Another Harrowing Misadventure (Ages Challenge)

[Faramir]

11.8.07

Hill Survives Trip to York

Harrow Hill battled favored York to a scoreless draw at Bootham Crescent thanks to fine work from Keeper Craig Farr, who earned MOM honours. York started quickly and Clayton Donaldson and Andy Bishop both were frustrated as Farr parried away their shots. It looked Hill would grab the lead when Chris Casement was yellow carded for tripping Jordan Robertson in the area, but Alan Wilkins fired his penalty kick right into Keeper David Stockdale. Both sides played even the remainder of the first half and thanks to good tackling from both backlines the match remained scoreless. The second half belonged to York as they took control of the match. Hill struggled mightily after Ash Carew left with a sprained ankle and was forced to depend heavily on Farr's play in net as York put pressure on for almost the entire second half. Farr's honours were deserved as Hill managed to finish out the draw and split the points.

"Not exactly the best way to start the season, but I am happy to take points away from it," stated Heartwood.

"We sure didn't show much of anything in the second half. I hope we can rebound in our Tuesday match," replied Pearson.

"There will be many lineup changes, but I plan on keeping the same backline for the match."

"You might want to rethink that idea. The match took a lot out of them, because we played the entire second half in our end."

"Good point. Ok, we will have mostly a new lineup- except for Farr."

[Faramir]

14.8.07

Hill Sours Stockport

Harrow Hill battled back to score a 1-1 draw against Stockport at Edgeley Park. Stockport had the better of play in the first half, but Hill actually had the two best scoring chances. Carl Gibson missed by razor thin margin as he flicked a shot off the outside of the right post after slipping free just beyond the six-yard box. Shaun Miller saw his hard shot parried away by James Spencer. On the Hill end Keeper Craig Farr was also busy and steady as the sides finished out a scoreless first half. Stockport struck for the lead in the opening moments of the second half as Paul Connor overpowered Lewis Tozer and flicked in a long cross from David Cowan. The referee gave Paul Robinson an immediate redcard after he was forced to grab Brian Harvey's jersey as the last man. Hill skipper Sean Coburn made the free kick pay off by curling a 25 yard blast past Spencer to even the match. Despite the man advantage, Hill couldn't create another good scoring chance in the remainder of the second half and had to settle for splitting the points.

"Another one that I guess is acceptable and I am glad to have the points from," sighed Heartwood.

"We need more work to be certain. To have a man advantage and then not create a good scoring chance is just not acceptable."

"True, but we are still working our way into playing form now- despite the friendlies- so I am confident it will be better as the season progresses."

[Faramir]

18.8.07

Scarborough Skins Hill

Scarborough edged Harrow Hill 1-0 in Hill's home opener at Larksfield Road as Hill continued to have problems getting untracked offensively. Last season's leading scorers for Hill- Jordan Robertson and Alan Wilkins- haven't shown the same level of ability yet this season and matters just aren't clicking offensively for Hill at this point. The two sides played a scoreless first half that saw Keepers Craig Farr and Leigh Walker make the needed saves. Scarborough scored the lone goal early in the second half as Tim Spencer lost the ball to Ian Clark and he sent a long cross into Jake Speight. Speight deflected the ball past Farr into the left side of the net. Hill's best chance to equalize saw MOM Daniel Foot hack the ball off the line after Lee Sawyer flicked a header that Walker got his hand on.

"Just a youngster's mistake," shrugged Heartwood, "They are going to happen."

"Tim (Spencer) is more upset about it than anyone else- excepting the press," replied Pearson.

"We'll just have to help him deal with them too. It's all part of the learning process."

[Faramir]

25.8.07

Kidderminster Kicks Hill

Harrow Hill fell again at Larksfield Road as Kidderminster dumped them 2-0 behind early and late goals as Hill's finishing was again lacking. Ben Hamer's debut in goal for Hill was inauspicious as Mark Jackson ripped a shot off the crossbar and before the Hill backline could react, Ben Bradford knocked home the rebound. Hill showed much better execution as they pressure the visitors, but their lack of finishing left them bereft of goals again. Kidderminster clinched the match when Rob Elvins outleapt Nicky Hawkins and deflected Lee Thompson's cross past Hamer in the closing moments of the match.

"Better, but we have to find a way to get some goals," muttered Pearson.

"Paul Cross was really impressive today, but we aren't able to find space to get good chances. We need more work on that..."

"We will start spending more time on that," agreed Pearson.

[Faramir]

27.8.07

Accrington Aces Hill

Accrington Stanley turned their one good chance to gold and edged struggling Harrow Hill 1-0 at Crown Ground in a Monday match. Both sides played steady first halves, but Lewis Tozer missed an interception that let a ball go through to David Brown and he showed his lethal finishing by scoring his 5th goal of the season past Craig Farr in first half injury time. The Hill offense was again ineffective as they were unable to break down the home side's team defense and didn't severly trouble Keeper Danny Alcock as he earned a clean sheet.

Heartwood sighed, "One goal in five matches. We are lucky we have any points at all this season."

"Part of the problem is our wingers are not making anything happen. With Ash Carew out, we also aren't getting good work out of any midfielders."

"It's a problem we have to solve soon."

"Once we get away from these Monday/Tuesday matches- we can settle on a more regular lineup- that would help."

[Faramir]

1.9.07

Hill Chains Chester

Harrow Hill finally broke into the win column in Conference National play with a 3-2 win over Chester at Larksfield Road in a match where the score could have favored Hill by an even greater margin. The fans greeted Jordan Robertson's 1st goal of the season with cheers of relief as he slammed home a rebound after Ryan Brookfield parried away a blast from Alan Wilkins. Chester answered immediately when Dan Cooper slipped past Nicky Hawkins to deflect a cross from Josh Dutton-Black past Karl Dryden. Dryden, starting because Craig Farr was away on service with Romania and Ben Hamer is out with a groin injury, settled down after the goal and made nice saves on Ben Starosta and Charlie Lee. Robert Burns made a nice pass to set up Robertson in the area and his brace returned Hill to a 2-1 halftime lead. Despite a fast start to the second half for Hill, they handed Chester the equalizer when Hawkins made an ill-advised tackle from behind in the area and Thomas Curle converted the penalty kick. Hill was determined to gain their first win and after missing close twice Mark Russell took an excellent pass from MOM Paul Cross and snapped a shot past Brookfield for the late match winner in the 3-2 win.

"I don't know what is up with Nicky (Hawkins), but he has not played a good match for us yet this season," murmured Heartwood.

"Both his mistakes cost us goals. I was pretty happy when Mark Russell hit that late goal though."

"Me too. Getting a win was what we needed. Now we can try and build off this performance. Paul Cross has really shown me he is ready to take over from Pat Lynott in the midfield- he will be getting a lot of playing time this season."

[Faramir]

4.9.07

Hill Salvages Late Draw at Crawley

It took a goal in second half injury time, but Harrow Hill fought back to earn a 2-2 draw at Broadfield Stadium in this Tuesday match. Hill continues to have problems defending crosses into the area and that was evident as Crawley scored both their goals through that route. James Coutts' cross was deflected by Steve Burton past Karl Dryden to give Crawley the lead midway through the first half, but Hill hit back immediately when Shaun Miller drilled a 25 yard free kick past Scott Ward. Daryl Clare then crossed and Coutts flicked it past Dryden to return the lead to the home side. Crawley failed to build on the lead when Pat Lynott was whistled for a trip in the area and Dryden blocked away Clare's penalty kick. Hill came out with a much better effort in the second half, but was again having problems getting their shots on goal. The dramatic equalizer came as Scott Price crossed into the area and Tom O'Donnell was able to dive and deflect the ball past Stuart Robinson, who had come on for a slightly injured Ward late in the second half.

"A nice effort to get back to splitting the points," commented Pearson.

"It was and I am proud of the boys, but we have got to find a way to defend against crosses better- we are just getting eaten alive by clubs taking advantage of that attack."

"More practice time on it next week."

