League Division 1- 07/03/09Pot Black F.C- 1
Hearts of Oak- 3
Match Overview- Pot Black's incredible run has finally come to an end, and it was only fitting that it would be to the reigning league champions, who today as far as I and I'm sure everyone in the division would agree, have just cemented another trophy in their jam packed trophy cabinet.
Congratulations to the players of 'Hearts of Oak'.
Although how did the match go? Well in the opening 10 minutes the home side started strongly with Adam Bird notably lashing one into the arms of a comfortable Hitcham in goal, although Hearts soon showed their class as they dominated possession and left L'Orange chasing shadows.
Like Liverpool in their unusual league position, Black played out of character with a nervousness and an over excitement that under minded the teams performance. Loss of focus down the left lead to Jonny Williams breaking through, who clinically fired under a disappointed Kev Sherwood. The 'Champs' were quickly thrown another gift when Captain Darren Boyd made an unbelievably out of character error when his attempted back header went in the wrong direction as Hearts pounced for 2-0, a position from which not many sides have ever recovered.
Despite the disappointment of the errors, Pot Black showed one glimpse of the character that has given them such a fantastic season, as Simon 'Targa' Durrant starting only his 2nd match in a year and his 1st since breaking his leg in the opening fixture this year again against Hearts, swerved his way around the box before firing the ball into the bottom corner.
The second half saw an improvement from the men in Orange as they began to see a little more of the ball and Hearts began to produce the odd error and poorly placed pass a stark opposite to there first half performance.
At a key stage of the match in an almost identical fashion to our previous match on day 1 of this season, Adam Bird burst through on goal from a clear 3mm on-side **Amended** (I know because I was in line!!!), only to see a flag raised for offside **Amended** , under minding the work rate and ability of his excellent side **Amended** This was followed by the largest noise of the match as he was in turn berated by fans and players alike **Amended**.
With Paul Taylor, Jordan Wardrope, Neil Banks and Anthony Ogogo all unavailable Pot Black called on L'Orange Legend Simon Hall for his 2nd appearance of the season as he, Rob Cooper and Rob Sterry were thrown into the action as the home side went for broke committing men forward as they went 3-4-3.
But despite constantly knocking at the door for 15 minutes as Hearts sat deep to seal their title they were unable to find an equaliser, and P.B's top heavy attack were finally put to the sword when a quick break from Kirk Gowing saw him scythe through an unmanned back line to place the ball into the top corner with what was in truth a breathtaking finish for 3-1.
As far as I am concerned Hearts have with out doubt the best individuals in the league! But I also know we are still 'The Best Club in the League' (I know I'm bias but I don't give two hoots!) and our unity and team spirit underline that, as even after the match we were laughing and joking at P.B.H.Q despite our obvious disappointment.
All in all we were off our game and the Hearts were on theirs, **Amended** Hearts players deserved that victory and they also deserve their league title, and in many ways they remind me of Diego Marradona's 1986 Argentina World Cup side, class players, beautiful flowing football that makes your mouth water, and Marradona....what will he be remembered for? His grace on the ball? No... For his wonderful goals? No.... For all his silverware? No..... He'll be remembered for 'The Hand of God' **Amended**
(Original report amended at request of League following official complaint)
Goals- Simon Durrant
G.H.Windows & Doors M.O.M- Vinny Terry, absolutely worked his socks off... And we are so glad that you're as happy as we are, that you're wearing Orange! Well done.
