Match Report
Match Report - 23 Jan 2011, Clapham Rovers Clapham Rovers beat Hurlingham Energie
HURLINGHAM RUN OUT OF ENERGIE AS ROVERS MARCH ON
Having already given Hurlingham Energie a 5-1 pasting earlier in the season, goal difference was the name of the game for Clapham in Sunday’s reverse fixture at Barnes Bridge. And the Rovers didn’t disappoint. First half goals from Nick Woodwood – a low daisy cutter from just outside the box, the effervescent Dan Harley using the wind to good effect by knocking his first into the stanchion from similar distance, followed up with a touch of class moments later by nutmegging his defender and then bending one in with the outside of his right foot to add to his tally. A customary Simon Birch goal and an unstoppable effort at the other end as a result of some sloppy defending gave us a 4-1 lead at half time.
Intent on not taking our foot off the gas as in previous weeks the Rovers pressed on in the second half. G, up for a corner converted a goal mouth scramble to open his Clapham account and very nearly could have bagged himself a brace, inexcusably firing over from 4 yards. The Hitman lived up to his name firing home to complete his hat-trick and then Juan a constant threat from right back scored direct from a corner. Si got his second by smashing a penalty in off the underside of the bar to round off the scoring.
The game descended into a bit of a farce. With the opposition more intent on arguing and fighting a few Rovers players unnecessarily rose to the bait. Comments I heard from Hurlingham players included ‘I’ll kill your mum’ and, ‘careful of my legs, I’ve got to be on site tomorrow’. Not the most imaginative banter in the world, so no need to rise to it. In future let’s let our football do the talking. Nevertheless an 8-1 victory and a +7 goal difference, meant job done! Well done lads.
Note of caution: We will have to be better next week against Simon Ridge if we want all 3 points and keep our title challenge on track. Come on Rovers!!!
MOM: hat-trick hero Dan Harley. The race for the golden boot continues.
Hurlingham Energie 1 - 8 Clapham Rovers Clapham Rovers ()