[Faramir]

8.9.07

Forest Green Frustrates Hill

After a scoreless first half, Forest Green used a superior second half performance to see off Harrow Hill at Highwood Stadium by a 3-1 score. Both sides had few chances in the first half as most of the time was spent in the center of the pitch. Forest Green took the lead early in the second half when Matthew Connelly rose over two defenders to deflect a corner past Craig Farr. Less than 4 minutes later the home side moved ahead 2-0 as Luke Harvey caught the Hill backline slow to get back and drove a shot inside the left post. Hill drew a goal back when Mark Russell deflected an Alan Wilkins cross by Tommy Forecast. Forest Green put the match away when Paul Cross caught Alex Meechan with an elbow in the air in the area on a late free kick and Paul Wanless converted the penalty kick past Farr.

"We played one good half, but we certainly didn't play well defensively in the second half," stated Heartwood.

"It seems we just haven't gelled. We aren't anywhere close to the level of defense we shown toward the end of last season."

"Offense is still lacking too. We have a lot of work to do Bob."

[Faramir]

Back after a few days in Texas...

Thanks for all who voted this story in

***

15.9.07

Hill Routs Farnborough

Harrow Hill looked a completely different side as they masterfully crushed Farnborough 5-0 at Larksfield Road. Led by forwards Alan Wilkins and Carl Gibson, Hill gave the visitors fits all match long. A long cross from Tim Spencer picked out Gibson on the left side and he smartly crossed back into the six yard box. Wilkins outleapt Ryan Johnson and deflected the cross past Matt Webb to give Hill the lead in the early moments of the match with his 1st goal of the season. Wilkins returned the favor as he passed to Gibson in front of the net. Once again Johnson couldn't keep the mark and Gibson snapped a shot past Webb into the right side of the net for his 1st Senior goal. Gibson showed an assasin's touch as he slipped past Johnson one more time and Wilkins gave him a well-placed pass that allowed Gibson to make it a brace. After a scramble on a corner, Lewis Tozer crossed into the area and Robert Burns deflected it past Webb for his 1st goal of the season and a 4-0 halftime lead for Hill. Hill just looked to close out the clean sheet for Craig Farr in the second half, but when Webb dallied with the ball it was Gibson right there to take it away from him and complete his hat-trick in second half injury time as he capped the 5-0 win.

"Now *that* is exactly what we needed- a bit of a confidence booster," remarked Pearson.

"I was very impressed with Carl Gibson today. He is really starting to show the same abilitites that made him the leading scorer for you last season Bob."

"He has a nice touch around the net. His pass to set up Wilkins was fine too- actually Wilkins missed that other wide open net or it could easily have been 6-0."

"Bad news on Alan though, he pulled his hamstring and it may cause him to miss a month."

"That is bad news, with Jordan Robertson out too. Still we do have several forwards."

[Faramir]

18.9.07

Woking Wangles Draw

Harrow Hill had a chance to make it consecutive wins for the first time this season, but allowed Woking to come back and split the points in a 1-1 draw at Larksfield Road. The match featured an entertaining, but scoreless, first half as the two sides lacked sharp execution in the six-yard box. Both sides were tentative and that ruined many chances as the backlines and keepers recovered to jumble the proceedings. The second half saw an improvement, but Hill had bad luck when Mark Russell banged a shot off the left upright. Moments later it was Brian Harvey, who had come on for tiring Russell, who took a through ball from Nicky Hawkins and fired it past Shwan Jalal to gain the lead for Hill. Hill wasted the chance for a win as they allowed Shaun McAllister to coast into the area and deflect Stefan Stam's long cross past Craig Farr for the equalizer. Jalal had the answers as Hill tried to take the lead once more as he stopped Shaun Miller and Paul Cross on decent chances in the late stages of the second half.

"Another bloody cross!" exclaimed Heartwood.

Pearson was shaking his head, "We work on them and work on them- and we still can't seem to defend them."

"More work on them- that's all we can do."

[Faramir]

22.9.07

Replay Looms in FA Cup for Hill

Harrow Hill played to a scoreless draw against St.Albans in their FA Cup 2nd round qualifier and now faces a replay at Larksfield Road. Despite having much the better of play througout the match, Hill failed to turn their possessions into scoring chances. Their best chance in the first half came when Tom Lewis turned away a drive from Mark Doyle. In the opening moments of the second half St.Albans had their best chance to score, but Lee Clarke missed over the net against Karl Dryden. Craig Farr was forced to come on for Dryden, who twisted his ankle, but he saw no shots from the home side. Hill fans were groaning when a good through ball freed Steve Andrews up the middle. Andrews took the ball in and then inexplicably chose to pass to the wing when still free on Lewis. James Vaughan earned MOM honours for Hill as he did an excellent job policing up the right side.

Heartwood shook his head, "I still can't believe Steve Andrews didn't take the shot- it was right there."

"A youngster's nerves is all Jim," replied Pearson. "He understands he should have taken the shot."

[Faramir]

26.9.07

St.Albans Stuns Hill

St. Albans broomed Harrow Hill out of the FA Cup in front of a disappointed crowd at Larksfield Road as they somehow managed to edge Hill 1-0. It was clear who the MOM was today as Hill outshot the visitors 19-5 for the match. St.Albans Keeper Tom Lewis was dazzling in goal as he made tremendous saves in both halves, including stopping Pat Lynott's penalty kick in second half injury time as Hill looked set to even the match. It clearly wasn't Hill's day, but the goal obviously infuriated Manager James Heartwood. Patrick Ada rose above Neil Dobson to deflect a corner past Ben Hamer midway through the first half. That would be the only shot the visitors actually put at Hamer in the match. It was clearly a match that Hill could have won and they were bitterly disappointed to be put out of the competition.

"What can I say? We did everything we wanted to do..." sighed Heartwood.

"Except keep a header from killing us...again."

"Still, you have to score to win. We didn't score and we didn't win."

[Faramir]

29.9.07

Worksop Win Over Hill

Worksop added to Harrow Hill's recent woes as they edged them 1-0 at Babbage Way to drop them into 21st place in Conference National play. The match again demonstrated Hill's problems finishing as they outplayed the home side in the first half, but failed to do much with the scoring chances they generated. Hill is clearly missing injured Jordan Robertson and Alan Wilkins as they haven't managed to find another forward combination that generates much heat. The lone goal in the match came early in the second half when a poor clearance by Robert Burns and indifferent marking from Lewis Tozer allowed Ian Robinson to drive the ball past Craig Farr. Hill tried to rally, but Keeper Benjamin Amos made a trio of terrific saves to deny Hill the equalizer in maintaining his clean sheet for the win.

"Very frustrating Bob. We are playing well enough, but our mistakes are costing us dearly and we just can't seem to put the ball into the goal," stated a tired Heartwood.

"All we can do is stick with our training and gameplan. The schedule is still rough for us for a bit more, but it will smooth out."

[Faramir]

3.10.07

Cambridge Crushes Hill

Cambridge took advantage of their scoring chances, while Hill again squandered theirs as Cambridge easily defeated Hill 3-0 at The Abbey. David Mills ill-advised push on John Turner in the area allowed Andy Duncan to convert a penalty kick past Ben Hamer and earn Cambridge the early lead. Hill's Shaun Miller had all manner of good chances in the match- including 4 different one-on-ones with Keeper Steve Dickinson, but Dickinson stopped him every time. Jerahl Hughes earned MOM honours as he put the match in Cambridge's pockets early in the second half scoring a brace as the Hill backline looked disorganized and Hamer could not come up with a key save when needed. The loss drops Hill to 22nd in Conference National.

"I have seen enough. Shaun Miller is never going to help us up front," flatly stated Heartwood.

"It's only one match Jim."

"No, it isn't only this match. He doesn't show much of anything around the goal. I think we need to move Rob Norris up to forward again- at least he shows zip around the goal."

[Faramir]

6.10.07

Hill and Nuneaton Battle to Draw

There was another chapter added to the youthful development of Harrow Hill as they took the lead, lost the lead and fought back to earn a 2-2 draw with Nuneaton at Larksfield Road. After missing close twice, it was Lee Sawyer who scored his 1st goal of the season on a cross from Peter Wilkinson to give Hill the quick lead. That lead vanished in the span of three minutes as Scott Price made a terrible decision and pushed Matt Middleton in the area. Alan Rogers converted the penalty kick past Karl Dryden, who was starting in place of Craig Farr who is away with Romania. Less than three minutes later Nuneaton took the lead when Stuart Sinclair, who earned MOM honours, deflected a cross from Mark Noon past Dryden. Hill fought back to equalize when Carl Gibson deflected a corner past Ian Flavell late in the first half. Hill tried desperately to earn all three points in the second half, but poor execution continued to thwart their efforts and they were forced to settle for the 2-2 draw.

