League vs Rushmere Lions 29th April 2012 Match Report

Last match report of the season!!!
On this wet,cold and blustery Sunday morning, more like December than April, the Hornets visited the Lion's Den (aka Dumbarton Road Rec!).

Having already beaten the Lions twice this season the Hornets needed another win to help them secure 4th in the league.

The Lions have shown in recent weeks that they have improved as a team, narrowly losing to both the Gunners and the Bulldogs.

The Hornets started well, trying to play good football in far from ideal conditions on a bumpy pitch and against the wind.
They laid seige on the Lion's half of the pitch, with the midfield of Smithy, George and Elliott working hard to win the ball back when any attacks broke down.

The pressure paid off when after just 6 minutes George's tackle fell to Elliott. He side stepped a defender and let fly from the edge of the Lion's box. His shot flew inside the far post for his 14th goal of the seaon.
Lions 0-1 Hornets

The Hornets then briefly let their foot off the pedal and let the Lion's have a bit more of the ball. However, Owen and Huggy were on hand to stop them troubling Dan in the Hornets goal.

They then produced a brilliant counter attack to relieve the Lion's pressure. Owen's clarance found Smithy on the left, he ran at the Lion's defence. Just when it looked like he was going to shoot or be tackled he slipped a lovely ball inside to Harvey. Harvey took a touch then made no mistake from just inside the box to double the Hornets lead and bag his 25th goal of the season.
Lions 0-2 Hornets

Soon after Smithy was again running at the heart of the Lion's defence, this time he played a brilliant ball inside to Connor. He ran onto the pass and scored with his first touch!
Lions 0-3 Hornets

Within minutes Connor turned provider when his hard work on the right ended with his cross being parried by the keeper. Smithy was on hand to score a well-deserved goal- his 15th of the season.
Lions 0-4 Hornets

Just before half-time the Hornets capped what was probably one of the best 20 minutes of football they had played all season.
From Owen's throw on the half-way line George flicked on to Smithy (just as Nathan had got them to work on before the game against the Blues!).
Smithy took a touch and then sent over 'The Perfect Cross' just beyond the 2 defenders and just out of reach of the outstretched keeper. Aaron slid in behind the defence and applied the perfect finish to possibly the best worked goal I have seen all season!
Lions 0-5 Hornets (Half-time)

After the break the Hornets tried to get back into their first half rhythm. They had a string of corners but were unable to create a clear chance on goal.
The Lions then chased a long ball upfield that bounced passed the Hornets defence, allowing their striker a clear sight at Dan's goal. However, Dan was quickly out to block the shot with his legs.

Soon after the Lion's got a goal back when a good passing move bypassed the Hornets midfield. Although Dan got a hand to the first shot, a Lion was on hand to slot home the rebound.
Lions 1-5 Hornets

The Hornets needed to get the ball back on the floor and play their great first half football.
Elliott grabbed the bull by the horns and he won the ball back on the half-way line. He surged forward and then slipped in Aaron, who calmly scored his 2nd of the match.
Lions 1-6 Hornets

The 2nd half was not all one way traffic, the Lions almost got another goal back when their impressive number 7 unleashed a thunderous drive from 25yards that hit the bar and bounced out.

The Hornets made three points and 4th place in the league safe when with 5 minutes left they scored a 7th. Another great pass found Aaron who used his pace to beat the last defender. His shot was saved by the keeper but Aaron was first to react and he banged in the rebound to complete his hatrick, making his total 13 for the season.
Lions 1-7 Hornets

The Lions continued to work hard and pass the ball when allowed. They scored a second when a long range effort was well saved by Dan, only for a Lion to volley home the rebound.
Lions 2-7 Hornets

The Hornets almsost made it 8 when Smithy ran at the Lions, this time from the right wing. This time he opted to shoot- who can blame him after he had unselfishly created 3 of the first half goals. His shot flew just high and wide of the near post.
Full-time: Lions 2-7 Hornets

This was another great Hornets performance to round off a brilliant season! 4th in the league, Open Cup quarter finalists

Written by Martin on Sun-Apr-2012