Hatfield Social 1 - 2 Hadley Wood & Wingate

By Khalid Karimullah

Hadley Wood & Wingate pushed further towards the summit of the Herts Senior County League after a display of determination in a 2-1 win at Hatfield Social FC.

Despite the mood being positive before the game, it was the hosts who started off the brightest. After just two minutes played, Lucas Thurgood was played in on goal before lobbing his effort over the out-rushing Ross Weinrabe, who could do nothing about the finish.

With the visitors suddenly finding the urgency, Bradley Marriott delivered a delightful ball up the right flank to Ben Andreos, who despite breaking inside the area, unfortunately slipped allowing Charlie Woodward to clear the danger. Minutes later after constant pressure, Wilson Chingoka broke away down the right before his cross fell to Andreos, who's shot was blocked for a corner. From the resulting set-piece, a Joe Foley delivery into the six yard box found Emmanuel Mafuta, who found the back of the net after 14 minutes.

Khalil Zakkour then made a bombarding run up the left channel before firing an effort over. Then, a carbon-copy corner by Foley found Mafuta again at the near post, who's header found its way over the line to give the North Finchley outfit a deserved lead after half an hour played. Weinrabe was then forced into a good save, after an arrowing strike by Adrian Gill continued to swerve as it made its way towards the keeper. Then a great delivery from a corner saw Josh Francis place a header over for Hatfield, who was left frustrated after being given a free chance.

On the stroke of half-time, an intelligent free kick by Josh Grantham found Andreos making a diagonal run across the area, who's near post effort was just denied by the feet of Harley Ross. Another fine delivery from Foley then arrived at the towering Marriott, who's header went over from a great position. With the brilliant Chingoka sitting just ahead of the back four, the forward players including Gilberto Abril were able to express themselves. First the latter's effort from just outside the area was denied by the feet of Ryan Moss, before Charlie Harris' low drive on the follow up was well saved.

Still the theme of the game being constant Hadley Wood pressure, Andreos broke away down the left before delivering in a fine ball which just evaded Harris at the far post. Tyler Smith was then introduced into the foray, and after doing well with his defensive duties, then had an effort which hit against the bar. Soon after, Alex Hadjithemistou, bursting for a chance to play, was then brought on and looked after possession well allowing Chingoka to break forward. The latters resulting pass to Andreos saw the striker come close to adding a third, as he forced Moss to make a save from six yards.

With Hadley Wood keeping to the clubs' ethos regarding giving youth a chance, Nicholas Kouroushi showed a lot of endeavour when he came on, prior to the last chance arriving for Hatfield. With five minutes remaining, the ball bobbled through to Woodward from a free-kick, and with the goal gaping, Weinrabe somehow denied the full-back from two yards as he covered the full width of the woodwork.

With seven youth players representing the club, and with an inspired Weinrabe in top form, Hadley Wood & Wingate ensured three valuable points.

Report by Khalid Karimullah

Line-ups:

Hadley Wood & Wingate:

1) Ross Weinrabe
2) Connor Ferguson
3) Khalil Zakkour
4) Wilson Chingoka
5) Bradley Marriott
6) Emmanuel Mafuta
7) Gilberto Abril → Tyler Smith 62
8) Josh Grantham → Alex Hadjithemistou 67''
9) Ben Andreos → Booked 44''
10) Charlie Harris → Nicholas Kouroushi 75''
11) Joe Foley

Subs:

12) Tyler Smith
13) Callum Lempriere
14) Nicholas Kouroushi
15) Alex Hadjithemistou
16) -

Hatfield Social FC:

1) Ryan Moss
2) Harley Ross
3) Charlie Woodward
4) Charlie Lloyd → Darryn Stewart 89''
5) Andy Simmons
6) Josh Francis
7) Dale Stewart
8) Adrian Gill → Booked 65''
9) Cameron Leijgrave
10) Lucas Thurgood
11) Harry Adcroft → Booked 70''

Subs:

12) Micheal Webb
13) -
14) Darryn Stewart
15) Taylor Evenson
16) -

Referee: Alan Walker