"I am a little tired of hearing we 'played well enough to win the match'," grumbled Heartwood. "We have to actually start doing that!"

"Still, there were some good signs today, but you're right- we have showed little composure so far."

"I know that is a hazard of using as young a club as we have, but we have got to start finding ways to avoid critical mistakes- like Scott Prices' handing them a penalty after we had gained the lead- it was just a dumb decision."

[Faramir]

7.10.07

"It's time Bob. We have nothing to lose at this point," flatly stated Heartwood.

"Well, I am not sure they are ready, but I can't argue with your view of things. We can't get any worse," answered Pearson.

"Ok, we will be putting Danny Kamara in to pair with Nicky Hawkins in central defense. Alex Coulson will move in to rightwing. That will be enough for now. Our starting lineup will be Karl Dryden in goal, Carl Poole and Tim Spencer at fullbacks. Paul Cross and Lee Sawyer at center mids. Jordan Robertson and Mark Russell at forward."

"Very young. I wish that Craig Farr was back from National duty, we really need him in goal."

"Yes and I wish that Ash Carew was back from England Under-21 duty, because we could use the offensive spark he offers us."

***

10.10.07

Halifax Humbles Hill

Halifax added to Harrow Hill's woes as they beat them 2-1 thanks to a late goal on yet another Hill defensive mistake. Halifax struck first in the match as Tyrone Thompson slipped in free and slammed a shot past Karl Dryden. Hill evened the match early in the second half as Mark Russell deflected a cross from Chris Poole past Dino Seremet. Hill missed a couple golden chances to gain the lead thanks to good saves from Seremet on Jordan Robertson and Paul Cross. It was the same sour tune for Hill at the end as Nicky Hawkins missed a header and then Tim Spencer and Danny Kamara missed tackles before Darran Mansarum fired a shot inside the right post past Dryden for the match winning goal at 86 minutes.

"I am oh so tired of this 'Hill played well enough for a better result." Sure we did, but we didn't get it, so it means nothing," grumbled Heartwood.

"With so many youngsters...well, we are going to have to gel again," replied Pearson.

"Again? We never gelled in the first place so far this season- that is why I am going this way. We just need to start playing better football and the results will take care of themselves.

[Faramir]

13.10.07

Hill Ekes Win Over Exeter

2nd place Exeter certainly expected an easier match than they received as Harrow Hill seemed inspired by the return of Keeper Craig Farr and Midfielder Ash Carew to the starting lineup. Hill managed to defeat heavily favored Exeter thanks to a goal late in the second half and then survived the rally by the visitors with Farr making three very good saves to preserve the win. The lone goal in the match was actually a gift from ex-mate Shola Oyedele. Oyedele was trying to send a backpass to Danny Hall, but Carl Gibson stepped up and intercepted it- flicking it back across to Jordan Robertson. Keeper Brian Murphy had been moving out to pick up Oyedele's pass and could only watch in utter frustration as Robertson took his time and drilled a well placed 30 yard shot into the open goal. Exeter saw Farr stop their chances to equalize and also hit the crossbar on a shot as they could only shake their head at the close loss when the final whistle sounded.

"A badly needed win!" sighed a cheery Heartwood.

"Well, we finally got a break on the goal. We actually had several other better scoring chances in the match."

"I will take the luck, whatever it was- we needed the win."

[Faramir]

18.10.07

"I found new homes for Stephen Opaka and Shaun Miller," stated Heartwood.

"Where and when?" asked Pearson.

"Shaun is moving tomorrow, Worcester took him on free transfer. Stephen won't move until January 1st and is headed to Nuneaton."

"I suppose that Stephen could come back to haunt us..."

"There is that possibility, but there is no sense paying him when he won't earn Senior playing time here."

***

27.10.07

Hill Waxes Weymouth

In a suprising effort, Harrow Hill defeated one club that has given them much trouble, as they defeated Weymouth 3-1 at Wessex Stadium. The match didn't start out well for Hill as Steve Tully used good vision to see that Danny Kamara was late getting back on a Hill corner. Tully's fine pass found Adrian Webster coming free into the open space and Webster's 20 yard blast snuck inside the left post past Craig Farr to give them the lead in the opening moments of the match. Hill equalized midway through the half when a quick counter-attack from the center of the pitch saw Derek Duncan pick out Craig Gibson moving free. Gibson held the ball until Arran Lee-Barrett committed and then slipped his shot past him inside the far left post to even things with his 5th goal of the season. Hill then grabbed the halftime lead as Tyrone Berry whipped in a blazing cross from well out and Jordan Robertson deflected it past Lee-Barrett. Hill worked hard defensively in the second half to keep Weymouth from rallying, but had to depend on a couple excellent saves from Farr to retain the lead. Hill finished off the home side when Kamara's through ball found Berry and he crossed to Mark Russell. Russell half-volleyed his shot inside the far left post to make it 3-1 as the match went into second half injury time and the home side had little spirit left to rally.

"After having so much trouble with them, it was really nice to beat them like this," offered Pearson.

"We finally looked something like the side I expected to see much earlier in the year. Derek Duncan was finally at full speed and this was the best match that Tyrone Berry has ever played for us," said Heartwood.

"Do you realize this is the first time we have been out of the relegation zone in a month?"

"Let's keep it that way."

[Faramir]

29.10.07

"I just don't think Karl Dryden or Ben Hamer are the eventual replacements for Craig Farr," said Heartwood.

"Though they both have some skills, neither has really shown that they can be his replacement," agreed Pearson.

"I have had Spencer Field and Rob Campkin out looking hard, and the one they both reccommended was an 18 year old on Team Bath- Michael Boddy. I put a free transfer bid on him and it was accepted- he agreed to our contract offer and will be arriving on January 1st."

"With your recent signing of 16 year old Stuart Watkins- we have too many keepers on the club."

"I agree with you. I am not going to do anything until closer to January 1st, but I think Hamer will be the one who winds up on the transfer list. There is more interest from other clubs on him."

"Karl is Ok as a 3rd keeper for us, but I just don't see him as a full-time starter."

"Neither do I, though I agree he is an adequate 3rd keeper- at least until we see if Watkins or Paul Barrett develop into promising ones. At least I was able to get Farr under contract through 2009."

"I thought you weren't going to do that?"

"Well, he doesn't turn 25 until June- after the 2009 season- so it did make sense to keep him under contract until then."

***

3.11.07

"Another player will have a new home on January 1st," began Heartwood.

"Don't tell me- Rob Norris?"

"Hmm, how did you know Bob?"

"He looked a bit too smug during the Reserve practice today. He let on to a couple other players that he was pleased with the Hendon offer and that was where he was headed."

Heartwood shrugged, "The word is right then- that is who will take him on free transfer as of the New Year."

"It will be a relief having him and his high salary off the club. He was getting players angry with his comments about it."

[Faramir]

6.11.07

Daggers and Hill Draw

Dag & Red fought back in the second half to earn a 1-1 draw against visiting Harrow Hill at Glyn Hopkin. Hill looked much the better club in the first half and took the lead on Paul Cross' 1st ever goal for Hill. Cross rifled a shot into the far left corner of the net after a superb pass from Tim Spencer picked him out with space inside the edge of the area. Hill started the second half strong but failed to add to their lead as Simon Overland made a couple good saves. Dag & Red evened the match when Chris Moore knocked in his own rebound after Craig Farr made a terrific save on his strong header. Neither side was able to notch the match winner as the two sides settled for splitting the points.

"If we could have cleared away the rebound, we win that one," sighed Heartwood.

"It was a case where Moore split the defenders perfectly and the cross from Anwar Uddin was on the money to set him up."

"We should have scored more anyways."

