Premier League: Grimsby – 10/5/2014

HBU  narrowly lose chance for the title.

Herne Bay United’s 1^st team travelled to Grimsby on Saturday to fight for a title shot, but unfortunately it was not to be with the final score-line v Grimsby  being a 7 – 7 draw.

The Match was a very tightly contested match with the teams even on every level.

United were ready to start at 12 as per instruction, however due to a error from NRHA direction in communication Grimsby were not ready at the given time, and stated Game was scheduled for 12:45 not 12.

Once the game started it was a tight affair both teams creating chances but the balance was even. United were playing a tight defense looking to catch Grimsby. Grimsby scored their first goal 10 minutes in through Andrew Sims on a set play and United making a slip up in the pressure from the free hit. But United remained composed and it was shortly after that Herne Bay United’s Neil Austin bought the game level and galvanized the squad, sticking to the game plan. United remained patient and were looking to frustrate Grimsby and capitalize on any mistake they made and it came with 6 minutes remaining when Fabio Vicente pounced give an early ball to Alex mount who showed great composure to finish calmly in the top corner. United looked to stick to this but 2 minutes later Grimsby not looking as if they were going to get through caught a fortunate break when a miss-hit ball caught  United’s keeper Eddie Mount so United saw out the half keeping it level.

Grimsby started from the break more direct and caught United with Sim’s getting his hat-trick, which was closely followed up by Captain Marc Waddingham and Grimsby had a two goal lead 4 – 2 and United needing to find a way back in. United needed to beat Grimsby by 2 or more goals to give themselves the opportunity at the title.

HBU never looked as if they were going to give up and Neil Austin got his second with a nice individual effort, but Grimsby kept the daylight between the teams when Nic Johnson finished a powerful slap shot to the far post. United regrouped and attacked Grimsby, first one coming from Captain Joe Singleton, and the match  becoming similar to a boxing match with Grimsby again coming back keeping the lead 6 – 5, United hit a good combination with three goals in quick succession from Brendan Barker and Alex Mount linking up nicely with Barker setting up Mount’s second making it 5-5, for Mount to return the favour back twice Barker getting the equalizer and then the lead with 1 minute 18 seconds to the end. United needed just one more and they came close on two occasions but just 35 seconds to go and Grimsby caught United and got the draw they needed, United needed the 2 goals to stand a chance and threw all they could at that but unfortunately it was not enough and Grimsby are now Premier League Champions with one game left to play.

Herne Bay United has one Premier League match remaining in the season against Middlesbrough which will decide the runner up, but United now move to focus on the National Senior Cup with two teams reaching the Semi-Finals, with the first leg happening this weekend the 17^th May with HBU Veterans taking on Middlesbrough and followed by HBU vs Grimsby starting from 7pm at The Bay Sports Arena.

Brendan Barker said after the game: “it is always difficult when we go away but the team has really come on in the second half of the season and we have a very young team and we are all learning about each other but it is coming together and last results are very promising. I am now looking forward to our National Cup fixtures which should be fun next weekend.”

Team List: HBU: Eddie Mount, Joe Singleton ©(1), Karl Smith, Alex Mount (2), Neil Austin (2), Fabio Vicente, Brendan Barker (2)

Grimsby: Eddie Revill, Marc Waddingham©(1), Nick Johnson (1), Josh Dring (2), Andrew Sims (3), Dean Revill, Charlie Greenwood, Dean Willet.

 

 

 

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