Report

The Boundary Park FC v Highfield United home fixture was switched from Chadderton FC ground to Firgrove because of a Premier League fixture Rochdale Ladies v Newcastle United.

The match at Firgrove went ahead despite a rain downpour in the morning and although a bit heavy the ground was quite reasonable, but a narrow pitch suited the Highfield team more than Boundary Park

Boundary Park played some of the best passing football the team has played all season and the final score could have been a huge result if chances were taken, plus the Highfield keeper had an excellent game.

Some of the passing drills from Thursdays training sessions have started to show in game situations and patience and keeping the ball has finally shown how good and easy that type of football can be.

Boundary had a unbeleivable amout of possession in the opening 30 minutes yet against the run of play Liam Ratcliffe, an excellent player who still plays semi-pro, curled a shot from out on the wing into the top corner to make it 1 - 0 to Highfield United.

Nickolas Maxwell back on the right side of midfield levelled the scores on 42 minutes when he latched onto a tremendous ball in from Sam Hinchcliffe.

1-1 half time - no changes were made to the starting 11

In the second half Boundary Park maintained their passing football and chances were being created time and time again.

Abraham Sirleaf was getting around the left back and could and should have pulled back passes from the byline instead of electing to shoot. However Abraham played very well and often recovered the ball back from the opposition and one one great run he hit a powerfull shot on target that had goal written all over it when to his frustration he saw the Highfield keeper, Anthony Bamford make a fantastic save.

Boundary Park finally went 2-1 up with a well worked corner saw Sam Hinchcliffe deliver a great near post cross, Aaron Green took 2 defenders away with his run and Dave Buckley came into the near post space created to head home a thunderous goal.

Paul Simpson was working hard for the team but this was a day he left his shooting boots at home and was having a mixture of bad luck and a couple of shots he will hope the photographer Gordon Marino has missed. Simmo is getting back to fitness and the 90 minutes will have done him good.

A Sam Hinchcliffe penalty made it 3-1 and seemed to have settled the result and allow us to make a double substitution and go 3 at the back with both Dave Langley and Shaun Armstrong have a well earned rest.

Both full backs played well and Shaun Armstrong in particular had a very good game and must be well pleased with his performance as he has not played for almost a year. Shaun was clapped off the field by all the Boundary Park players who appreciated his efforts and commitment in this game.

Dave Langley overlapped well, Dave Buckley and Dave Withers played well in the heart of the defence.

Maxwell was enjoying his wing role more than the forward role last week and played well,

Mike Sopel had a solid game in the middle of the park and won most of the headers from dead ball kicks, set up attacks and once agailn was denied a goal this time the crossbar.

Aaron Green was solid in midfield and had time to join many attacks such was our second half domination.

Withers shaded Shaun for the man of the match especially with a couple of top goal saving tackles in the box that could have seen him off if he got them wrong. - Shaun worked hard and had a good game, fitness takes time but training and match time will help especially when the player has the right attitude that Shaun has.

Well done all the lads - great TEAM spirit, nets, warm up, the match and after the game.