[Faramir]

10.11.07

Hill Misses Chances Against Cirencester

It was clearly a match that Harrow Hill should have won easily against minnows Cirencester, as they outshot the home side 17-3 and had taken the lead in the 2nd minute of play, but a late penalty allowed the small side hope as they forced a replay in this 2nd Round FA Trophy match. Steve Andrews, celebrating his new contract, scored in the 2nd minute of play as he deflected a sharp cross from Scott Price past Scott Mapson. Mapson saved the home side from being whelmed under the Hill first half flood as he made one-on-one saves against Paul Wilcox, Andrews and Michael Owen. Wilcox and Owen, both making their Senior debuts after signing new contracts this week, were an effective force in the first half as Cirencester was tentative with the ball and paid the price. The match continued in the second half with more Hill control of the flow of play. Mapson made a great diving stop on Mark Doyle after he came on for Andrews. Hill still appeared to have the match well in hand, until David Mills made a bad challenge of Leon Fisher in the area, when he didn't need to. Kevin Halliday converted the penalty kick in second half injury time to force a replay for Hill.

Heartwood was mad, "All that work! We wasted a well played match with one dumb challenge in our area."

"Maybe so, but if we just score on any of our other chances- that play is moot. We should have won, you're right, but don't knock the effort."

"I'm not knocking their effort- just our decision making."

[Faramir]

14.11.07

Hill Crushes Cirencester

Harrow Hill spared little sympathy on minnows Cirencester as they defeated them convincingly 4-1 at Larksfield Road in their replay of the FA Tropy 2nd round match. It took little time for Hill to establish their lead as Brian Harvey took a corner and wheeled before snapping a shot past Scott Mapson to give Hill the lead in the first moments of the match. Cirencester managed to blunt the wave of Hill attacks and seemingly had new life when Leon Fisher flicked a header down and James Winters overpowered Adrian Nevins before blasting the equalizer past Ben Hamer at 45 minutes. Hill trumped that momentum shift when Alex Coulson skinned Jonjo Brewster and slotted the ball for Michael Owen. Owen drilled a shot inside the right post to give Hill a dramatic 2-1 lead going to the dressing room. Hill gave the visitors no hope in the second half as they controlled play from the opening whistle on. Steve Andrews' perfectly timed cross found Harvey breaking free on the far post and Harvey made it a brace as he deflected it into the goal early in the second half. Hill hammered away and could easily have had another goal or two, but finally settled for closing out the match with Mark Doyle's 1st goal at Hill, as he drove home a cross from Harvey that eluded Mapson. Harvey saw his bid for a hat-trick ruined when Mapson got his hand on a rising shot moments later. Owen was named MOM for his animated efforts.

"Now I understand why you won with both the Reserves and Under-18s last season," grinned Heartwood as he teased Bob Pearson.

Pearson just smiled, "They played even better than that- that is why I have a lot of hope for our future."

[Faramir]

17.11.07

Shrewsbury Swamp Hill

Shrewsbury took full advantage of their chances and Harrow Hill's dodgy defense as they easily beat the visiting club 4-1 at Gay Meadow. The home side got off to a quick start when Greg Pearson slipped past Danny Kamara on a free kick situation and flicked a header over Craig Farr early in the first half. Hill then blew the coverage on another free kick and Kelvin Langmead deflected the kick past Farr. Hill appeared that they might get back into the match as Marvin Homand took down Jordan Robertson in the area late in the first half. Alan Wilkins converted the penalty kick to draw Hill close, but moments later Nicky Hawkins missed a tackle and Pearson made it a brace as he made certain the home side would enjoy a 2-goal lead at halftime. Hill's rally attempts were thwarted by Keeper Joe Hart early in the second half and Shrewsbury put the final stamp on their 4-1 win when Colin McMenemin volleyed past Karl Dryden, on for slightly injured Farr, late in the second half.

"The funny thing is- we didn't really play all that badly in the match," commented Heartwood.

"No, we did't actually, but they certainly finished off their chances much better than we did," agreed Pearson.

"Especially those first two free kicks- those were the killers. We have to work on them more in practice."

"We will, that was a bit embarrassing."

[Faramir]

24.11.07

Hill Wins Close Over Windsor & Eton

Harrow Hill used a wonder goal and their advantage in quickness on the pitch to defeat Windsor & Eton 1-0 at Stag Meadow in the FA Trophy 3rd Qualifying Round. Hill was much faster all over the pitch and they created plenty of first half chances thanks to that, but failed to capitalize as they had difficulty hitting the goal. Keeper Matthew Reed kept Windsor & Eton in the match early in the second half as he made key saves on Carl Gibson, Michael Owen and MOM Alex Coulson. The one that Reed could't save is reportedly a candidate for Goal of the Year as James Vaughan blasted a a rising 35 rocket shot into the upper right corner of the goal for his 1st goal this season at 78 minutes. Hill had to lean on Ben Hamer to make a couple good saves down the final stretch to keep the win for Hill. Hamer, who reportedly agreed to a contract with Cheshunt, offered his best match at Hill in what might be his last match at Hill.

"One of the prettiest goals I have seen in a long time," said Pearson.

"Pretty and timely. I was wondering if we were going to score on Reed."

"Is that true about Ben Hamer?"

"Cheshunt? Yes, I think so- though his agent hadn't told me for sure which offer Ben was going to accept."

[Faramir]

28.11.07

Hill and Morecambe Battle to Draw

Morecambe dominated Harrow Hill in the first half of their match at Larksfield Road and Hill was lucky to only be down 1-0 at halftime as they had been outshot 11-1 and generally looked very flat. The lone goal of the half belonged to Stuart Fleetwood who had scored in the first minute of play after Nicky Hawkins had missed a tackle in the area and Fleetwood took it past Craig Farr. Hill came out from the dressing room and immediately showed more life and some passing cohesion that they hadn't demonstrated in the first half. The equalizer came when Michael Owen, showing excellent passing touch, slipped a pass through to Jordan Robertson as he split the defense down the middle. Robertson's shot inside the left post past Ryan Robinson was his 5th goal of the season. Both sides had chances to score again in the second half, but neither was particularly accurate with their shots and didn't appreciably trouble the two keepers.

"Considering how bad we played the first half, I will take the draw as a somewhat positive result," commented Heartwood.

"I don't know what it was about the first half, but the adjustments you made at halftime were what changed the course of the match."

"They weren't much. We were just rushing too much in the first half. I just told the boys to tighten up in the middle and slow things down. We were playing too out of control in the first half."

"It was a big relief when Jordan Robertson scored. I was worried that we wouldn't find a way to get a goal."

"Me too. But it would have been even nicer to have stolen all 3 points from this one."

[Faramir]

1.12.07

Grays Can't Overcome Hill

Despite Harrow Hill having two men sent off in the second half and a penalty kick awarded, 1st place Grays could not manage to score past Craig Farr and Hill battled to a well earned split of the points in the match. The first half of the match was entertaining as both sides generated good scoring chances with well executed attacks. Farr and MOM Nicky Eyre were busy, but not overly taxed with the chances as both sides headed to the dressing room still scoreless. The second half started with a bang when Eyre made a huge save on Michael Owen to thwart Hill. The Referee took a hand shortly after that. On a Hill corner, both Dennis Oli and Aaron McLean were miles offside, but the referee chose to ignore his Assistant's waving. Danny Kamara came all the way back to get into the play as they reached the Hill area and the referee ruled he had bumped McLean in the area and because he was now the last man- instantly redcarded him. Hill Manager James Heartwood was clearly fuming and a couple players kept him from marching up to the referee as Paul Culshaw stepped up to take the penalty. Farr, who was clearly favoring his right leg, managed a terrific diving parry of Culshaw's penalty kick and the rebound was cleared away. Despite being a man down, Hill managed to move the ball with some crisp passing and Eyre was called on to make saves on Carl Gibson, Alex Coulson and Owen again to keep Hill from unexpectedly grabbing the lead. David Mills, who had come on when Kamara was sent off, was given his own sending off after the 2nd of two questionable yellow cards at 77 minutes. Hill shuffled their 9 men left into a defensive formation and played with heart as they managed to stave off Grays' all out attack as they tried to win the match. The final whistle found the plucky Hill crew still locked in a scoreless draw as they earned a split of the points.

