Report

HOPTON PREVAIL IN CLOSE ENCOUNTER.

A great day for football in this top of the table clash saw a cracking game between two good sides.

Although AC were depleated to the bear 11 as injury's hit us hard and were missing Jack with concussion and Arron with a twisted knee the boys who took the pitch put on a really spirited performance. It was AC who started the game on the front foot and were putting pressure on the Hopton back line who were a little cautious after their heavy cup defeat the previous week. Good interplay between Matty and Zan saw the ball played down the line and the resulting cross saw Ethan ghosting in to power a header into the bottom corner, Great start!

The goal seemed to wake Hopton out of their slumber and they responded well using the power and physical presence of their giant forward to cause us problems for the remainder of the game. He was involved as they broke on us down the left and his centre found a man on the back post to tap in the equaliser. It was end to end stuff from then on and a great through ball from Ethan saw Louis race free on goal but was brought down by the last man right on the edge of the box as he was about to shoot. No card for the player but the resulting free kick was expertly bent over the wall and into the corner by the excellent Jake.

It was seconds to half time when Daniel bravely challenged the giant and won the ball and expertly brought it out of defence. Unfortunately the ball did not run for our forwards and a quick through ball from Hopton saw us light at the back and they took advantage to make it 2-2.

Halftime 2-2

The second half was much the same with both teams looking for goals and a fantastic through ball from Ben found Rego one on one only for the keeper to pull off a fantastic save. This really gave Hopton a lift and they scored two quick goals to leave us reeling. We gambled and went to three at the back with Connor pushed up to try and rescue the game but it left us very exposed and Hopton scored again. To the lads credit they kept going and Zan pulled one back with a great finish.

Heroic defending from Lewis, Will and Daniel who had shackled their forward really well considering the difference in size and speed, prevented Hopton from adding to their tally but their stronghold was breached late on when he finally got away and found the bottom corner leaving Ollie helpless.

It was AC who had the last word in the scoring when Jake and Louis combined to see great footwork and skill from Jake find Connor in the box who swivelled on the ball to fire home.

Their was still time to see the best dive ever as Zan had a Tom Daley moment with an excellent triple pike and tuck into the box!

Although it was not the result we wanted it was 100% a better performance from the previous week and the boys should be really proud of their efforts. There is no shame in being beaten by a better team when you have given your best and that is what the boys did and that is all we can ask.

It is very difficult to single out one player for man of the match as they all played really well but the way Daniel played their big forward with no fear and an abundance of grit and determination sees him get the award this week.

Great spirit and fight well done lads!