Elmhurst FC (25/03/2001)
2000 - 2001 Season, Hithercroft Under 14s



This away game was played in very cold but dry weather on an adult-sized Astroturf pitch that was sand-based. This surface caused some injuries to the players who fell. Hithercroft were again without their regular captain, Jason Guy, who is still experiencing knee problems after his injury against Missenden Juniors some weeks ago. Paul Yandell was unable to play because of bruised toes and James Moody was unavailable. Kevin Fuller ran the line and Kevin Ife was captain.

The first half, which kicked off just after 2pm, was dominated by Hithercroft and Adeel Iqbal opened the scoring after 4 minutes following a corner by Kevin. After 20 minutes Dewayne Dublin increased the visitor’s lead and added another 7 minutes later. His second was scored after an Elmhurst pass-back to the keeper, who kicked the ball out to a defender; Kevin dispossessed him and passed the ball to Dewayne to add the finishing touch. Just before half-time Adeel side-stepped an Elmhurst defender and played the ball to Jerome Warren who hammered the ball past the goalie for Hithercroft’s fourth.

The second half was more competitive with the home team having the edge. After 8 minutes the tall Elmhurst number 12 (Shbhar) scored after taking the ball down the wing, coming across and avoiding Ruari Kerr’s challenge to hit the ball past Lee Hudson. He had another opportunity a few minutes later but hit the ball wide. Then the Elmhurst number 8 had a shot that Lee blocked with his feet but Elmhurst’s Michael Dagostino ran in to put the ball into the net for their second goal. For Hithercroft Jerome, Kevin, Dewayne, Shane Globe and Phillip Lines all had shots at goal but all failed to score. Then Elmhurst’s number 12 again ran onto the ball behind the visitor’s defenders, went round Lee as he came out and scored Elmhurst’s third goal. The final result was 4-3 to Hithercroft.

Hithercroft’s Man-of-the-Match was Jerome Warren with excellent performances by Richard Sunderland, Mitchell Ash, Jack Fuller, Kevin and Adeel. The Hithercroft team all played well and were tired towards the end owing to the size of the pitch and the speed of the ball over the surface. Hithercroft have just 2 League games left, both away (Bucks CC and Chesham Rangers).