Heartwood was still fuming, "I don't think I have ever been that mad Bob! How can he *not* call them offside- they were all the way down on our end of the pitch before the ball was passed over Kamara and Hawkins."

"It was a pretty poor job of reffing tonight. Protesting the redcard to Kamara won't change it- because they will just say 'Yes- he was the last man- the card was proper."

Heartwood sighed, "I know you are right. Not much to do but grit my teeth and refuse to comment any more about it. Still, I hope he learned something from this one, I know I am proud of our club and their moxie."

"How long is Craig out for?"

"It was a bad ankle sprain. The minimum is two weeks, but I think it might be closer to a month."

"We'll have to hope that Karl Dryden is up to the task."

"I'll want Alex Hards up as his backup while Farr is out."

"Ok, then I will move up Stuart Watkins to the Reserves."

[Faramir]

5.12.07

Hill Sags Against Southport

Harrow Hill could only manage a 1-1 draw against struggling Southport at Larksfield Road, despite a 16-2 shot advantage. Hill poured on the pressure in the first half, but saw Steve Reeves make several timely saves and missed over the net twice with shots at the open goal. Hill finally found a way to stretch the twine early in the second half when Tyrone Berry intercepted a poor clearing kick and flicked a header over to Brian Harvey. Harvey, who had come on for injured Jordan Robertson, drilled a shot past Reeves inside the left post. Nicky Hawkins was selected as MOM but he was also the reason Southport equalized as he ranged well up the pitch on a goal kick by Karl Dryden. Ian Cornock flicked the ball right into the area vacated by Hawkins and Steve Daly smashed a shot past Dryden as the visitors scored on their 1st shot on goal for the match. Hill tried desperately to regain the lead, but were left with a very unsatisfying draw.

"What a waste. We should have won this match going away," muttered Heartwood.

"We didn't capitalize on our chances, that's for sure," agreed Pearson.

[Faramir]

8.12.07

Hill Grounded Against Gravesend

Harrow Hill had to fight back to earn a 1-1 draw against Gravesend after they scored a fluke goal in the first half. Hill dominated much of the match, but had little to show for it do to timely tackling from the Gravesend backline. Adam Drury gave Gravesend the lead in first half injury time when he lofted a 35 yard centering pass from the left sideline. Karl Dryden misjudged the ball and came out, only to see hook into the goal behind him to stun the partisan Larksfield Road crowd. Hill fought back in the second half and Paul Wilcox scored his 1st Senior goal when he deflected a cross from Tim Spencer past Aaron Kerr. Wilcox earned MOM honours and came close to winning the match 3 times in the late moments, but Kerr got a piece of his last minute shot and it trickled just wide after he had hit the right upright and skimmed the bar over the net. It was another match where Hill played well, but still only came away with a draw for the effort.

"Pretty frustrating to see us play that well and still have nothing but a draw to show for our effort," glumly commented Pearson.

"It is clear that Karl Dryden isn't the long-term answer in goal. He just doesn't make good decisions," offered Heartwood.

[Faramir]

22.12.07

Hill Stuns Stockport

There are suddenly signs of life, of hope, for the fans of Harrow Hill as they pulled off a stunning upset of 5th rated Stockport. Hill defeated Stockport 3-2 at Larksfield Road, but the match wasn't without Hill's continuing problems on the backline as they allowed the visitors to roam too freely. Stockport seemed very comfortable as they moved into the lead when Danny Kamara slipped and fell and Adam Le Fondre motored past him down the pitch. Nicky Hawkins tried to close down, but Le Fondre was too fast and rifled a shot past Karl Dryden to give the visitors the lead midway through the first half. Hill played well in the first half and was finally rewarded when Paul Wilcox shook free of his marker on a throw-in and drilled a shot inside the far left post past James Spencer to equalize late in the half. Hill then stormed to the lead in the opening moments of the second half as Derek Duncan's deft pass found Carl Gibson with space in the area and he hammered his shot home. Hill then committed another defensive blunder as they left Le Fondre unmarked on a counterattack and he had an easy time deflecting a cross from Michael Malcolm past Dryden to even things at 2-2 with his 15th goal of the season. Hill turned on the pressure again and were rewarded when Keith Briggs pushed Wilcox in the area. Gibson stepped up and calmly made it a brace as he converted the penalty kick for the match winner. Hill didn't allow Stockport another good chance in the few minutes of play remaining and the Larksfield Road faithful celebrated an unexpected 3-2 win. Lee Sawyer was selected MOM for his fierce tackling and animated midfield play.

"The signs are there," said a smiling Heartwood.

"You're right Jim. Our youngsters showed composure and determination today."

"They shook off their mistakes today. It was great to see how well Wilcox and Gibson played together up front today."

"Those two were part of the main ingredient of the success of the Under-18s last season."

[Faramir]

23.12.07

"Midpoint of the season Jim, relieved?" asked Pearson.

"No. Though with the last win we actually are now 6 points ahead of the relegation group- the farthest up we have been all season."

"Still, we are playing better of late. Despite being in 19th place, we are only 6 points out of 14th."

"That's true, but we have missed so many chances to come away with better results this season."

"Not making excuses, but we certainly have not fielded our best lineups much of the season."

"Also true. Injuries are part of the game, but we have been missing key players off and on for much of the season."

"Our key veterans haven't played close to where they played last season- another reason for our struggles."

"That and our youngsters are taking time to develop. Still, we now have most of the young players under new contracts- as they turned 17- and we are showing signs of becoming a better club."

"If we can get a few wins in a row going- we might make it to midtable..."

"That is the goal at this point. I had my expectations set a bit too high coming into the season. This first half has forced me to adjust them downwards. For now, I will be happy if we keep showing development and can move well above the relegation muddle."

***

26.12.07

Scarborough Stomps Hill

Harrow Hill's good play of late hit a big bump as Scarborough defeated them 4-1 at McCain Stadium. Scarborough jumped out to the lead when Jake Speight scored in the early moments after Nicky Hawkins missed an easy interception of the centering pass. Hill managed to even the match when Alex Coulson's hard run down the right caused a trip by Simon Weaver in the area and Alan Wilkins converted the penalty kick. Keeper Leigh Walker was brilliant for the home side after that and kept Hill from taking the lead with a pair of good stops on Wilkins and Jordan Robertson. Michael Coulson then gave Scarborough the lead as he shrugged off Hawkins' attempted tackle and drove a shot past Karl Dryden. Things went from bad to worse as Neil Bishop hit a 30 yard strike in first half injury time to make the lead 3-1. Walker made several good saves to help thwart Hill's attempt to rally early in the second half. Bishop made it a brace when he found space in the area and whipped a shot past Dryden. Alex Coulson missed a chance to draw a goal back when Weaver made another push in the area and Coulson saw his penalty saved by Walker to keep the final margin at 4-1.

Heartwood sighed, "The weird thing is we didn't play that much worse than them, but Walker played superb and Dryden didn't."

"I think it is time to see if Paul Barnett is ready for Senior play. We aren't getting good work from Karl."

"It might be time to think about Nicky Hawkins too- he just has not played well this season and keeps missing interceptions and tackles that we need him to make."

[Faramir]

29.12.07

Hill Hurts Hinckley

Harrow Hill added to Hinckley's relegation worries as they buried the last place club with a 3-0 win at Larksfield Road to close out 2007. It was clear that Hill was the crisper club from the opening whistle, though the visitors did show heart, if not execution. Hill missed a couple early chances but Paul Wilcox proved he has a scorer's instincts as he moved into the area vacated by Mark Innes and Michael Owen slid him the pass. Wilcox ripped a shot into the left corner of the goal past Adam Sandler to give Hill the lead. Hill wasn't able to build on the lead before halftime, but continued to put pressure on the visitors. Jammal Shahin, on for tiring Tyrone Berry, made a beautiful short cross that Wilcox deflected past Sandler to make it a brace as Hill moved ahead 2-0 midway through the half. Scott Robertson, starting on the backline in place of injured Nicky Hawkins, capped a terrific debut as he converted a penalty kick after Luke Foster tripped Carl Gibson in the area. Hill then helped Paul Barnett earn a clean sheet in his debut with smothering coverage to close out the 3-0 win.

"Excellent effort and some superb debuts," said a pleased Pearson.

