HDFC 0-5 Eccleshall FC XI

HDFC played the first game at the clubs new home for the 2016/17 season up at Longton Rugby Club, but not in a game that they will want to fully remember.

HDFC led by Shaun Rogers in the absence of Manager Martyn Irvine, were in a depleted state with players having injuries and other commitments. Players were drafted into the squad that would be welcome to join the team if they would be able to join for the season.

They started with a 4-2-3-1 formation but the style of play was not to suit them in the first half but suited the opposition more as they run the game and found all the wholes that HDFC were allowing them to find and exploited all the space that HDFC were allowing them selves to give away.
Eccleshall's class of playing a few leagues higher was showing in the game, and the depleted and patched up HDFC side could not get any foot hold on the game. Mike Bentley showed glimpses of the talent he has and showed why the HDFC coaching staff will be looking to try and sign him up before the season starts, Ryan Smith started up top as the team looked to try something new and different with Danny Bentley playing off him but Eccleshall nullified all service to Ryan and Danny and with Hayden Wright having his work cut out down the left side the lads could find no rythem or floe int he game.
The first goal come from a cross into the 6 yard area from the left and a simple tap in, the 2nd was a well worked move in the middle which resulted in a good shot that the wind took over the HDFC keeper. Eccleshall continued to attack and grasp the space on the left side and the 3rd goal was played across to the edge of the box and Eccleshall found space in the box and put the team 3 to the good.
With heads starting to go the ref thankfully blew the whistle and called the half.

H/T - HDFC 0-3 Eccleshall

Changes were made at the half by Rogers and a change of shape as well to a 3-4-3 with a diamond tip middle play area, Corry Irvine, Hayden Smith, Olly Meadowcroft, Neil Edwards all come on at the half time and the shape and formation was something that HDFC had not normally been accustom to but the coaching staff needed to do something about the middle play and also the space on the left side.
The first 20 minutes of the second half had HDFC on top and playing some lovely football moving the ball well and instant impact from Hayden and Corry was evident as well as Neil showing a cool head to work the ball alongside the skipper Gaz Meir. Olly Meadowcroft was showing some good touches and movement out wide on the left and was attacking the full back and getting the ball into the area for Hayden and Danny.

But there was no let up and after around 70 minutes Eccleshall broke into the box and drove the ball in for the 4th goal of the game.
Tired legs and reoccurring injuries began to show and with more changes forced the shape of the team began to break down and with 8 to go Eccleshall took a punt from outside the box which the HDFC keeper Matt Halliwell had fly past him for the game to move to 0-5.

The ref finally called a halt to the game and what was to be a game that players needed to blow cobwebs off has turned out to be a game to question squad depth.

Assistant Manager Shaun Rogers :-

Disappointing to loose but its Pre Season and its not about results its about seen the players get game time and looking at what we have available in the squad.
Today is tough on us and will be tough on the team as they know that with a stronger squad we would have given them more of a game but we have to work with whats available and those that come in today know that it was there chance to claim the spot for the start of the season.
We move on from this and put it behind us and look towards Wednesday night against Hanley Town where we should have a few more names back but we need to show more than we have today.

HDFC will travel to Hanley Town on Wednesday for a 7:30 kickoff against Hanley Town Reserves,

NDFC

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