Curley Park Rangers Vulcan 1 vs 1 Hook Youth

Hook arrived on a cool morning at Curley Park, on a decent pitch that should allow Hook to play football.. although that was just what Curley Park would be doing too.

The previous encounter resulted in an exciting 2-2 draw, and this time both teams playing to keep their title hopes alive. A draw for Hook would keep them on track but only a win would do for Curley Park!

The players were told to keep calm, remember all of the simple things they have learned and put in to practice all season... an expect a physical encounter.

The start was a stun. Barely 15 seconds gone from Hook's KO and a defensive hesitation allowed Curley Park to find a shot and the back of the net. No time to let the heads drop... and they didn't. Four minutes later, a corner from E S found D S unmarked in the box. A left foot shot squirmed under the 'keeper and, although followed in well, limped over the line. 1-1 and definitely back in it.

What followed, the rest of the first and all of the second half was some of the most courageous football Hook have played all season, against definitely the toughest football-playing opposition. Countless defensive headers were won, a number of blocks were made and passes intercepted, and Hook still fought to play good passing football around the opposition.

Whilst Hook created a handful of decent chances, so did Curley Park. 'Exciting' does not do the match justice. End-to-end football played by 2 very good teams who wanted the result so much.

On reflection, the result was probably a fair one. However, the result has likely scuppered Curley Park's chances of the title but Hook's chances are still on... in the final match of the season, against Tadley.

Fingers crossed - another performance like this one, and Hook could just do it!