"We did a lot of things right today- which was good- because we could not afford not to win against the last place club."

[Faramir]

1.1.08

Hill and York Draw

Harrow Hill had York right where they wanted them as they had held a 1-0 lead early in the first half and seen York reduced to 10 men. Despite those advantages they failed to capitalize on the opportunity and allowed York to even the match in the second half as the two sides had to settle for a 1-1 draw. Chris Casement of York was sent off for knocking Paul Wilcox down as the last man just outside their area. Hill failed to turn the free kick into a goal, but when Keeper David Stockdale made a poor goal kick, Carl Gibson picked it up and put it back past Stockdale to give Hill the lead. Hill kept the pressure up, but failed to score another against Stockdale. In the second half with Hill seemingly in command, both Danny Kamara and Scott Robertson missed tackles on a ball played up the middle and Andy Bishop drove the equalizer past Paul Barnett. Hill was unable to get their shots on net and wound up splitting the points in a match where they should have had all three.

"Terribly frustrating to see those missed tackles..." griped Heartwood.

"Defensive mistakes continue to be our bane this season," agreed Pearson.

[Faramir]

5.1.08

Hill Celebrates Over Kidderminster

Harrow Hill played with much more composure than they have shown of late as they worked hard and made chances pay off in defeating Kidderminster 2-0 in front of a disappointed crowd at Aggborough. Both sides were playing tightly controlled passing game in the early going and chances were hard to come by. Hill created the first goal as Paul Wilcox took a throw-in and made a good move on the dribble before sending a delicate pass that Jordan Robertson was able to flick past John Danby to give Hill the lead midway through the first half. Kidderminster showed more life, but Hill's Keeper- Michael Boddy- had a steady debut and did well in showing sure hands. Kidderminster knew they were in trouble early in the second half when Trent McLenehan was redcarded for tripping Wilcox as the last man. Though down a man, Kidderminster pushed forward to the attack and Boddy came up with the save of the match as he smothered a shot from Adriano Rigolioso as he came in free after splitting the Hill defense. Minutes later much of the life left the home side when Ben Bradford was called for holding Lee Sawyer in the area. Robertson converted the penalty kick to make it a brace and a 2-0 lead. Wilcox's silky running created havoc all match and he earned MOM honours for his efforts. Boddy's clean sheet was a welcome debut for Hill.

"Very impressive, maybe the best showing of maintaining our intensity through an entire match this season," stated a pleased Heartwood.

"Good work in all facets of our play today as well- it's nice to see everything come together for once."

[Faramir]

12.1.08

Penalties the Key, Hill Moves On

Harrow Hill took advantage of the aggressive tackling in the area by Gravesend as they converted two penalties to help them move to the FA Trophy 3rd Round thanks to a 2-1 win at Stonebridge Road. Hill and Gravesend had dueled in the midfield for most of the first half when Robert Burns keyed a break down the left wing. As Burns passed in to the middle, Cliff Byrne tripped Steve Andrews in the area. Alan Wilkins stepped up and converted the penalty kick and Hill was happy to go to half ahead 1-0. Early in the second half, Hill received another gift as Gareth Bale made a two footed challenge on Scott Price in the area. Wilkins converted that penalty kick as well for his 5th goal of the season and a brace on the match. Matthew Ogden gave the home side hope when he blasted a 20 yarder that Karl Dryden got both hands on, but could not hang on to as it went past him into the goal. Hill gave a solid defensive effort after that and Dryden came up with a couple key saves to complete the 2-1 win.

"A workmanlike effort- where we took advantage of our opportunities," offered Pearson.

"It was a good effort and it was nice to see Karl Dryden shake off that bad goal and make those two saves that gave us the win."

***

15.1.08

"I found a new home for Alex Hards," stated Heartwood.

"Who took him on?"

"Bishop S Swifts took him on free transfer."

"It helps with the overcrowding in goal that we had."

[Faramir]

16.1.08

Hill Fightback Aces Accrington

Harrow Hill made a tremendous turnaround in the second half of their match at Larksfield Road hosting Accrington Stanley and turned it into a 3-2 victory in the last moments after trailing 2-0 through most of the first half. Accrington jumped in front early on when Mathew Alston deflected a corner past Michael Boddy. It was 2-0 shortly after when Gary Roberts converted the penalty kick after Scott Robertson tripped Gary Bowker in the area. Moments before the whistle of first half injury time, Jordan Robertson broke in clean to the Accrington area. Robertson made a great layoff and Paul Wilcox fired scored into the open right side of the goal past Danny Alcock to give Hill hope. Hill showed more pressure to begin the second half and Wilcox made it a brace when Alex Coulson delivered a looping corner and Wilcox deflected it past Alcock for the equalizer. Not content to split the points, Hill kept pushing forward and it was Robertson's cross that Wilcox was able to volley past Alcock for the match winner in second half injury time to complete his hat-trick.

"Great effort! Great work from Paul Wilcox!" said a very happy Heartwood.

"Do you believe it? We are up to 17th place with the win," answered a cheery Pearson.

"Things are looking up."

"We also have a 14 point cushion on the relegation zone."

"A lot better than earlier in the season. This is the first time we have been above 19th all season."

"And we still have 18 matches left to make more happen."

[Faramir]

19.1.08

Chester Takes Last Minute Win Over Hill

Harrow Hill played a spirited match against Chester at Deva Stadium but lost 1-0 when the home side scored a goal in second half injury time. Hill created good opportunities throughout the match, but Keeper Bradie Clarke maintained a steady presence and came up with good saves on Scott Price and Mark Russell in the first half to help keep things scoreless. Chester managed only a couple corners and Michael Boddy managed to snare off the chances. Hill began the second half with more pressure and Clarke stopped Carl Gibson and Michael Owen on good chances. Chester seemed to gain new life when Moses Ashikodi and Michael Branch subbed on. A tiring Hill backline was having difficulty coping with the fresh pace the additions offered. Boddy made a couple big saves on Ashikodi to keep things square and it was clear that Hill was trying to split the points as the match entered extra time. It wasn't to be for Hill as Paul Cross lost the ball to Ashikodi in the area and he picked out Branch with a cross as Jamie Chandler couldn't keep his mark. Branch deflected the cross past Boddy for a dramatic match winner and his 50th goal at Chester.

"We could have done better, but Clarke really played well for them today," observed Pearson.

"It was a match where we needed the composure and discipline we showed against Accrington. It wasn't there today."

[Faramir]

20.1.08

"It was a bad one Bob."

"I knew it. How bad for Howard?"

"Gary will miss anywhere from 4 to 7 months- depending on how the broken leg heals. It was a bad, compound break."

"We will miss him- he was a key player on the Reserves."

"Not only that Bob, but I was planning on giving him time on the Senior side this season."

***

20.1.08

"It was a generous offer Bob, but considering how well off we are financially, there wasn't any reason for me to take it."

"How much did Watford offer for Paul (Wilcox)?"

"A little over 500K with a player included."

"That is pretty good."

"I listed him at 5 Million," grinned Heartwood.

"That is quite a bit."

"We have a contract with him through 2012, I am not about to give him away."

[Faramir]

22.1.08

Hill Caps Crawley

Harrow Hill put together another strong performance as they defeated Crawley 3-0 at Larksfield Road. Hill suffered an early blow when Paul Wilcox was hobbled with a twisted ankle in the early moments of the match and came off in favor of Mark Russell. Craig Farr made an inspirational return from injury as he stopped Justin St'Juste twice from in close to keep the match scoreless. Hill struck for the lead as Jordan Robertson ran down a ball on the left and sent a pass into the center. Mark Russell hammered his shot past Phil Smith for his 5th goal of the season as Hill took a 1-0 halftime lead. Hill showed they could counterattack effectively as Crawley pushed men forward and a long pass from Scott Robertson sent Jordan Robertson in free and he slipped a shot inside the left post to boost the Hill lead early in the second half. Lee Sawyer capped off the Hill scoring as he took a short cross from Russell and blistered a rising shot past Smith to give Hill the final margin. Derek Duncan earned MOM honours for his silky running on the left wing.

"It was good to see us recover fast from the loss," stated Heartwood.

"We didn't miss a beat- even when Paul Wilcox went out," agreed Pearson.

