Horndean entertained Eastleigh in a friendly game to give the players a tough run out in preparation for next Sundays Portsmouth cup final. Eastleigh come with a great Pedigree as a top side for many years now and sit currently on top of the Southampton Tyro league division 1. It was decided before hand that the the match would be split into 4 x 20 mins. 0-20mins Horndean started much the better and dominated possession of the ball & their passing and movement was excellent. The team was very patient in their play, as the ball was moved around quickly looking for the opening. On 18 minutes the reds took a deserved lead. Good play down the left involving Max Wilson and Jack Farrow found Jack Grover in space. Jack got the ball out of his feet with one touch and with the second stuck the ball on target with power. With the Eastleigh keeper moving to his left, the ball took a deflection and found its way into the opposite corner for 1-0. 20-40mins Eastleigh came out with a different mind set and pressed much harder to deny the reds the time and space they had in the first period. With the extra intensity applied from Eastleigh and the changes made, Horndean seemed to lose momentum and Eastleigh bossed things forcing the reds on the back foot. Despite the territorial dominance from the visitors, the reds defended well and denied their opponents a clear opportunity to score. 40-60mins A now even period with both teams putting together some good play without managing to breach either`s defense. A well contested midfield battle was good to see as both sides looked to play a short passing game. A mistake from Horndean let in the Eastleigh front man on 50 minutes, but fortunately the chance was missed and the reds were let off the hook. On 55 minutes Horndean scored a second goal and moved into a 2-0 lead that looked to be decisive. A well directed free kick caused hesitancy from the Eastleigh defense and keeper and Scott Caws took advantage to tap home from 6 yards. 60-80mins With Eastleigh working hard to get back into the game, the match took on a more physical look with neither team prepared to allow the other to dictate. The game was a friendly but the nature of both teams competitiveness was there to see and the final 20 minutes looked anything like a friendly. The final whistle went with no further goals score with both teams having had a useful workout ahead of their up coming title and cup deciders. Managers view: Though we were excellent first 20 and perhaps caught Eastleigh by surprise in the way we played. The second period was a good performance in another way as although we couldnt maintain the same control as the 1st period, the team dug in and managed not to concede a clear chance. Pretty even after that and nice to keep a clean sheet, maintain concentration and see the game out.
