League

KOHALA FC EMIRATES
Spectators: 7547 (Terracing: 5662, Seating: 1735, VIP seats: 150) It was fairly windy and cold on the field when Vinnie Kennedy kicked off to start the match. In the 6th minute of the match, Will Best got a very nice opportunity to score, but Brendon Fieldwick was well-placed and pushed the ball away from the goal at the left post. The audience was convinced that Marek Halliwell's extremely hard shot when he got free in front of the goal was going in, but Blair Barrow was relentless in the 10th minute of the game. After a defensive mix-up in Kohala Gunners FC's zone, Vinnie Kennedy stole the ball and had only the goalie to beat. Blair Barrow came out of the goal and Vinnie Kennedy tried to chip the ball over his head. To his dismay, the ball went over the crossbar and out of play. Marek Halliwell fired away a screaming shot towards the goal in the 13th minute, but the shot went just over the crossbar without Blair Barrow having to interfere. Graeme Neville took a chance and fired a shot far from the goal in the 16th minute, but it turned out to be a dangerous situation for Brendon Fieldwick. Liphook Returns's goalkeeper really had to stretch himself to stop the ball from crossing the goal line. If Ross Senior had kept his shot down it would have been a goal in the 17th minute. The ball went over the crossbar and out instead. In the 22nd minute, one of Kohala Gunners FC:s players had the ball in front of the goal but got pushed and fell. The referee felt it was an obvious case and blew a penalty for Kohala Gunners FC. Jimmy Shakespeare walked up to take care of the penalty kick. He was aiming for the top corner, but the ball went just outside the post. 41 minutes into the match, Kohala Gunners FC's goal looked a bit too open when Marek Halliwell came free, but Blair Barrow reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. Marek Halliwell received a nice pass in the box and took a hard shot in the 47th minute. Blair Barrow tensed up and prepared to dive, but the shot went over the goal with him having to interfere. After a very even first half the match was still tied. The players went to their respective dressing rooms to discuss the tactics for the second half.

Blair Barrow was in the perfect position, and the defense had done a good job marking him, but Aaron Lobb showcased his skills and made a perfect shot to score 0-1 in the 54 minute of play. In the 58th minute the ball was on its way in behind Kohala Gunners FC's goalkeeper Blair Barrow, but with the help of a sacrificing defense, he could catch the ball at the crossbar. In the 60th minute, Marek Halliwell fired away a killer shot towards the goal that, to the delight of Blair Barrow, passed just outside the right post. After some fancy dribbling in the 63rd minute, Ross Senior managed to get in a good position for a shot. Kohala Gunners FC's supporters rose to their feet, but Ross Senior was a bit off balance and shot the ball just wide of the left post. Brendon Fieldwick breathed a sigh of relief and went to take the goal kick. 66 minutes into the game, Vinnie Kennedy recieved a splendid long ball, split the defenders, and gently placed the ball to the left of Blair Barrow. Vinnie Kennedy showed that you don't have to tear a hole in the net to score, 0-2. Ross Senior fired away a screaming shot towards the goal in the 71st minute, but the shot went just over the crossbar without Brendon Fieldwick having to interfere. Will Best sent away a hard shot on goal in the 72nd minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. Ross Senior kicked well hit freekick during the 75th minute of the match. Brendon Fieldwick showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Will Best, who was totally free with the ball in the 77th minute. After a rather tough play, Liphook Returns's Aaron Lobb got a free kick in the 79th minute. Vinnie Kennedy sent away a hard shot on goal in the 83rd minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. Marek Halliwell recieved an excellent pass in front of the goal in the 93rd minute. Unfortunately, he received the ball on his off foot and could only manage a weak shot that went over the goal. Brendon Fieldwick took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Ross Senior, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. The referee blew the final whistle, and the away crowd roared, having watched Liphook Returns eke out a victory against a very well matched opponent.