Hazel Grove United Under 8's
Update - 29th February 2004

Update written by Keith Garrity

On a cold Sunday morning the under 8's played away at Rose Hill ... when the Torkington Park convey finally found the pitch, after a scenic tour of Marple !!!!!!

Tip of the week; Don't follow Louie !

Game 1 Rose Hill 3 Hazel Grove 3

The overall team were 4 men down but this meant opportunities for Harry G, Adam and Alex to play a full part in the first game. However ,we got off to a terrible start with HG going behind by 2 goals very quickly, both being well taken by Rose Hill. For the first ten minutes HG we really under the cosh due to no shape in the team and it was all hands to the pump in keeping the score down, with Lewis, Mikey and Benny running and tackling their hearts out. With 5 minutes remaining and having weathered the storm, 1 great team move involving good passing from George and Mikey lead to Benny getting one back, this one then added too with a great individual goal, again from Benny, pulling HG level at half time.

The second half saw a much more even contest with the HG shape being established and saw Rose Hill on the back foot, with HG going close a number of times. Against the run of play HG conceded an unfortunate own goal with only 5 minutes remaining. Saving the day for HG and completing a very well deserved hatrick Benny again notched giving us a draw which was the least we deserved. This was almost thrown away but for a fantastic save from Harry diving across to his left saving with his feet. Great performance from Mikey, Lewis and of course Benny who were constantly in the thick of it.

Game 2 Rose Hill 2 Hazel Grove 5

Game 2 saw the defensive partnership of James and Tom playing for the first time, with Scotty in the holding midfield position, supported by Little Ben and Luke on the left and right hand side respectively with Joe as lone striker. The game was played at a great pace with HG going 3 up very quickly with 2 individual strikes from Joe and a fantastic passing move brilliantly finished by Little Ben.

HG were on top throughout the game in every position with a superb defensive display by both Tom and James with excellent passing by Scotty in midfield releasing Joe and Little Ben a number of times. In the second half HG continued to dominate with 2 great runs and very competitive tackling from Luke and Joe scoring twice with one, being what is so far, the goal of the season with a top corner screamer.Rose Hill missed a penalty and replied with a couple of goals but this was not enough as HG were well deserved winners with a great all round performance.

So far out of 6 games played this year

Won 3

Drawn 2

Lost 1

Next Game - March 7th Home to Burnage

Keith