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Horndean went into their 2nd semi final of the season on Sunday with the hope of making the Portsmouth cup final for the first time in their history. In some ways making the final here would be more difficult than their Hampshire cup achievements with a very strong Havant & Waterlooville side standing in their way. Havant have traditionally made the Portsmouth cup finals over the years and won more times than not, so a ddifficult task without question to get past their experienced opponents. Horndean on the other hand, lack experience of such occasions and have never made the final, but their recent performances and making it in to the Hampshire cup final has shown they are capable. On a chilly Sunday morning at five heads the game got under way with both teams determined to get off to a good start. Havant settled first and looked half a yard quicker to the ball in the opening exchanges. The reds were forced to weather some early pressure without giving away a clear cut chance. As the reds got to grips with the game, they began to ask some questions of their own as they looked to create their first opportunity to score. A ball in the channel got Joe Nash away and Joe did well to twist past two challenges before a last ditch Havant tackle denied him a shot on goal. The game was competitive as you would expect for a semi final and neither team was prepared to let the other get the upper hand. With few chances created, Horndean were awarded a free kick 10 yards outside the box. After some consultation between Jack Grover, Max Wilson & Joe Nash a plan was hatched as the players took up their positions. Jack Grover stepped up to drive the ball low down the side of the wall, for an incoming Scott Caws to side foot home for 1-0. This seemed to spur on the reds as they looked to take the game to their opponents once again. A great run from Jack Grover down the right produced a good ball in for Joe Nash to attack. As Joe competed, the ball dropped beautifully for Joe 6 yards out, but his somewhat hurried shot came back off the bar and a great chance to double the lead came and went. A great start for the reds, but the heads would need to be cleared and re-focused as Havant looked for an instant reply. That reply came five minutes later and again from a set piece. A free kick out on the touch line was driven into the box for Havant`s striker Tom Harris to volley home to level the scores at half time. H.T Horndean youth 1 - 1 Havant & Waterlooville The second half began with both teams keeping up the work ethic and concentration that had cancelled each other out in the first period. On 55 minutes Havant forced a string of corners and took the lead with another Tom Harris goal. With both sets of players competing for the cross, the ball dropped out to be volleyed home at the far post for a 2-1 lead. The reds would need to dig deep again to create and score against a defense that concedes very little. On 60 minutes the reds did exactly that. A ball in to Jack Grover was chested into the path of Joe Nash to drill his shot low past the Havant keeper to bring the scores level at 2-2. The game was now well and truly on as Havant took their turn to apply pressure. With players getting tired, some gaps appeared in the Horndean defense as their opponents created missed several chances to take the lead. One such chance was a great one handed save from Alfie Walkley low down to his right from a Cameron Jenkins effort. With time running out Horndean went looking for a late winner. A run in behind and cut back from Matt Cotton was volleyed at goal only to be blocked by a Havant defenders arm. With the referee close by, it was deemed enough to award a spot kick to the delight of the Horndean players. A pressure spot kick indeed with the result a spot in the final or extra time depending upon it. With nerves of steel Matt Cotton stepped up to put the keeper the wrong way for a late 3-2 scoreline. With minutes left Havant threw everything at the reds, but the players held out for our first victory over Havant and more importantly a place in the Portsmouth youth league cup final. Managers view: The boys had to really dig deep to make it across the line. As ive said before Havant are in my opinion the most difficult side to play and to get past them and make our second cup final this season is an immense achievement. Every player put in a shift and a performance but my player of the match goes to Joe Nash. His strength and work ethic up front against Havants 2 giant center backs was superb. Well done Joe and brilliant from every player....