[Faramir]

1.2.08

"It was great to see Paul Wilcox get the recognition, but that does mean more scouts from Big clubs will be around," stated Heartwood.

"He deserved the Young Player of the Month honours for January. I was surprised to see that Derek Duncan was the runner-up," replied Pearson.

"Derek had a good month. Jordan Robertson was also runner-up to Mark Philo for Player of the Month honours."

"Nice to see them continuing to recognize good performances from our players."

***

2.2.08

Hill Squanders Chances and Faces Replay

Harrow Hill had the opportunities to defeat Worksop at Larksfield Road in their FA Trophy 3rd Round match, but could not make those chances count and played to a scoreless draw with the visitors. The draw means the two clubs will square off again at Babbage Way in a midweek tilt for the chance to move on in the competition. Hill's best chances were by Brian Harvey and Steve Andrews, who both saw Keeper Mark Davidson come up with big saves. Worksop failed to really test Karl Dryden in Hill's goal as they failed to put any of their shots on net. Worksop defender Sheku Kamara earned MOM honours for his work in keeping the Hill forwards from gaining better scoring chances.

"We really didn't need another replay jumbling up the schedule," grumbled Heartwood.

"If we had played a bit better, we needn't have worried about one. We didn't execute well enough in their area."

"I thought other than that, we showed good passing. We found the open man a lot, but we just couldn't put away our chances."

[Faramir]

5.2.08

"I think I might have finally found our 'future' keeper Bob," said a pleased Heartwood.

"Who would that be?"

"Andrew Evans, a 16 year old who is currently with AFC Telford. Rob and Spencer both thought he would be an excellent signing- both think he has the potential to be a very good keeper as he develops."

"Hmm, well if they both agree- they tend to be right. Did you put a bid on him?"

"No, I actually signed him to a contract. He will be coming over on July 1st. Best of all, once he comes over I will try to get him under a new contract- since he will be 17 at that point."

"Ah, sounds like it might work out nicely. By the way, did you see the FA Trophy 4th Round draw?"

"No. What does it look like?"

"If we can get past Worksop, we would host Farnborough."

"They have been surging of late- they were very hot last month."

"I know. Of course we have to get past Worksop first..."

[Faramir]

6.2.08

Hill Move on in FA Trophy

Harrow Hill edged Worksop 1-0 in their FA Trophy 3rd Round Replay at Babbage Way to move on to a 4th Round matchup against Farnborough. The match was much more closely played than the last one at Larksfield Road. Worksop had the first good chance of the match, but Michael Boddy was able to tip Lee Morris' header over the bar in the early stages. Hill came close when Mark Russell jetted away from two defenders, but Mark Davidson stopped his chance. Robert Burns headed just wide on a sweeping cross late in the first half as both sides closed out a spirited, but scoreless first half. Hill had the best of play early in the second half and Davidson was forced to make a diving stop on Carl Gibson. Joe Healy left a shot wide of the left post for the home side as play moved quickly. The lone goal of the match came from Ash Carew as he blasted a shot from just inside the edge of the area and it was slightly deflected by Sheku Kamara, which was enough to leave Davidson grasping as the ball went past him into the net. It was Carew's 1st goal of the season and Hill promptly retreated into a defensive posture for the inevitable rally. Hill forced Davidson to make a couple other good saves as they counterattacked effectively in closing out the home side in the 1-0 win.

"Another nice effort. The execution was better today," stated a pleased Pearson.

"It was another match where we really stepped up our backline play, though we almost handed them the equalizer with the lackadaisical passing in the late moments."

"I thought you were going to go a little nuts."

"If they had taken the pass away and scored- I would have."

[Faramir]

9.2.08

Hill Only Manages Draw Against Woking

Harrow Hill managed only a scoreless draw against Woking at Kingsfield Sport Ground, despite Woking playing most of the match with only 10 players. Woking's Steve Evans received his 2nd yellow card at 11 minutes and put his side squarely at risk, but Keeper Shwan Jalal again showed he knows what to do against Hill as he stopped 10 shots in earning his side a split of the points. Woking never managed a shot after Evans' sending off and that left Craig Farr an easy time claiming his clean sheet. Hill came close several times, but Jalal stopped Paul Wilcox in a one-on-one and tipped a header from Lee Sawyer around the post. Hill dominated the midfield and created good chances, but wasn't able to gain the goal they needed and were left with the scoreless draw at the final whistle. Hill's Scott Robertson received MOM honours for his work in helping contain the home side and make excellent passes to key the offense.

"Good work, good ball movement, good shots- but no results," sighed Heartwood.

"We could have been a little sharper, especially late in the match, but overall we did play well enough to get the win."

[Faramir]

13.2.08

Hill Finish Forest Green

Harrow Hill offered a strong performance as they saw off visiting Forest Green 3-2 in a match that was not as close as the scoreline would indicate. Forest Green struck first in the match as Alex Meechan got up above Adrian Nevins and flicked a header past Craig Farr off a long cross from David Galbraith. Hill had been stymied in the early going by Forest Green Keeper Tommy Forecast who had made two good saves on Alan Wilkins and Ash Carew. Hill started playing more aggressively after falling behind and notched the equalizer when Jamie Chandler fed a good pass to Carl Gibson and he blasted it past Forecast midway through the first half. Early in the second half it was Gibson's brace to give Hill the lead as he rifled a shot inside the far right post after collecting a cross from Scott Price. Hill was playing more conservatively and counterattacking when a quick header from Nicky Hawkins sprung Wilkins free. Forecast made a great parry to stop Wilkins on the breakaway, but MOM Gibson was on hand to drive the rebound home for his hat-trick and a 3-1 margin. Hill yielded a late consolation goal as David Potter earned a penalty and redcard for taking down Gary Dixon in the Hill area. Graham Alexander converted the penalty kick late in second half injury time, but the final whistle blew moments later as Hill finished the 3-2 win.

"A good effort dotted with defensive mistakes," clucked Heartwood.

Pearson laughed at the schoolteacher tone of voice, "Well, we did win. Carl Gibson was on fire today and they had no way to control him."

"Especially when their entire backline had received yellow cards for their rough play in the first half."

[Faramir]

16.2.08

Hill Dominates but Nothing on Scoreline

It was certainly one of Harrow Hill's better efforts as they thoroughly dominated visiting Cambridge, but they could not solve the riddle of MOM Cambridge Keeper Steve Dickinson and were left splitting the points in a scoreless draw. Jordan Robertson was especially frustrated as Paul Wilcox made some wonderful moves on the ball and set up Robertson in front of the goal three times in the first 15 minutes. Each time it was Dickinson with a hand to parry away Robertson's shots and keep a tidy sheet. Cambridge managed only 3 shots for the match and none on goal as they could never move the ball against the active Hill midfield and backline. Hill continued creating chances in the second half, but found Dickinson well prepared for anything that could smash at him as he maintained the clean sheet and helped Cambridge earn a point from the match- keeping them in front of Harrow Hill in the table.

"One goal. If we score we would have moved ahead of them in the table," murmured Heartwood.

"Look at it this way Jim. It was one of our best played matches, but we just couldn't get the ball into the goal," replied Pearson.

"You're right Bob. I can't fault our execution at all- we had great chances, but just were missing the extra bit we needed."

[Faramir]

19.2.08

Hill Steals One at The Shay

A dramatic last minute goal propelled Harrow Hill to an upset over highly favored Halifax as they surprised them with the 1-0 win at The Shay. Halifax had the better of play through much of each half, but Hill was still able to generate some good scoring chances as well. It appeared that Halifax had taken the lead at the midway point of the first half when Craig Farr missed a long centering pass and Kenny Cooper ran behind him to smash it into the open goal. The crowd's celebration became a chorus of discontent after Cooper was ruled offside on the play and the goal was waved off. Farr had to make an excellent parry of Mark Jackson's strong header to keep things tidy in the first half. Hill's best chance came awry when Danny Jarrett was first to a loose ball with a wide open goal and sent it into the seats with Alan Wilkins bearing down on him. The second half continued to demonstrate a resiliant Hill defence, spotted with an occasional effective counterattack. Hill struck for the match winner in that fashion as Nicky Hawkins, who earned MOM honours for his stalwart work on the backline, collected a loose ball and sent it up the pitch. Wilkins flicked a header back to Paul Cross, on for an injured Ash Carew, and Cross picked out Derek Duncan running free down the left sideline. Duncan sent a curling cross back into the center and Scott Price volleyed. Stephen Henderson blocked the volley away, but Carl Gibson was also on hand and slammed the match winner into the goal before Henderson could react. Hill then survived a last furious second half injury time to claim the unexpected win.

