   He stopped a shot from Cpl Dan Boere (CLC RM) at point blank range and then pushed Andy Todd’s follow up for a corner.

Middlesex hit back and James Duncan’s header forced a great one handed save from Navy keeper, Matt Short.   Then, with 5 minutes remaining Middlesex were awarded a penalty for a trip and Michael Murray netted with aplomb.

Paul WillettsMiddlesex pressed for an equaliser but the visitor’s defence held firm to gain a win, which on the balance of play, was deserved. Coach WOPT Paul Willetts (Pictured left) commented that it was a pleasing performance especially the ammount of chances that we created, although as we prepare for our Inter Services fixtures we must be more clinical in front of goal.

Result:  Middlesex 2   Royal Navy 3

Jim Taylor