Worthy winners!
3rd October 2017
WONDERFUL BRACE FROM STRAUGHAN EARNS HIPSBURN HARD FOUGHT WIN!
Two fantastic goals from Finlay Straughan earned Hipsburn a superb 2-1 victory against Shilbottle. It was the first game of the newly formed ENSFA Football League, which will see Hipsburn face many different schools in the East Northumberland area throughout the school year.
Shilbottle started the match brighter, having had several chances in the first few minutes. After a good save from Archie Melkerts and some last ditch defending from Charlie Costello, Shilbottle took the lead, with a nice lobbed finish over the stranded Melkerts. The goal didn't dampen Hisburn's spirits however, as Charlie Wilson, Charlotte Townsend and Sylvie Hunter worked tirelessly in midfield to try and find an equaliser. Hipsburn ended the first half better than they had started, with Ruaridh Batley going close on two occasions.
After some tactical changes, and a few rousing words from Mr Bell, the second half resumed with Hipsburn having a spring in their step. Shilbottle had their goalkeeper to thank that they were still ahead as Finlay Straughan, Theo Board and Ruaridh Batley all had shots saved by the goalkeeper.
It wasn't long before Hipsburn had there deserved equaliser, after some skillful footwork by Finlay Straughan took the ball around two Shilbottle defenders before coolly finishing past the oncoming goalkeeper. The match resumed with Hipsburn continuing to press for a second, sensing that it would soon come. Taylor Straughan definitely had her breakfast that morning, as she worked tirelessly to help in both attack and defence.
If Straughan's first goal was good, his second was even better! With what looked like an impossible angle to score from, Straughan sent a beautiful lobbed shot over the Shilbottle goalkeeper's head and into the top corner of the net. Corker!
With just minutes remaining, Shilbottle piled on the pressure as they looked for an equaliser. However excellent defending from Jake Inglis and an unbelievable save from goalkeeper Melkerts helped Hipsburn to hang on to their win.
Well done Hipsburn!
MAN OF THE MATCH: FINLAY STRAUGHAN
Our next match is against Swanfield Park on Tuesday 10th October 2017. Kickoff - 15:45 at Lindisfarne Middle School pitches.