"I am really proud of the boys. They showed focus and determination today," commented a pleased Heartwood.

"They certainly stuck to the match plan from beginning to end. It was a rewarding win for us."

[Faramir]

23.2.08

Hill Wastes Chance, Replay Looming

It was a classic missed opportunity to move on the FA Trophy 4th Round match at Larksfield Road as Harrow Hill now faces a midweek replay at Cherrywood Road. Following a scoreless first half that Hill had the better chances in, Hill took the lead early in the second half when MOM Mark Russell deflected a Sean Coburn free kick past Kevin Scriven. The goal made up for first half frustrations when Scriven had made a fingertip save on Russell when he appeared to be firing at an empty goal. Hill appeared in control, but a Farnborough counterattack found James Vaughan handing the visitors a penalty kick when he was whistled for a handball in the area. Jermaine Palmer converted the penalty kick past Michael Boddy and Farnborough was back even. Hill tried to claim the win and came very close in the closing moments as Steve Andrews made a deflection on a cross from Jammal Shahin, but Scriven's quickness allowed him to snare the ball off in the save of the match as the visitors forced the replay.

"It was there," said a tired Heartwood.

"Just a bad choice at a bad time. Did you say anything to James Vaughan?"

"No need. He already feels bad enough about making a silly mistake."

***

24.2.08

Manchester United defeated Arsenal 2-1 to capture the League Cup.

[Faramir]

27.2.08

Hill Into Quarterfinals

It took a heartstopping Extra-time effort, but Harrow Hill outlasted Farnborough and scored in the second portion of Extra-time for a hard earned 1-0 win that moves them in to an FA Trophy Quarterfinal match against Shrewsbury at Gay Meadow. The first 90 minutes of play was terrifically entertaining as both sides attacked up and down the pitch and there were plenty of good chances for both sides to grab the lead. That neither was able to score was a testament to the work of Keepers Craig Farr and Kevin Scriven. Jermaine Palmer was the catalyst for Farnborough as the Grimsby loanee used his pace and skill on the ball to put pressure on Hill's young backline. MOM Danny Kamara headed up a superb effort by that same backline as they managed to keep Palmer from any chances without challenges. As the match moved to Extra-time, Hill could count themselves fortunate as Scott Robertson nearly scored an own-goal, but Farr's alert reactions allowed him to tip the header over the bar. Carl Gibbs also went close, but his shot hit the outside of the left upright. Hill's fitness won out in the second portion of Extra-time. Alan Wilkins performed superbly when he was clearly hobbled from a first half injury and remained in the match. Wilkins' hustle to a loose ball allowed him space on the right and he picked out Tom O'Donnell coming free. O'Donnell made a pretty shot just inside the left post past Scriven at 108 minutes for the lone goal in the match. Both sides were exhausted, but Hill maintained their defensive composure and their solid tackling kept Farnborough from any last minute heroics as Hill moved on.

"I didn't ask you before, but why did you leave Alan Wilkins in there- he was hobbling badly," asked Pearson.

"Because I thought the match would come down to penalties and Alan is one of our best bets in that," answered Heartwood.

"It worked a charm when he made the pass to O'Donnell."

"Only because Tom made a nice shot. I really thought my heart stopped when Scott Robertson made that header- and then Craig flicked it up over the bar."

"You weren't the only one," grinned Pearson.

[Faramir]

1.3.08

Hill Notches Convincing Win Over Nuneaton

An impressive performance by Harrow Hill allowed them to roll past Nuneaton 4-2 at Manor Park in a match that wasn't as close as the final score would indicate. It was Hill quickly into the lead as Liam Murray knocked down Paul Wilcox in the area. David Potter stepped up and calmly delivered his 1st goal at Hill by booting the penalty kick past Ian Flavell. Nuneaton evened the match shortly after when Gez Murphy slipped a pass through to Mark Philo. Philo made James Vaughan look slightly silly as he took the ball past him and then chipped it past Karl Dryden. Hill moved in front again when Jordan Robertson flipped a shot past Flavell after a good pass from Derek Duncan gave him space in the area. Nuneaton was in worse shape when Duncan Jupp received his 2nd yellow card and an early shower at 18 minutes. Hill moved two goals aheads when Duncan scored his 1st goal of the season with a scorching shot into the right side of the net after a beatiful cross from Wilcox found him free. Murphy was in anguish when Dryden lost control of the ball, but Murphy blasted it over the bar late in the half. Little did he realize that he would get a second chance as moments later Dryden bobbled another dribble to Murphy and this time he didn't miss the easy shot. Hill Manager James Heartwood immediately substituted Craig Farr for Dryden after the second instance. Hill dominated the second half and did not allow another Nuneaton shot on goal. Alex Coulson capped the scoring for Hill with his 1st Senior goal when he tried to flick a header for Robertson, but instead the ball went over Flavell to make the final scoreline 4-2.

"It's rare I pull a keeper in match, but Dryden deserved it after that 2nd one," fumed Heartwood.

"He knew it too. I think he also realized he may have hampered his future chances at Senior playing time."

"That's true also. I was really happy with our effort otherwise. We were quicker to the ball than Nuneaton almost the entire match."

"They had a hard time coping with us to be sure. They gave a lot of passes away due to our pressure."

"With that win, we are 17 points up on them- they hold that last relegation spot- with 10 matches left. I think we are in good shape there."

"If we continue to play well, we still have a chance at finishing higher than last season."

"Well, we have a chance at least- I don't feel like jinxing us," grinned Heartwood.

[Faramir]

2.3.08

"I don't know what to say Bob- except- Great Job!" beamed Heartwood.

Pearson smiled a bit sheepishly, "You keep getting and letting me use good young players. That is what makes this possible."

Harrow Hill Under-18s Repeat as Champs

Another year of dominating performances has the Harrow Hill Under-18s in the same place as last season- atop Group 9 and crowned as Champions- clinching the title with 5 matches remaining. Hill Assistant Manager Bob Pearson was quick to award the credit to the players, "Just look at our record, at the table. We are where we were last season because a whole new crop of youngsters stepped up and performed at a very high level." Hill Manager James Heartwood stated, "Bob Pearson is such a valuable person to both me and the club. He really is doing a wonderful job developing the kind of talent that we will need to continue to improve the club."

Group 9- Under 18s (19 matches played, 5 remaining)

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

1- Harrow Hill U-18 52 pts (+45)

2- Portsmouth 34 pts (+7)

3- Exeter 31 pts (+2)

4- Forest Green 28 pts (+5)

5- Plymouth 28 pts (-2)

6- Bournemouth 26 pts (+2)

7- Weymouth 26 pts (-3)

</pre>

[Faramir]

5.3.08

Hill Adds to Woking Woes

Harrow Hill continued Woking's season of woe as they made it 24 matches in a row without a win for the visiting side by defeating them 2-0 at Larksfield Road. Alan Wilkins scored when he deflected an Ash Carew corner past Benjamin Amos in the early moments of the match to set the tone for Hill, but Woking showed great heart and desire as they put Hill under pressure through the remainder of the first half. The Hill backline helped Craig Farr stand firm in keeping things scoreless until halftime. Shortly after halftime Farr was forced to leave with an injury and Karl Dryden came on to finish in goal. Dryden almost bobbled a ball away to Woking's Joe Healy, but managed to recover and smother it in time. Wilkins helped put an end to Woking's fervant comeback attempt when Carl Gibson got him the ball with space to roam on the right and he lofted a 25 yard shot past the stranded Amos for his 2nd goal as he cemented his selection as MOM.

"It was nice to see Alan Wilkins in fine form today, he has a tough time with injuries this season," said a pleased Heartwood.

"We could have been a little sharper, especially early in the match, but overall we did play well enough to get the win," offered Pearson.