After a pleasant first visit, a second trip to see Cricklewood Wanderers was on the cards. This time taking on Sporting Hackney. Once more, played out not to far from the famous Wembley arch. In a Middlesex counties football league fixture.
Sporting Hackney started the match with a pass out wide. Opening up space for an early run down the wing, giving away a throw in. Which went all the way back to their keeper. The first chance of the game fell to the host. Pressuring the travelling shot stopper, they found possession high up the pitch. Eventually being prevented a goal but awarded a free kick in the process. A second attempt followed, allowing a cross into the box. The flurry of shots blocked by the guest kept the score line level as the half played on. However, Cricklewood stayed in control. Testing the keeper with a low save moments later. Poorly timed passing out from the back handed Hackney their next chance. Firing over the bar, after a quickly taken set piece. Breaking away from an opposition opportunity, the home side ran through on goal. Failing to take the lead. A period of end-to-end football continued the half. Neither able to get into the box, to apply a shot. A long-range effort from Cricklewood breaking the dry spell, as it went wide of the post. Connecting with a looped past almost opened the scoring. Sporting Hackney switching the play, pushing the ball behind the goal from close range. Sporting Hackney then went on to take the lead. Tapping the ball into the net, after taking it around the keeper. Who ran out of his goal to meet it. Being beaten for pace alongside his defender. Up the other end, the visitor’s shot stopper was forced into a low save to keep them in front. A clever turn created space, letting the home team have a go. Against the run of play, the visitors added a second. Cricklewood’s keeper made a strong first save but failed to keep out the second. The guest increased their lead once more before half time. A slow and low shot somehow found its way into the net, after the player connected with a cross. Having freely roamed forward.
Looking for a way back into the game, Cricklewood started with a long ball. But it went all the way back to their keeper within a minute. Shooting from long range for the first chance of the half going wide. Before putting one into the keepers’ hands, after firing from outside the box. Sporting Hackney only making simple shots after play resumed. Leaving them on the back foot. Much improved from the first forty-five, the host had a row of shots. All going wide after the players met over the top balls. Pulling one back Cricklewood got a deserved goal. Sliding it past the keeper, after putting the ball into the box. Adding one more, Sporting Hackney scored. Simple goal past a deflated host. The final chance being an effort which skimmed over the bar, from a curling shot.
In conclusion thank you to the home side for their hospitality. A great club to visit for local people, and groundhoppers who have not visited. Special mention to the media manager for his assistance in getting a programme. Will be back watching you all soon hopefully.
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