Heigham v Hillside FC

Only three games left in the league including this clash at Recreation Road. Hillside have always put up a strong fight against us, although we beat them at their ground early in the season 4 - 2.

Heigham started off with a 3-at-the-back defence formation of Sam, Max and Frankie who took a few minutes to get into their stride allowing a couple of Hillside attacks to worry Ted in goal. Heigham soon countered with Aidan getting a shot on goal with the ball deflecting off the bar from the resulting corner.

Archie R had two shots soon after with the first saved by the effective goalie and the second sent sailing over the bar.

Arthur managed to break the deadlock with a goal from close range into the bottom left corner. Heigham celebrated too easily and were found off guard as Hillside broke through and equalised from the resulting kick-off.

Heigham kept up the attacking pace and were unlucky not get another one before the halftime whistle as the Hillside keeper stopped another of Aidan's shots on the line.

Halftime biccies and a change of formation. For the second half Felix partnered Frankie in a two man defence with Aidan staying in the middle, joined by Arthur to right and Sol on the left. Archie R was instructed to stay upfield.

The second half was a different game (two halves?). Maybe the change around had caused the desired confusion with the visitors. Virtually all of the play was at the Hillside end with Sol playing an excellent job on the left of the pitch.

The attacks were relentless but the ball would not find the net, much to the forwards dismay. Time was running out and we were looking at a draw (this happened twice last season against Hillside) but the players kept up the pressure. Ted had little to do, except on two possible occasions, as the defence expertly kept the play moving in the right direction.

Eventually the fine, passing play came to fruition and Arthur found the back of the net - via the post, for the second time. It was a long time coming.

Hillside didn't look like equalising again and their goalie had work to do. Aidan fired a high shot in from distance that he couldn't deal with, however, and Heigham came away with a 3 - 1 victory.

Another spirited and determined performance with every member playing their part. The stakes raised next week though in the cup quarter final as we visit Poringland again - who have just beaten Hindolveston 5 - 2 and the Corinthians 3 - 2. Time to think about tactics.